Overview: When SSDs Fail After Power Surges
Solid-state drives (SSDs) are known for their speed, reliability, and energy efficiency. However, despite their many advantages, SSDs remain vulnerable to sudden voltage spikes that can severely damage internal components, often requiring professional ssd data recovery services.
Although many SSDs include power loss protection, they are not immune to electrical surges. A spike in voltage can destroy the controller or NAND chips, often making the data completely inaccessible. This was the exact situation faced by one of our clients, a professional photographer in the middle of a critical editing session.
Case Background: MacBook Air SSD Fails During Photo Editing
Our client was editing a wedding photo collection on a MacBook Air when a power surge occurred at their home. Immediately afterward, the system would not boot, and the internal SSD became completely inaccessible. Although most of the data had been backed up to cloud storage, the latest edits and photos from the past week were not yet saved.
The client contacted PITS Data Recovery and dropped off the MacBook for macbook air recovery at one of our nearby locations the same day.
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Diagnosis: SSD Not Recognized by the System
Once the device arrived at our lab, the SSD was removed and evaluated in a controlled environment. Initial testing confirmed that the system could not detect the drive, suggesting a physical failure rather than a logical or software-based problem.
Detailed diagnostics revealed the root cause. The SSD’s controller chip had been damaged by the power surge. The controller is responsible for all read and write operations, and once it fails, accessing any data on the drive becomes impossible.
Fortunately, the NAND memory chips were still intact and could potentially be read with the right repairs.
Recovery Strategy: Replacing the Controller Chip
Our engineering team determined that hardware-level recovery was feasible. They carefully desoldered the damaged controller and sourced an identical controller chip from a matching donor SSD.
One key advantage in this case was that the SSD was an older model that did not use hardware encryption on the controller. Many modern SSDs encrypt data automatically, binding it to the original controller. Without the original chip, recovery becomes either impossible or extremely limited. Because there was no hardware encryption in this case, replacing the controller allowed full access to the raw NAND contents.
Using specialized micro-soldering tools in our ISO Certified Cleanroom, our engineers completed the controller transplant with high precision. Once the drive was stabilized, it was connected to our secure imaging systems for data extraction.
Addressing File System Corruption
Due to the abrupt power failure, the file system was partially corrupted. Several file table entries were incomplete because the system had not finished writing changes at the time of failure.
Our specialists used advanced recovery tools to manually rebuild the file system. They reconstructed folder structures and file metadata, allowing the extracted data to be organized and accessible.
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Results: 99 Percent Photo Recovery
The client’s top priority was to recover the most recent wedding photos. Our team was able to retrieve 99 percent of the requested files, including RAW images and edited versions. All recovered data was transferred to an encrypted external drive and securely returned to the client.
The entire process was completed within one week.
Client Feedback and Satisfaction
The client was extremely satisfied with the outcome and left a five-star review on Google, praising our team for their fast turnaround, transparent communication, and technical expertise.
At PITS Data Recovery, we treat each recovery case with the same urgency and care. Our goal is to preserve what matters most to our clients and deliver results when it counts.
Important Tips for MacBook Users
- Back up regularly. Even with cloud storage, unsynced changes can be lost during a power event.
- Use surge protection. A high-quality surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can protect against voltage spikes.
- Seek help quickly. Avoid DIY recovery attempts, which can worsen damage. Professional intervention maximizes success rates.
Need Help With a Failed SSD?
If your MacBook or external SSD has failed due to a power surge, physical damage, or other issues, PITS Data Recovery is here to help. Our engineers specialize in complex SSD recovery and operate in a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment.
Contact our support team today to get started with a professional consultation and protect your data from permanent loss.
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