Viofo Recommended SSD

[SC@AU]

Just a FYI for those that may be interested.

After reading the good spot by @Chuck McCoy that the Samsung T7 Shield 4TB had recently been removed from the list of recommended PSSD models on the A329S webpage, I was curious as to why and why now when it had previously been touted as one of the best options....I was probably going to go for the T7 to pair with a A329S package on its way to me and although I have a preference for LaCie Rugged or SSD's from OWC due to years of experience in other uses, I've understood the T7 to be a well regarded drive...

So I opened a ticket with Support to try and gain some clarity on what the situation now is.

Received a couple of replies from Nancy yesterday – and yes, seems they no longer recommend the T7 due to some user reported issues (anybody ?) and the model variations that are available with the T7.
I also raised the issue that despite them promoting the support of 4TB SSD storage on the A329S, they actually now had no models listed for recommendation. Also, the fact that the Sandisk Extreme, the 1TB and 2TB being two of the only three SSD they now list, is also available in a 4TB capacity – I asked if this should be considered as a 4TB option:

Answers below: (note: obviously there's a typo in the first reply and do not recommend was intended...)

#1​

Hi SC,​

​

Sorry we recommend the Samsung T7 Shield 4TB SSD as some users reflected it was not stable to use.​

You can buy the Sandisk Extreme or Sandisk E61 pssd, the SSD size doesn't matter, you can choose based on your needs.​

​

#2​

Yes, some users reflected the Samsung T7 Shield could not be recognised. as there are different types online for this SSD drive model.​

Sandisk Extreme 4TB is okay.​

​

So to confirm, currently the 'Recommended' SSD list now seems to be: Sandisk Extreme, in any capacity, and the WD 1TB My Passport.
I further replied suggesting that perhaps a 4TB model, i.e Sandisk Extreme, should be added to the website recommendations, I guess we'll see...

 

[speedingcheetah]

I have been using, for a short time mind you, a older Samsung T3 1TB ssd model, with out any issues, in up to 2 channel mode.

I did just acquire their "recommended" Sandisk Extreme drive 1TB.
Funny, as PC sees it as "WD SN560E"
(This is brand new drive, and has 2GB already read/written and 9 power on Count. (factory testing?)
This drive model is DRAMless, relying on HMB for cache. No idea if VIOFO dash cams use or even support HMB.
Still, the specs of this ssd is extreme overkill considering their port and cable is USB 2.0.

 

[Augustus]

Just a FYI for those that may be interested.

After reading the good spot by @Chuck McCoy that the Samsung T7 Shield 4TB had recently been removed from the list of recommended PSSD models on the A329S webpage, I was curious as to why and why now when it had previously been touted as one of the best options....I was probably going to go for the T7 to pair with a A329S package on its way to me and although I have a preference for LaCie Rugged or SSD's from OWC due to years of experience in other uses, I've understood the T7 to be a well regarded drive...

So I opened a ticket with Support to try and gain some clarity on what the situation now is.

Received a couple of replies from Nancy yesterday – and yes, seems they no longer recommend the T7 due to some user reported issues (anybody ?) and the model variations that are available with the T7.
I also raised the issue that despite them promoting the support of 4TB SSD storage on the A329S, they actually now had no models listed for recommendation. Also, the fact that the Sandisk Extreme, the 1TB and 2TB being two of the only three SSD they now list, is also available in a 4TB capacity – I asked if this should be considered as a 4TB option:

Answers below: (note: obviously there's a typo in the first reply and do not recommend was intended...)

#1​

Hi SC,​

​

Sorry we recommend the Samsung T7 Shield 4TB SSD as some users reflected it was not stable to use.​

You can buy the Sandisk Extreme or Sandisk E61 pssd, the SSD size doesn't matter, you can choose based on your needs.​

​

#2​

Yes, some users reflected the Samsung T7 Shield could not be recognised. as there are different types online for this SSD drive model.​

Sandisk Extreme 4TB is okay.​

​

So to confirm, currently the 'Recommended' SSD list now seems to be: Sandisk Extreme, in any capacity, and the WD 1TB My Passport.
I further replied suggesting that perhaps a 4TB model, i.e Sandisk Extreme, should be added to the website recommendations, I guess we'll see...

