Fake Samsung 990 PRO SSDs Fool Basic System Checks
Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in producing counterfeit SSDs that can easily bypass basic system checks and appear legitimate to operating systems. A recent case shared by a Reddit user highlights how a fake Samsung 990 PRO SSD managed to pass Windows and CrystalDiskInfo detection, only to be exposed later by Samsung’s official diagnostic tool.
Performance Issues Reveal the Counterfeit Drive
The Redditor, known as u/xox-lover, purchased a 2TB Samsung 990 PRO SSD for $207 (around 19,000 INR) from a distributor who was reportedly a friend. This price was significantly lower than the usual retail price of over 30,000 INR (approximately $327) in India. However, upon using the drive, the user quickly noticed abnormally slow transfer speeds, with read speeds stuck at roughly 20 MB/s and write speeds around 9-10 MB/s. These figures are far below the expected performance for a PCIe 4.0 SSD like the 990 PRO, which should deliver read speeds exceeding 3,000 MB/s.
Further investigation using CrystalDiskInfo revealed that the drive was operating in PCIe 3.0 x4 mode, which itself should still provide much faster speeds than observed. Despite this, both Windows and CrystalDiskInfo identified the drive as a genuine Samsung SSD, adding to the confusion.
Samsung Magician Confirms the SSD is Fake
After trying various troubleshooting steps, including driver updates and reinstalling the SSD, the user ran the official Samsung Magician software. This tool flagged the drive as “Not Genuine,” displaying a clear message stating, “This drive is not a genuine Samsung Brand SSD with a valid serial number.” This final confirmation exposed the scam and highlighted the importance of using manufacturer tools to verify authenticity.
Context and Advice for Buyers
The rise in counterfeit SSDs is partly attributed to ongoing NAND shortages, which have driven up prices and created a market for fake or manipulated storage devices. Similar issues have been seen with RAM modules, where counterfeit products have also become more common. Buyers are urged to be cautious when purchasing SSDs, especially if the price seems unusually low or the seller is not well-known.
Using Samsung Magician or equivalent manufacturer software is highly recommended for anyone buying Samsung SSDs to ensure the product is genuine. Additionally, avoiding shady or less popular sellers can help reduce the risk of falling victim to such scams.
What to Watch For
This incident serves as a reminder that even sophisticated counterfeit hardware can slip past basic system checks. As counterfeiters improve their methods, it becomes increasingly important for consumers to rely on official verification tools and purchase from trusted sources. Moving forward, keeping an eye on user reports and manufacturer updates will be crucial in combating fake SSDs in the market.