Flaw in Intel's 320-Series SSDs

Intel’s new 320-series SSDs seem to be having a peculiar problem. Now, here’s the trouble: In case of a power failure, the drive reverts from 600GB to an 8MB drive. 

Several users have mentioned that under power failures, the drive loses all the data stored on it and converts it into an 8MB drive. This ‘8MB bug’ has recently been acknowledged by Intel. However, for now, those that have bought the drive have to be satisfied with the fact that, ‘Intel is aware of customer sightings on Intel SSD 320 series’ and can contact Intel representatives or Intel customer support. Unfortunately, Intel has not divulged whether the problem is actually a hardware problem or just a firmware issue and when it actually will be fixed.

Intel introduces buggy 320-series SSDs

According to a few preliminary reports, the drive tries to reconnect with the SATA port rather than go for a proper shutdown. Embarrassingly for Intel, this ‘8MB bug’ has infested the whole array of its 320 SSDs. However, their acknowledgement of this problem seems to be a step in the right direction.

You can find the official note here.

Have you faced any similar problem on Intel SSDs? Let us know in the comments sections below.

Facebook Blocks Extension to Export Contacts Onto Google+

We’re truly living amidst competitive times. Google, the popular search giant launched its fresh attempt at social networking with Google+. Even as the covers were being lifted, it was already being touted as an able contender to Facebook, the social networking giant. It didn’t take really long for users to join the Google+ bandwagon, just like they did when Facebook began in 2004.

Annoyed..

Users since then have been trying to bridge the gap between Google+ and Facebook, on their own personal levels i.e. getting their Facebook contacts onto Google+. Thanks to a software engineer, Mohamed Mansour who readied a Chrome extension, using which it was possible to export one’s Facebook contacts onto Google+. Was, did I say? Well, sadly yes! Facebook has now cut off all access to this extension, and Google+ users now stand at the either sides of the hedge.

The new extension allowed Google+ users to store the names, email addresses, birthdays, phone numbers, and other information into a text file, and/or have them imported directly onto Gmail. After Facebook allegedly blocked the extension, as per a CNET report, Google+ users were only able to get the names and Facebook page addresses and not the email address.

An annoyed Mansour stated that the move from Facebook has strengthened his resolve. And that he would come up with a backdoor to this, as well.

Intel Delays Sandy Bridge-E Processors Till January 2012

The next batch of high end Core i7 processors that will replace the current 1366 socket CPUs have been delayed till early 2012. The news came through VR-Zone who’ve confirmed through their sources that Intel will indeed push back the launch of its enthusiast level chips.

More time to save up for these beasts

The Sandy Bridge-E CPUs will be accompanied by a new socket, LGA-2011, and will feature two six-core and one quad-core CPUs. One possible reason for the delay is that Intel might be focusing on their Server CPU lineup, which are based on the same core. This is possible as the demand for these new server chips would definitely be higher than the consumer grade CPUs. Other than enthusiasts, the majority of the people don’t really need such high end processors; in fact, Intel’s current Sandy Bridge line up is more than sufficient. And then there’s the cost. The new CPUs aren’t going to be exactly cheap, plus you’ll have to shell out for a new motherboard, as well.