Data security is of highest concern when returning an SSD, especially in Europe where data protection rules are severe. Igor’s Lab user returned their Samsung 980 Pro SSD and encountered an unusual RMA policy. Samsung Germany asked the guy to trash his 980 Pro before RMA.
The user provided the serial number, proof of failure, and troubleshooting techniques, as detailed in Igor’s Lab’s report. A Samsung Magician diagnostic scan found many NAND memory problems. What if the consumer won’t return the drive as-is? The plot thickened.
At this point, Samsung and the consumer had also spoken via phone. Although the details are unknown, we can only assume that the customer had put highly sensitive data on the dead disk.
The user encountered a strange RMA policy after explaining why the drive couldn’t be returned as is. Samsung asked the buyer to “drill holes in the SSD or crush it with a hammer” and provide photo or video evidence. Making the data physically inaccessible ensured total data protection.
Igor’s Labs crushed the 980 Pro to prevent data recovery. Above is a YouTube video of the execution. Samsung 980 Pro owners may want to skip this video. All customer data was erased, ensuring their safety. The customer’s SSD has been shipped back to Samsung.
Before returning or selling SSDs, users should use Active@ KillDisk. This tool deletes all data permanently, preventing recovery. Such a tool may not reliably wipe a failed drive’s data, so keep hammers and drills accessible.