SanDisk extreme had issues of data wipeage, Google it. Yes there are users here on DCT that had serial numbers that weren't affected, but going on SanDisk reputational history when it comes to SSDs, I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole.

Samsung is fantastic though. Absolutely damning that they removed the T7 from advertising for the A329S.

A few people here on DCT were quick to point the finger at me when I had issues with the A329 and it's SSD support, but it looks like now there are quite a lot of issues. Like I've said in previous threads, not sure if the blame lies with Viofo or novatek, but it simply isn't working out either way.

 

[speedingcheetah]

SanDisk extreme had issues of data wipeage, Google it. Yes there are users here on DCT that had serial numbers that weren't affected, but going on SanDisk reputational history when it comes to SSDs, I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole.

Samsung is fantastic though. Absolutely damning that they removed the T7 from advertising for the A329S.

A few people here on DCT were quick to point the finger at me when I had issues with the A329 and it's SSD support, but it looks like now there are quite a lot of issues. Like I've said in previous threads, not sure if the blame lies with Viofo or novatek, but it simply isn't working out either way.

Ah yes. I had vaguely recalled this when i acquired this specific model ssd. The Amazon listing does say in its title "Updated firmware". I think the issues with those drives was a few years ago, should have been resolved by now.
Sandisk is WD. I have had zero issues with my WD m.2 nvme drives in my PC's over the years though.
Older Sandisk flash drives, and Sd cards, yes, all have failed on me at some point.

 

[Augustus]

Ah yes. I had vaguely recalled this when i acquired this specific model ssd. The Amazon listing does say in its title "Updated firmware". I think the issues with those driver was a few years ago, should have been resolved by now.
Sandisk is WD. I have had zero issues with my WD m.2 nvme drives in my PC's over the years though.
Older Sandisk flash drives, and Sd cards, yes, all have failed on me at some point.

Fair point but yeah the whole SSD thing has been a mess. No wonder no other manufacturer has implemented this features even though the NT98530 supports it natively.

 

[speedingcheetah]

Fair point but yeah the whole SSD thing has been a mess. No wonder no other manufacturer has implemented this features even though the NT98530 supports it natively.

Well, i had my own dive into testing mainly USB cables with the A329S, and determining it is infact, USB 2.0.
USB flash drives seem to work fine on the USB c port, but i only did very little testing in that aspect.
External card reader plugged into the C port, also something i have seen mentioned.

There is nothing wrong with just using Micro-SD card in the cams internal card slot, may even be the "best" for pure reliability and insurance that the cam will record as long as it has power, as external drive and cable, have possible greater risk / point of failure of easier to disconnect while in use and loss of footage.
I mainly decided to switch to external ssd storage, due to the terrible physical design of the sd card slot being so difficult to insert and lock in, and eject the card, as the A329S/T is missing the beveled edge in the slot that the A119 Mini 2 has.

After my initial playing around with and testing the cables and drives i had lying around, i want a "recommend" hardware setup in my vehicle, so that is the highest reliability and will get support from Viofo should i have any issues.

 

[SC@AU]

SanDisk extreme had issues of data wipeage, Google it. Yes there are users here on DCT that had serial numbers that weren't affected, but going on SanDisk reputational history when it comes to SSDs, I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole.

Samsung is fantastic though. Absolutely damning that they removed the T7 from advertising for the A329S.

A few people here on DCT were quick to point the finger at me when I had issues with the A329 and it's SSD support, but it looks like now there are quite a lot of issues. Like I've said in previous threads, not sure if the blame lies with Viofo or novatek, but it simply isn't working out either way.

Yes, know all about the Sandisk issues some time back (I’m a network installer), though it was a batch serial issue and eventually resolved via firmware, but I totally understand the developed wariness….IME, I’ve never had issue with Sandisk (generally card use) and as they’re part of the WD family, which I stand by professionally, I tend to lean towards trusting them…..Hey, they all have issues at times….

