Intel 520 120GB SSD Freezes and Low Performance

[theradeonxt]

Hello everyone!

So I've got a new Intel 520 120GB SSD and I'm having some strange issues:

1. CrystalDiskMark Test - Random Write 4K QD32, Default: 0.9 - 6 MB/s (varies). This is ungodly slow for an SSD (comparable to my HDD, though sequential is ok).

2. Windows occasionally freezes (unresponsive windows and input) for 10-30 seconds and disk activity light stays on. This happened with Skype, CrystalDiskMark on the test above, even FlashPlayer.

System:
AMD 760G Chipset, SATAII (yes, 2), Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64.

The BIOS is configured to AHCI and power-saving stuff is disabled. Windows uses the msahci driver since the AMD one doesn't boot (I mean RaidXpert, was even bundeled with Catalyst). Windows and Intel SSD Toolbox report TRIM and NCQ are enabled.
And I've cloned my OS partition from the HDD using the Intel tools.

If anyone helped me fix this or explained why I'm getting this HDD-level of performance and on top of that, glitches, it would make my day.
Thank you!

 

[Darkbreeze]

When you make a boot drive change to SSD from HDD it's generally recommended to start fresh with a clean install to avoid SATA controller and driver issues, not much different than when changing boards. Sometimes there can be conflicts with remaining but unnecessary drivers from the previous hardware. So that's definitely a high profile option.

You might try starting with making sure there are no firmware updates for the SSD available through Intel first though. The fact that the AMD SATA controller isn't working is an indication of problems with driver structure.

You might also try using Display Driver Uninstaller, which will also allow the option of uninstalling all AMD software and drivers, and the reinstalling the Catalyst control center, which of course includes the SATA controller drivers and may resolve the issue. The msahci drivers are generic and not specific to the chipset.

http://www.wagnardmobile.com/DDU/

 

[theradeonxt]

When you make a boot drive change to SSD from HDD it's generally recommended to start fresh with a clean install to avoid SATA controller and driver issues, not much different than when changing boards. Sometimes there can be conflicts with remaining but unnecessary drivers from the previous hardware. So that's definitely a high profile option.

You might try starting with making sure there are no firmware updates for the SSD available through Intel first though. The fact that the AMD SATA controller isn't working is an indication of problems with driver structure.

You might also try using Display Driver Uninstaller, which will also allow the option of uninstalling all AMD software and drivers, and the reinstalling the Catalyst control center, which of course includes the SATA controller drivers and may resolve the issue. The msahci drivers are generic and not specific to the chipset.

http://www.wagnardmobile.com/DDU/

Thanks for the suggestions.

For now I will definitely look into the AMD drivers thing (hopefully I can boot after) and maybe the motherboard BIOS, but as far as a clean install goes that will have to wait but it is my last option I guess.

After some more research, I found someone with a similar problem: low writes and AMD chipset. Updated drivers seemed to work.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1377200/intel-ssd-only-intel-chipset

 

[Darkbreeze]

I'm fairly sure drivers are to blame. If you can't get it straightened out come on back and we'll see what we can do.

 

[theradeonxt]

The problem was finally solved. This is mostly for others who encounter the same problem.

Indeed, there seems to be an issue with the generic msahci driver. I installed the most recent chipset driver supplied on the motherboard's website (Gigabyte in this case, unfortunately it's from 2009 :|) and all is fine. I tried to install the 2013 driver from both AMD's website and Windows Update but it didn't boot.

So, thanks a lot darkbreeze for the advice. I'm glad I didn't have to do a clean install. 😉

Here's a quick run of CDM (random writes are way better now, and I noticed lower CPU usage):

 

[Darkbreeze]

Right on. Glad it worked out for you. Take care.