SansDisk SSD and GMKTec NucBox - SSD not working

Portable SSD Portable | Extreme | Extreme Pro SSD
1

I am using a GMKtec G3 NucBox as a media server for my television, and transfer video files from my desktop top the NucBox using a SansDisk 1 Tb portable SSD. Originally, the SSD worked fine during file transfers, but now, even though I can see the SSD, and the files on it, in Windows 11 File Explorer, the transfers give me a file error. The SSD works fine in my desktop computer in both read and write modes, but has seemed to stop working in the NucBox.

2

Since the SSD works fine on your desktop, plug it into the NucBox, open Device Manager, and under Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click the USB drivers and hit Uninstall device, then reboot to let Windows reinstall them fresh. Also, run chkdsk X: /f (replace X with your SSD’s drive letter) to rule out minor file system issues. If that doesn’t help, try changing the USB port or disable USB selective suspend under Power Options. Finally, check if the SSD is formatted as exFAT or NTFS, sometimes NUC firmware behaves oddly with one. A quick reformat (after backing up data) usually fixes it.

1 Like
3

First, update the SSD firmware and NUC BIOS, then unplug and replug the SATA interface to ensure a secure connection.

4

The most likely cause is insufficient power from the NucBox USB ports or a corrupted Windows driver cache on the mini PC. Mini PCs use aggressive power management, meaning their USB ports provide less stable current than a full-sized desktop under heavy write loads.

  1. Fix USB Power IssuesUse rear ports:
  • Plug the SSD into the back of the NucBox for more stable motherboard power.
  • Go to Power Plan Settings → Advanced Settings → USB settings → Set USB selective suspend to Disabled.
  • Connect the SSD through an externally powered USB hub to relieve the NucBox power load.
  1. Reset Windows Drivers & Paths

  • Open Device Manager → Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers → Right-click the SSD → Select Uninstall device. Reboot the NucBox and reconnect.

  • Open Disk Management → Right-click the SSD → Select Change Drive Letter and Paths → Assign a new letter (like X:) to clear cached registry errors.

  1. Repair the DriveRun Chkdsk:
    Plug the SanDisk SSD into your desktop computer, open Command Prompt as Administrator, and run chkdsk X: /f /r (replace X with your drive letter) to fix filesystem. [A related guide - CHKDSK /F or /R: Choose Which One to Fix Disk Errors? ]