Vertex 3 fix for Sandy Bridge

Looks like OCZ fixed the problem people were having with vertex 3 and sandybridge problems. Looks like you can just install normally without strange hacks or registry changes to disable LPM.

Guide Vertex3 FW now uploaded and available using toolbox to update vertex3 drives

I am about to update my Max Iops vertex 3. Has to be updated under normal microsoft sata driver and drive cant be primary or OS drive. I am just going to pull it out and connect it to my desktop as a secondary real quick!! Be back

 

Actually I didnt have any problems with my vertex 3 max iops except for the not installing under ahci issue that others had.. but this update fixes that and some otheres mentioned the LPM registry hack isnt necessary anymore. I didnt have to do that.. Either way option is there for those that need it now.

 

Forgot to mention so a mod doesnt move the post, this is for all alienware boards that use the sandy bridge motherboard. many have mentioned issues with that SSD and m17x's and i am sure other alienware models.

 

Updated the firmware in the vertex 3 max iops and put it back in the alienware.. this time in port 0 instead of the port 1. Running perfect.. No lockups, freezes, showing sata transfer rate as 6Gb/s. tested the performance and getting same perfeormance as port 1 actually a bit more stable, not so up and down as many had seen from first reviews of the vertex 3's. i will report if any problems arise, but as of now it is working as it should, direct plug and play in both ports.

 

Was it working in port 1 before?

 

I've flashed my Vertex 3 240 Gb (not Maxiops) too and remove the registry fix. If I experience any problems I will report them here.

 

Sweet, thanks for the share. I was wondering if they'd ever update the fw.

 

Question to biobak, where you able to flash and swap locations without any rebuild? I do not want to have to perform a rebuild of the system, I'll leave it as is for now if that's the case. Also, can you switch from RAID to AHCI mode, is that even necessary since Intel's RAID implementation includes NCQ and other AHCI benefits?

Also, did you flash the new firmware while the Vertex 3 was attached to Port 1 before you moved the drive to Port 0?

 

I didn't swap locations. It's still on port 1. And I didn't switch to AHCI since Intel advises a RAID config even when you're not using raid0 or raid1.

I didn't move the drive since this is purely cosmetic to have the system drive on port 0.

BTW I used these directions to flash: Revo and Ibis Firmware updates (works on all SF drives)
No dataloss and no problems.

 

I have done the firmware update and it seems to have fixed my issues with both the freezes and the bootup problems. I did try to use AHCI but it still wouldn't work. I had to leave it in the RAID setting.

 

Yes it was working in port 1 fine before also. But occasionally I had a freeze which would only be fixed with a control alt del... which seemed to wake the vertex from going to sleep. It seems to be a sleep issue which it cant recover from. before all the firmware flashing I turned off all the hard drive shut down options in all profiles in the power options. That fixed the freeze issue for me.. But now with the firmware update it works in both ports without having to change the power option setting for the drives.

So big plus to OCZ for the quick update. I know lots slam OCZ but they have always seemed to be good with trying to find a fix if there is a problem!!

 

How hard is it to install an SSd ? I'm about to order another m17x and can't help but want to click the Dell ssd option. What port does the oem drive come in? Is that the one I should install the SSd in? And move the oem 320 hdd to the other for pics and vids etc? I tend to always just use the machine as it is out of the box it sounds tedious if I have to reinstall everything and all the drivers and more drivers then more drivers and worry about forgetting anything important.

How much did you guys pay for the 0cz v3?

 

It is very easy. You can put it any port.. but many have mentioned performance issues on port 0 with many different brands of SSD's. So if you do it just put it in port 1. Would make it easier for you too

Reinstall would just be a matter of respawning after you make your back up discs or using the dell windows 7 disc provided. The vertex 3 can be had new for about $279 - $310, depending where you buy.

 

Here is the release notes for the firmware on the vertex 3.

http://www.oczenterprise.com/support/firmware/OCZ_SSD_v206_Firmware_Release_Notes.pdf

 

So I updated the firmware and reinstalled windows on my vertex 3 max, stayed in ahci the whole time no need to restart and set to raid.

 

Nice, thanks for the details!