4.2 Windows-based Secure Erase

NOTE: The steps outlined in this section will work only with a secondary drive. If you wish to perform a Secure Erase on your primary drive (the drive containing your OS), please refer to Section 4.3.

To erase a Samsung SSD that is acting as a secondary drive:

1.Select the SSD from the list of available drives. Erasable drives will have a “[Non OS Disk]” label next to them.

2.Click “Start.”

Some PCs automatically “lock” attached drives. If you receive an error message that tells you that the selected disk cannot be erased because it is in a “locked” state, follow the instructions below to power OFF/ON your SSD:

1.Open your computer case to gain physical access to the SSD.

2.Disconnect the cables attached to the SSD.

3.After waiting a few moments, reconnect the cables to the SSD.

The steps above effectively “unlock” the drive and you should now be able to click the [Start] button and successfully perform a Secure Erase on your secondary SSD.

NOTE: If you are not comfortable disconnecting the cables to your SSD, you may skip to Section 4.3 and follow the steps for the DOS-based Secure Erase Utility instead.

40

Page 40
Image 40
Samsung MZ-5PA064C/EU, MZ-5PA256C/EU, MZ-5PA128C/EU, MZ-5PA128B/EU, MZ-5PA256B/EU, MZ-5PA064B/EU Windows-based Secure Erase

MZ-5PA256C/EU, MZ-5PA256B/EU, MZ-5PA064C/EU, MZ-5PA128C/EU, MZ-5PA128B/EU specifications

Samsung's MZ-5PA series SSDs, including the MZ-5PA064/EU, MZ-5PA128B/EU, MZ-5PA128C/EU, MZ-5PA064C/EU, and MZ-5PA256/EU models, represent a compelling line of storage solutions designed for high performance and reliability. These solid-state drives adopt the latest NAND flash technology, providing users with a strong combination of speed, efficiency, and durability.

One of the standout characteristics of the MZ-5PA series is the utilization of Samsung's innovative 3D NAND technology. This approach stacks memory cells vertically, significantly increasing storage density and performance while reducing power consumption. The result is SSDs that deliver faster read and write speeds compared to traditional planar NAND SSDs, ensuring that users experience quicker boot times, rapid file transfers, and enhanced application responsiveness.

The MZ-5PA064/EU offers a capacity of 64GB, while both the MZ-5PA128B/EU and MZ-5PA128C/EU provide 128GB of storage, catering to entry-level users or those with lower storage requirements. For those needing more space, the MZ-5PA256/EU comes equipped with a generous 256GB capacity. This range of sizes accommodates various user needs, from casual users and professionals to gamers seeking fast load times.

In terms of performance, these drives boast impressive read speeds that can reach up to 550 MB/s and write speeds of up to 520 MB/s, depending on the model. Such performance metrics ensure that users can handle data-intensive tasks, whether they are editing high-resolution videos, running virtual machines, or simply storing a vast library of files.

Another feature worth noting is the enhanced durability of the MZ-5PA series. With no moving parts, these SSDs are less susceptible to physical shock and vibration, significantly extending their lifespan compared to traditional hard disk drives. Furthermore, they incorporate a range of advanced technologies, including Samsung's TRIM support for optimized performance over time and ECC (Error Correction Code) for enhanced data integrity.

The MZ-5PA series is designed to be energy-efficient, making them an excellent choice for laptops and portable devices where battery life is critical. Overall, Samsung's MZ-5PA064/EU, MZ-5PA128B/EU, MZ-5PA128C/EU, MZ-5PA064C/EU, and MZ-5PA256/EU SSDs combine cutting-edge technology with a user-friendly profile, making them a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their storage solution.