How can I check if my SSD or USB drive is counterfeit?

You can use Linux tools like F3 (Fight Flash Fraud), specifically the f3probe utility, to reliably determine the actual storage capacity and performance of your flash drive.

What technology is best for NAS hard drives like those from Western Digital or Seagate?

For NAS systems, Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) technology is recommended, especially for RAID configurations, as Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) drives are unsuitable.

Where are counterfeit storage devices like fake SSDs commonly found?

Counterfeit storage devices are often found on dubious trading platforms and even mainstream online marketplaces like Amazon, sometimes sold as 'Warehouse' or returned goods.

Home / Technology / Counterfeit Storage: Detect Fake SSDs & USB Drives

Counterfeit Storage: Detect Fake SSDs & USB Drives

11 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Counterfeit SSDs and USB drives are sold as bargains on online marketplaces.
F3 tools like f3probe reliably detect fake storage by checking real capacity.
NAS drives require CMR technology; SMR drives are unsuitable for RAID.

Counterfeit Storage: Detect Fake SSDs & USB Drives

Beware of counterfeit flash storage devices appearing as bargain deals on online platforms. These fraudulent products, including SSDs and USB drives, often disguise themselves with fake specifications, deceiving operating systems about their true storage size and capabilities. External drives can employ controllers that simulate larger capacities, while actual data storage is significantly less.

Fortunately, Linux tools like F3 (Fight Flash Fraud) offer a robust solution. The f3probe utility can non-destructively verify a drive's actual capacity and performance, unaffected by manipulated controller chips. For users concerned about data integrity, f3write and f3read offer a more thorough, file-system-level check.

In the realm of Network Attached Storage (NAS), drive technology is paramount. Only Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) drives are generally suitable for RAID setups and ZFS file systems, as Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) drives, despite being marketed as NAS drives, introduce errors and delays due to their data recording method.