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Fake SSDs Fool Buyers: Latest Scam
30 Mar
Summary
- Counterfeit Samsung 990 Pro SSD looks authentic.
- Fake drive passes initial benchmarks and capacity tests.
- Sustained write tests reveal significant performance drop.
A sophisticated counterfeit Samsung 990 Pro SSD has emerged, posing a significant threat to consumers. Unlike previous fakes, this imitation boasts authentic-looking packaging and labels, and accurately reports its storage capacity upon installation. Initial performance tests, such as those using CrystalDiskMark, show speeds comparable to genuine drives, making it difficult to spot.
However, extended use, particularly with large file transfers, reveals the drive's inferiority. Under sustained write operations, the counterfeit SSD experiences a dramatic performance drop, reportedly falling to one-fifteenth of its expected speed once its cache is exhausted. This indicates the likely substitution of cheaper QLC flash memory for the genuine TLC used in the authentic Samsung 990 Pro.
Experts advise consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing high-value components like SSDs. Buying directly from reputable retailers and avoiding third-party marketplace sellers is crucial. Thoroughly benchmarking new SSDs is recommended to identify performance anomalies. For Samsung drives specifically, using the Samsung Magician software can verify authenticity, as similar tools are often available from other manufacturers.