I personally think a bit more clarity from Viofo re the T7 would have been the better approach, ie what the issue(s) may be and any particular models/variations to avoid….But instead they pulled the recommendation entirely….

I don’t really see a lot of the ‘complication’ in all of this – the transfer rates we’re talking, even at 3CH, really isn’t anything that taxing…and as is being mentioned, we seem to be bottlnecked down at USB 2.0 speeds anyhow….
I’ve installed CCTV systems running 20+ 4k cameras, constantly writing to WD Purple Pros with lots of fancy AI identifications on top, and none of it skips a beat..! I know it’s slightly Apples and Oranges, but you get the point…..
If the A329S can write to relatively slow SD cards without much issue, I don’t know why the SSD option seems* to be a bit screwed up (* I’m yet to test personally) ….

SC

 

[lufa6977]

The problem with the newer Samsungs is that they are really engineered for state-of-the-art Intel-centric products and motherboards. Many companies release an NVME, and there are no issues with a motherboard. Samsung releases an NVME, and motherboard manufacturers scramble to patch their BIOS to make the Samsung product work. Samsung also uses its in-house controller and software, so there is always the chance of an issue. Older Samsungs seem to fare better. I no longer buy Samsung memory devices due to their high failure and compatibility rate for me.

Western Digital acquired SanDisk, but had trouble integrating them into their existing operations for various reasons. The similarity of their products, multiple management layers, and the presence of multiple company websites had to have been problematic. They recently divided the company, placing the hard drive side under WD and anything that resembled flash memory on the SD side. So, SD has access to WD tech and tools, and we will probably see some WD products identify themselves as such. For how long that goes on is a guess.

Ultimately, I believe that insufficient power to the SSD/PSSD is the issue. A too-long USB cable would also cause problems. Of course, one could put an SSD on a 15-centimeter USB cable and still have issues. It is all magic at times, it seems. 🙂

 

[Augustus]

The problem with the newer Samsungs is that they are really engineered for state-of-the-art Intel-centric products and motherboards. Many companies release an NVME, and there are no issues with a motherboard. Samsung releases an NVME, and motherboard manufacturers scramble to patch their BIOS to make the Samsung product work. Samsung also uses its in-house controller and software, so there is always the chance of an issue. Older Samsungs seem to fare better. I no longer buy Samsung memory devices due to their high failure and compatibility rate for me.

Western Digital acquired SanDisk, but had trouble integrating them into their existing operations for various reasons. The similarity of their products, multiple management layers, and the presence of multiple company websites had to have been problematic. They recently divided the company, placing the hard drive side under WD and anything that resembled flash memory on the SD side. So, SD has access to WD tech and tools, and we will probably see some WD products identify themselves as such. For how long that goes on is a guess.

Ultimately, I believe that insufficient power to the SSD/PSSD is the issue. A too-long USB cable would also cause problems. Of course, one could put an SSD on a 15-centimeter USB cable and still have issues. It is all magic at times, it seems. 🙂

It's basically no matter which way you cut it, SSD support is a mess haha. And suspect it will be on any dashcam that tries to implement it. For the time being at least...

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

on my upcoming A329S review i let it rip on the SSD support. I am not impressed with this on again off again support of SSD's. Especially as a retailer that found out on my own while making my review video. It is like the SD card support challenges. Dont allow people on the forum to come to their own conclusions. Viofo should have a statement on why it does not work, why it is no longer supported. Instead POOF like magic we will remove it from our website.

SHHHHH

"Hopefully noone notices."

FYI my sandisk failed so many times I sent it back and got a Samsung T Shield.

 

[SC@AU]

Viofo should have a statement on why it does not work, why it is no longer supported.

I totally agree. The why would be helpful and allow for wider testing and user feedback on what does work well….
As per the reply I received from support, they mention ‘some users reported issues with the T7 being recognised…’ but this doesn’t explain much, especially as it was one of their main recommendations, not to mention the only 4TB option…..

