Intel Releases Firmware to Fix SSD Fragmentation Problem

Intel released a firmware update for their X-25M and X-18M SSD drives on Monday, fixing a fragmentation issue first reported in February.

Intel said this addresses a problem discovered by technology site PC Perspective in February.

"This update implements several continuous improvements and optimizations to the drive algorithms including a resolution for a performance issue first reported by the PC Perspective.

"Keep in mind that the risk of a typical PC user experiencing this issue is very low. We are offering this firmware download to our OEM customers and any consumers who have purchased the drives. Consumers with questions can contact their PC maker or visit Intel support for more information."

The firmware update fixes an internal fragmentation issue that several impacted performance over time. However, those with Macs will have to jump through a few hoops, based on the FAQ (.PDF):

• There is a known issue with Safari downloading the ISO image. The Intel website is currently incompatible with the Safari web browser. Please use Mozilla’s Firefox instead to download the .ISO image.
  

• The update will work on Macs, except except for systems that have an Nvidia chipset with anIntel SSD containing 8610 firmware. In this specific case, the Intel SATA SSD Firmware Update Tool will not find your Intel SATA SSD and will report that there are no drives found on the system. To complete your firmware update, please take your CD and remove the SSD from your system and perform the update on a non-Nvidia based Macintosh or Windows system. After successfully completing the firmware update, install your Intel SSD back into your Macintosh system and reboot.