An AMD driver issue is causing SSDs to wear out faster. Here’s how users can mitigate the risk.
AMD users, especially those with Radeon graphics cards, may be facing an alarming issue that could lead to premature SSD wear. The External Events Utility (EEU), part of the AMD driver package, has been identified as a key player in this ongoing problem.
The Issue Unfolded
This situation began to garner attention when a user reported on AMD's forums in July that their SSD was excessively accessed after upgrading to the Radeon 9060XT. Other users soon came forward, noting that their drives experienced similar behaviors. One particular thread highlighted data writing speeds fluctuating between 0.3 MB/s and 1.5 MB/s, raising concerns about long-term drive health.
Understanding the Effects
A Reddit user, known as darklinkpower, detailed their experience with the AMD Adrenalin Edition application, which also seems affected by the EEU. They reported a monthly decline of approximately 1% in their SSD's health over a span of 16 months. Over time, even what appears to be a small amount of wear could potentially lead to significant issues, including complete drive failure.
AMD seems to be aware of the problem. An official who goes by AMD_Vik on Reddit indicated that the company is working towards a solution, stating, "We hope to fix this in the next update," but no specific timeline has been shared with users.
Practical Workarounds for Users
While awaiting a permanent fix, AMD Radeon users can take proactive steps to alleviate the strain on their SSDs. Here are two effective workarounds:
1. Disable the External Events Utility
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type services.msc and hit Enter.
- Locate AMD External Events Utility in the list.
- Right-click it, choose Properties, stop the service, and then change the startup type to Disabled.
This method has proven effective for many users experiencing this issue. However, disabling the EEU might also disable certain features like AMD FreeSync and could lead to display problems when swapping monitors while the system is on.
2. Modify Smart Access Memory Settings
- Open the AMD Adrenalin Edition desktop application.
- Click the gear icon for Settings.
- Find the Smart Access Memory option.
- If it’s enabled, toggle it off to reduce the impact on system storage and RAM.
This approach is more nuanced and should only be attempted if disabling the EEU doesn't resolve the issue, as it may elicit new communication challenges between your CPU and GPU.
Conclusion
With the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for an official fix, users are encouraged to utilize these workaround strategies to mitigate potential SSD wear. Staying informed is essential while AMD works diligently to address the problem. Proactive measures can help ensure your hardware remains in good health during this interim period.