Last week, Microsoft released a Windows 11 update that unexpectedly disrupted the functionality of several solid-state drives (SSDs). What began as a routine “Patch Tuesday” quickly escalated into a significant challenge for both consumers and manufacturers, with Phison Technology, a prominent player in the SSD controller market, at the center of the storm.
Phison’s Response to the Controversy
In light of the reports, Phison took proactive measures to address the situation. The company conducted extensive internal testing, dedicating over 4,500 cumulative hours to evaluate the drives that were allegedly impacted. Their rigorous assessment included more than 2,200 test cycles, and the results were clear: Phison was unable to replicate the reported issues. In a statement to Tom’s Hardware, the company emphasized that neither partners nor customers had reported any problems with their drives.
Amidst the confusion, a fake document surfaced online, purporting to show affected Phison controllers. Phison swiftly denounced this misinformation, suggesting it may have been an attempt to undermine the company rather than contribute to a constructive resolution of the actual problem.
Commitment to Customer Support
Despite the clarity provided by their testing, Phison remains committed to supporting its customers. The company advises users to utilize heatsinks with high-performance drives to mitigate potential thermal throttling, which can adversely affect SSD performance. Phison stated, “For extended workloads, such as transferring large files or decompressing large archives, ensure that a proper heatsink or thermal pad is used with the storage device. This helps maintain optimal operating temperatures, reduces the likelihood of thermal throttling, and ensures sustained performance.”
The unfolding narrative surrounding this incident has drawn attention to Phison, even as the company continues to assert that the reported issues are unfounded. While Phison’s testing has not indicated any problems, it remains possible that some users may still experience difficulties with their drives, including those equipped with Phison controllers. For those looking to avoid complications, it may be prudent to refrain from installing the latest Windows 11 update for the time being.
