Case Study Summary
- Client: Daniel (Brisbane, Australia)
- Device: SanDisk SSD Plus
- Failure type: SSD controller failure
- Recovery method: Controller chip replacement
- Outcome: Photos and videos successfully recovered
This SanDisk SSD Plus controller failure case study documents how Payam Data Recovery recovered data from a solid state drive that stopped working without warning. The SSD contained years of family photos and videos, and the computer could no longer detect the drive.
SanDisk SSD Plus controller failure diagnosis
The client’s computer would not boot and the SanDisk SSD Plus was no longer recognised. Initial inspection showed no obvious physical damage to the drive.
Advanced diagnostics confirmed a controller failure. When an SSD controller fails, the NAND storage can no longer be accessed through normal means, making software-based recovery tools ineffective.
SanDisk SSD Plus controller failure recovery process
The recovery required specialised SSD electronics repair performed in a controlled lab environment.
- Donor matching: An identical SanDisk SSD Plus with matching controller specifications was sourced.
- Controller replacement: The failed controller was removed and replaced with a compatible working controller.
- Data access: Once the SSD initialised correctly, all data was cloned and verified.
This type of recovery requires experience with SSD controller architecture and precision electronics equipment.
Recovery outcome
The recovery was successful. All family photos and videos were restored and returned to the client. This SanDisk SSD Plus controller failure case study shows that sudden SSD failure does not always mean permanent data loss.
Why People Choose Payam Data Recovery
A failed SSD needs an experienced data recovery engineer and professional tools, because its own controller and firmware decide where your files sit on its memory chips. That is the work we do every day.
- We are a specialist data recovery lab, not a computer repair shop. We have been recovering data since 1998, from over 300,000 devices.
- The best equipped data recovery lab in Australia: the Ace Lab PC-3000 for SSD firmware faults, Rusolut tools to read memory chips directly, microscopes and microsoldering stations for circuit board work, and over 30,000 donor parts, including around 20,000 donor hard drives.
- Over 2,000 IT companies and computer shops across Australia send us their customers’ complex cases, and data recovery labs and IT companies in more than 50 countries have sent us their difficult cases over the past ten years.
- Rated 4.9 from more than 2,300 Google reviews.
- About 90% of our jobs are no fix, no fee. The hardest 10% carry an attempt fee.
- See your files before you pay. You tell us which files matter most. Before you pay for the recovery, we’ll send you a list of your recovered files so you can check them. If any of the files you listed are missing, tell us and we’ll search again.
- There is no card surcharge. Pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Afterpay, Zip or bank deposit (EFT).
- Everything is done in our own labs in Australia and never outsourced overseas. Call or visit us, and you can speak with the data recovery engineers who do the work.
We are not the cheapest. We are the best in Australia at this work. We know what to do, how to do it, and we will do our very best for you. Your best chance of getting your data back is with us.
SSD data recovery workflow
For SSD devices, Payam Data Recovery provides:
- Free assessment and diagnosis
- Quote provided within 1 to 2 business days
- Work begins only after approval
More information is available on our
SSD data recovery service page.
Frequently Asked Questions
My computer stopped seeing the SSD and there is no damage to it. What happened?
Often a controller failure. This SanDisk SSD Plus stopped working without warning, the computer would not boot, and inspection showed no physical damage at all.
Why will recovery software not work on a failed SSD?
When the controller fails, the NAND storage cannot be reached through normal means. Software tools rely on the drive presenting itself to the computer, and a failed controller never gets that far.
What is a controller replacement?
An identical drive with matching controller specifications is sourced as a donor, the failed controller is removed, and a compatible working one is fitted. Once the drive initialises properly the data is cloned and verified.
Why does the donor have to match?
Because the controller is what maps your files onto the memory chips. It has to match the architecture of the original drive or the data cannot be read correctly.
What does SSD data recovery cost, and when do I pay?
Every SSD starts with a free assessment, then a written quote with Economy, Priority and Emergency service levels. Most SSD jobs are no fix, no fee, so you pay only if the recovery succeeds. Some faults carry a non-refundable attempt fee that forms part of the total price, and where one applies it is stated in your quote before you approve anything.
Related SSD data recovery case studies
- SSD NAND degradation recovery case study
- SanDisk SSD data recovery case study
- Failed SSD data recovery guide
- Portable SSD firmware failure data recovery case study
- Formatted SSD TRIM translator rebuild case study
- Acer Switch eMMC data recovery
About Payam Data Recovery
Payam Data Recovery works with individuals, students, families, small and medium businesses, IT companies, and organisations that need their data recovered safely and professionally. Some customers come to us with a single damaged device containing personal memories, while others rely on us for complex technical recoveries that require specialist tools and experience.
We are based in Australia and have been recovering data since 1998. Our clients also include governments, law enforcement agencies, corporations, and public figures. Every job is handled with 100 percent confidentiality and privacy.
Request an SSD data recovery assessment
Read more about our SSD Data Recovery Service
Email: help@payam.com.au
Phone: 1300 444 800
International customers are always welcome. The easiest way to reach us from overseas is by email at help@payam.com.au, which works in every time zone.