The Bad Context 13x Error can be addressed via a firmware update, and Intel is in the process of validating the update.
Intel has been investigating
the "Bad Context 13x Error" as seen on select units of the company's 320
Series solid-state drives. The bug was previously noted in the Intel community
post as an "SSD Power Loss." Intel summarized the error by explaining in
certain circumstances, after an unexpected power loss, a small percentage of
SSDs may experience this error on the next attempt to boot the system. In this
situation, the system's basic input/output system (BIOS) reports an SSD as an
8MB capacity drive.
Intel said it has reproduced
the Bad Context 13x Error using "strenuous" testing methods, and this Bad
Context 13x Error can be addressed via a firmware update, which Intel is in the
process of validating. A future update will define the schedule to deliver the
firmware fix, the company said in a statement posted on the Intel Support
Community Web page. The Intel SSD 320 Series continues to be shipped and is
available for purchase. "If you experience this error with your Intel SSD,
please contact your Intel representative or Intel customer support," the
statement read. "Intel takes these issues seriously. Please watch for further
updates on the site."
The company advised users
with Intel SSD 320 series drives who are concerned but currently unaffected by
the error to back up their data regularly, and when shutting down their systems,
follow the system's standard shutdown process. Intel also suggested users
should minimize unplugging the SSD while the system is powered.
Based on its 25nm NAND flash
memory, the Intel SSD 320 replaces and builds on its X25-M Serial ATA SSD. The
series offers 40-, 80-, 120-, 160GB plus higher-capacity 300- and 600GB options
with enhanced security features for desktop/notebook PCs or server data center
storage. In this rendition, Intel used spare area to deploy added redundancies
that are designed to help keep user data protected, even in the event of a
power loss. It also includes 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard capabilities
on every drive, to help protect personal data in the event of theft or loss.
"Solid-state drives
continue to be one of the hottest trends in computing," said Bernard
Luthi, vice president of marketing, Web management and customer service at
e-retailer Newegg.com. "Intel remains a top brand because of its
consistent performance and extremely low return rate. We are sure customers will
welcome the new higher-capacity drives, and now is a great time for consumers
to upgrade their PC to a fast new SSD."
Earlier this month, the
company announced it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Fulcrum
Microsystems Inc., a privately held fabless semiconductor company that designs
Ethernet switch silicon for data center network providers. Fulcrum Microsystems
designs integrated, standards-based 10 and 40 GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) switch
silicon that has low latency and workload-balancing capabilities while helping
provide superior network speeds.
Intel said as demand for
data continues to increase, there is a growing need for high-performance,
low-latency network switches to support evolving cloud architectures and the
growth of converged networks in the enterprise, and said the acquisition would
fulfill an important component in Intel's strategy to deliver comprehensive
data center building blocks, from server processors and technologies to storage
and networking.
Nathan Eddy is Associate Editor, Midmarket, at eWEEK.com. Before joining eWEEK.com, Nate was a writer with ChannelWeb and he served as an editor at FierceMarkets. He is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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