SandForce 2 SSD failures and recalls

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   Thanks to this www.XtremeSystems.org thread for the information.

http://www.sweclockers.com/nyhet/14078-extra-problem-med-sandforce-2-aterkallelse-i-sikte

(Translated link)

With
 Intel's chipsets feldesignade for Sandy Bridge in recent memory, it 
looks like the computer world suffers another serious case of defective 
components. 
 This time, the SSDs with the control circuits from the series Sand 
Force 2 who are in the spotlight after numerous reports of failing 
units.   Users in particular SweClockers forum talks about Sand Force 2-based storage devices that suddenly stop working.  Symptoms vary from Bluescreens in Windows that the device no longer detected by BIOS.  The common denominator is that there seems to be no apparent solution to the problem. 
  Now, say sources SweClockers that SSDs with Sand Force 2 sold topped and it can speak of a total withdrawal of all the models.  Possible candidates are Corsair and OCZ Force 3 Vertex 3, but exactly which units these are is still unknown. 
  The news updated as more details become known. 
  11:45 
  Corsair Force 3120 GB sold topped the Swedish stores.  (The only Corsair unit delivered in large volumes) 
  13:46 
  As it stands now is the Corsair Force 3120 GB which is withdrawn.  OCZ "working with Sand Force" to correct similar problems with Vertex 3 of the firmware. 
  16:16 
  To clarify: OCZ withdraws no SSDs. 
  20:27 
  That's it.  Corsair withdraws Force 3 of size 120 GB. Read more . 
  OCZ announces that its SSDs not affected by the problem.  What has become of the other manufacturers with Sand Force 2-based models are not yet known. 
  23:17 
  OCZ publishes a statement about Vertex 3 and Agility 3rd Read more .
Corsair recall

Over the past several days, we have analyzed issues associated with the 
stability of our recently released 120GB Force Series 3 SSD. Our review 
has identified that a significant percentage of these drive do not 
perform to specifications. The solution will require changes to both the
 SSD firmware and the hardware components of the SSD itself. 

	We have stopped shipments of the affected drive, Corsair part number CSSD-F120GB3-BK, effective immediately and have implemented the following remediation plan:

	(1)    ALL users should cease using the CSSD-F120GBG3-BK drive 
immediately, even if you have not experienced issues of stability. 

	(2)    Users may then either RETURN the drive to Corsair, at Corsair's 
expense, to be exchanged with a replacement drive that does meet 
specifications OR

	(3)    Return the drive to their place of purchase. 

	Corsair is committed to product quality and we want to assure our 
customers that this remediation plan will be implemented at no cost to 
you.

	To return your Force Series 3 120GB SSD to Corsair, contact Corsair to ARRANGE YOUR REPLACEMENT
 .  Corsair will pay for shipping your drive back to Corsair and will 
replace your drive free of charge. Estimated turnaround time is ten 
business days.

OCZ statement

OCZ is aware of firmware issues that have been reported in the field 
that are potentially causing bluescreens on all SF2000 based drives, 
this issue affects a very small percentage of Vertex 3 and Agility 3 
SSDs, and currently less than 1% of all our customers are affected. This
 hard to replicate issue is a completely different issue than what some 
other drive manufacturers are experiencing, which may have similar 
symptoms but is caused by a hardware issue. Unlike other brands OCZ does
 not use a reference design, and we design and manufacture our SSDs 
in-house, and are NOT affected by the hardware problems which are unique
 to other drive vendors.  

OCZ is working diligently with our customers and SandForce to quickly 
resolve the outstanding firmware issues and we will be releasing a 
firmware update that addresses the bluescreen issue as soon as it 
becomes available. In the meantime we encourage any customers that are 
experiencing any bluescreen issues to contact our customer service team 
for immediate support.

When we tell you to get Intel SSDs and avoid SandForce SSDs, this is the kind of thing we're talking about, though there are many more reasons. I just wanted to share so people get an idea of one of the many reasons Intel SSDs are considered much more reliable.

Originally posted by Sentential

Step 1: Intel extends warrenty to 5 years

Step 2: Sandforce goes tits up

Step 3: ????

Step 4: Profit!