FYI my sandisk failed so many times I sent it back and got a Samsung T Shield.

Thats very interesting to know. And yet, as of last week it's the Sandisk they seem to be favouring and dropping recommendation for the T7..! 🤷‍♂️

Failed how, if I may ask...Or will this be in your upcoming video...? EDIT: Was this due to the batch of Extreme's that did have the widespread data loss failures or was this a specific Viofo use case issue...?

I now don't have a clue what to purchase for the best..! 🤔😕

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

I totally agree. The why would be helpful and allow for wider testing and user feedback on what does work well….
As per the reply I received from support, they mention ‘some users reported issues with the T7 being recognised…’ but this doesn’t explain much, especially as it was one of their main recommendations, not to mention the only 4TB option…..


Thats very interesting to know. And yet, as of last week it's the Sandisk they seem to be favouring and dropping recommendation for the T7..! 🤷‍♂️

Failed how, if I may ask...Or will this be in your upcoming video...? EDIT: Was this due to the batch of Extreme's that did have the widespread data loss failures or was this a specific Viofo use case issue...?

I now don't have a clue what to purchase for the best..! 🤔😕

The sandisk would say slow disk or slow card. It was very problematic on original Viofo A329. Lets just say it was always beeping.

 

[lufa6977]

The sandisk would say slow disk or slow card. It was very problematic on original Viofo A329. Lets just say it was always beeping.

Did the SanDisk fail on other devices as well, or only on the Viofo?

Samsung has a spotted history, since 2019 or so for NVME issues and poor tech support. YMMV when it comes to Samsung.

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

Did the SanDisk fail on other devices as well, or only on the Viofo?

Samsung has a spotted history, since 2019 or so for NVME issues and poor tech support. YMMV when it comes to Samsung.

I bought it to use on the Viofo dash camera. I had no other purpose for it.

 

[lufa6977]

I bought it to use on the Viofo dash camera. I had no other purpose for it.

So, in essence, the SanDisk was perfectly good, but not compatible with a VIOFO product. Not slamming or supporting either side, but....this is more a VIOFO issue than it is for any manufacturer of a SSD.

 

[Augustus]

So, in essence, the SanDisk was perfectly good, but not compatible with a VIOFO product. Not slamming or supporting either side, but....this is more a VIOFO issue than it is for any manufacturer of a SSD.

So it's still ongoing by the looks of it. I copped flak when I reported the SSD issues when I tried Kingston SSD setup with the OG A329 a year or so back.

To me it still seems like the Wild West, where Viofo doesn't know or can't get a constant reliable list of SSDs to work with the A329/x. I know from the specs that the NT98530 chipset has native support for SSD. Yet Viofo is the only manufacturer so far that has decided to implement support for SSDs - Vantrue, 70mai, Vueroid haven't done so.

Whether that's novatek's fault or Viofo's, who knows.

 

[lufa6977]

So it's still ongoing by the looks of it. I copped flak when I reported the SSD issues when I tried Kingston SSD setup with the OG A329 a year or so back.

To me it still seems like the Wild West, where Viofo doesn't know or can't get a constant reliable list of SSDs to work with the A329/x. I know from the specs that the NT98530 chipset has native support for SSD. Yet Viofo is the only manufacturer so far that has decided to implement support for SSDs - Vantrue, 70mai, Vueroid haven't done so.

Whether that's novatek's fault or Viofo's, who knows.

That is a fair assessment. When an SSD works everywhere else, except on one device, then we know where the issue is likely to be. The question remains whether it is related to the components used or the incorrect use of components.

 

[SC@AU]

The whole situation is confusing…and becoming off putting to be honest…

On the one hand we have Viofo suddenly pulling recommendation on the Samsung T7 (arguably a universally well regarded SSD) but standing firm on their recommendations for any of the Sandisk Extreme line-up….And yet we have a respected DCT member/reviewer/retailer reporting major issues in using the Sandisk Extreme and changing in favour for the Samsung T7 (though I am a little confused as to whether this was with the A329S or the older A329)….

