14 DAY TRIAL // Crucial has just released a new firmware update for the popular m4/C400 solid state drive series which should bring improved compatibility as well as better performance when used together certain host systems.
According to the company, this is a recommended but not required firmware update and primarily targets users who experiment pauses or hesitations when having Link Power Management (LPM) enabled.
The new 0002 firmware version is available for download from Crucial's website (link here), where the company has also posted detailed instructions regarding the flashing process.
If performed correctly, the update process should leave the data on the drive intact, but Crucial still recommends users to backup all the important files gathered before starting.
The change log accompanying the 0002 firmware release reads:
* Added margin to already-passing electromagnetic interference regulatory tests. Provides additional EMI margin for systems integrators.
* Improved performance with Link Power Management. Resolves performance pauses and hesitations with certain host systems. The Link Power Management technology is used to increase the energy efficiency of the system when the PC's storage drives (SSD in this case) are not in use.
This is done by putting the SATA link to the disk into a very low power mode when there's no I/O traffic for awhile and can save between 0.5 and 1.5 Watts of power, depending on the type of drive used.
Introduced in early April, the m4/RealSSD C400 solid state drives are available in 64GB, 128GB and 512GB storage capacities and come in the 2.5-inch form factor.
The drives are powered by a 6Gbps Marvell 88SS9174-BLD2 controller (an updated version of the Marvell BKK2 IC found in the C300) as well as 25nm Micron NAND Flash memory chips which are laid out in an 8-channel design.
Pricing starts at $139.99 for the 64GB Crucial m4 SSD and go all the way up to $894.00 for the 512GB model.