I’m a long-term Sandisk customer, and generally been happy with their products.
My preferred and only OS is Linux, like millions of PC, notebook, tablet and smartphone users world-wide. I am about to take delivery of a brand spanking new Sandisk Extreme SSD 120GB. It’s my 2nd SSD (the other is from Kingston). I just found this comment on-line (newegg.com) regarding current Sandisk Extreme SSD TRIM support for Linux:
"Cannot support Trim on LINUX. I use EXT4 also discard tag in /etc/fstab and it doesn’t work. I emailed Sandisk. They said: “I understand that you were not able to enable TRIM command on your SSD extreme 120GB running linux. We are sorry about the inconvenience this issue might have caused.”
Then I remember seeing this in Sandisk’s own SSD info on-line:
“Any operating systems can be installed on an SSD drive. There are NO compatibility issues in reference to operating system. Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix of any version or DOS can be installed on an SSD drive.
Some features such as TRIM are only supported natively on the latest operating systems such as Windows 7 and Mac OS 10.6 and higher.”
I am concerned. Firstly I always use the latest Linux version, continuously updated, and make all necessary preparations for peak SSD performance (including AHCI operation and fstab edits). Secondly my other SSD has worked flawlessly since new (installed 6 months ago) including TRIM under Linux.
Then I’ve read elsewhere that Sandisk do not provide SSD firmware updates (yet?). Is that correct?
If so, then Houston, we have a (major) problem. Product not fit for purpose? Product misrepresentation? Inadequate technical support? Engineering incomplete before dumping on market?
I might be worrying unduly. Heck, I truly hope someone can steer me to help, clarity and TRIM unlimited. That I get to use my new Sandisk Extreme SSD just like my other drive, without stressful product development for Sandisk. (Before Win7 and Mac fanboys let loose, Linux is as valid in the real world as any corporate-drone OS. Heck one day you too might see the light…)