CrystalDiskInfo 9.9.0 adds a new feature to help users spot counterfeit Samsung SSDs, an increasingly common problem as fake high-end drives are becoming more convincing. The utility can flag suspicious drives by checking hardware identifiers and firmware data.
ValiDrive is a free utility that checks whether USB drives, memory cards, SSDs, and other storage actually provide their advertised capacity. Designed to spot counterfeit or faulty drives with inflated storage claims, it can also identify potential read/write problems and give a quick look at transfer performance.
Watch out for borderline fraudulent deals on Amazon
Cutting corners: As the ongoing AI-fueled memory shortages raise hardware prices, options for ultra-budget laptops are becoming limited. Some manufacturers and resellers appear to be taking advantage of the desperation in the sub-$500 segment with deceptive advertising, often including OneDrive trials in their storage specifications. Many also skimp on processors, screen resolution, and RAM when better deals show that this is unnecessary.
Facepalm: A viral post on Reddit highlights the importance of proper data disposal practices. According to the story, a company's "IT guy" used a drill to destroy a solid-state drive before salvaging it. The problem? He drilled a single hole through the center of the casing, piercing the shell but never touching the small PCB inside – effectively making the attempt at data destruction useless.