Erasing SSD from BIOS...same as Secure Erase or HDDErase?

[steinercat]

Just wondering about how "secure" using the BIOS tool for erasing the SSD is as compared to Secure Erase or HDDErase.

I found the 1.02 version of the ThinkPad BIOS Setup Menu Extension Utility from here:

http://www-06.ibm.com/jp/domino04/pc/su ... R-68369-KR

I need to do 2 things.

1. wipe the old Samsung SSD
2. wipe the Intel X18-M I will be replacing it with (its not brand new)

Thanks!

[RealBlackStuff]

I'd download the manufacturer's utilities, rather than let some (how old?) BIOS-procedure possibly ruin your drive(s).
Besides, the BIOS app is for HDD, not SSD.

[erik]

the BIOS sends the exact same ATA command to secure erase the drive as what an application would.   the utility linked is for SSDs and FDE HDDs.

if your X18-M is a G1 drive (black in color, not silver) then i would be cautious.   there have been a few reports of bricked drives after trying to erase them.   a G2 drive should be fine.   i've erased many G2 SSDs using the BIOS without a single problem.   in fact, i've used the BIOS-based secure erase feature in X301, X200, X201, and thinkstation C20 systems without issue to erase various samsung and intel SSDs.

here is the proper link in english: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloa ... MIGR-68369

[steinercat]

Thanks for that erik.

Yes it is a G2 drive. Its a silver (34-nm) part.