Wild West indeed – but things really shouldn’t be as random or as fussy…As long as any chosen SSD can cope with the write speeds (which aren’t high relatively speaking…and we also seem to be within USB 2.0 speeds anyway) and the power requirements fall within spec, then the useable range of SSD should be reasonably wide….There’s the issue of longevity and constant repeated write capability that only certain SSD can manage as per any NVR use-case, but I sort of see that as separate at this stage – the issues being reported are re the SSD working consistently and reliably in the first place….

I’m also confused why the ‘alternative’ use of the USB port for SSD connection for an External SD card setup seems to generally have positive feedback re performance and reliability….Should there be much difference? Except perhaps a little more power usage for a SSD, what can be the influencing difference…Chipset communications?
I guess the External SD card setup still gets the storage away from the main unit and hidden away…I just personally find it a bit messy cable wise etc, plus also more limitation re larger capacity storage options….

Some clarity and clear guidelines from Viofo on the SSD support would be great and go a long way (and something more than ‘use our cable’..!)…
They must be happy to stand by the SSD functionality and it’s one of the main features pushed on the product webpage…and added usability is apparently coming in v2.0 firmware for automated backup etc….

Unfortunately, I don’t think well hear much from Viofo just now as it’s Chinese National Day and no one is at the office for the next week or so…!

I’d love to hear from any users with A329S and a SSD setup and who have positive experience and no real issues in use….What SSD are you using…and how are you using re Normal/Parking Mode etc…And for how long..?

 

[speedingcheetah]

The whole situation is confusing…and becoming off putting to be honest…

On the one hand we have Viofo suddenly pulling recommendation on the Samsung T7 (arguably a universally well regarded SSD) but standing firm on their recommendations for any of the Sandisk Extreme line-up….And yet we have a respected DCT member/reviewer/retailer reporting major issues in using the Sandisk Extreme and changing in favour for the Samsung T7 (though I am a little confused as to whether this was with the A329S or the older A329)….

Wild West indeed – but things really shouldn’t be as random or as fussy…As long as any chosen SSD can cope with the write speeds (which aren’t high relatively speaking…and we also seem to be within USB 2.0 speeds anyway) and the power requirements fall within spec, then the useable range of SSD should be reasonably wide….There’s the issue of longevity and constant repeated write capability that only certain SSD can manage as per any NVR use-case, but I sort of see that as separate at this stage – the issues being reported are re the SSD working consistently and reliably in the first place….

I’m also confused why the ‘alternative’ use of the USB port for SSD connection for an External SD card setup seems to generally have positive feedback re performance and reliability….Should there be much difference? Except perhaps a little more power usage for a SSD, what can be the influencing difference…Chipset communications?
I guess the External SD card setup still gets the storage away from the main unit and hidden away…I just personally find it a bit messy cable wise etc, plus also more limitation re larger capacity storage options….

Some clarity and clear guidelines from Viofo on the SSD support would be great and go a long way (and something more than ‘use our cable’..!)…
They must be happy to stand by the SSD functionality and it’s one of the main features pushed on the product webpage…and added usability is apparently coming in v2.0 firmware for automated backup etc….

Unfortunately, I don’t think well hear much from Viofo just now as it’s Chinese National Day and no one is at the office for the next week or so…!

I’d love to hear from any users with A329S and a SSD setup and who have positive experience and no real issues in use….What SSD are you using…and how are you using re Normal/Parking Mode etc…And for how long..?

Well, define "no real issues".
I did not notice issues when i was using my old Samsung T3 1TB ssd and a non-VIOFO usb 3.0 cable. But i did not use it long enough to really discover the edge case "issue" i have noticed when i remux the cams files into one single video file.
It is not a "issue" per say, in that the video files play fine with no issue everywhere, it only shows an issue when i process them with ffmpeg or a program that stiches them together. 99% of actual users are not doing that, they will only review the cams footage when an event happens, and most often via the smartphone app even. Only reviewers and testers here really, are the ones to dig deep into things and to pull and process every set of files very often.

So, it is not just, what SSD works with "no issues", it also is, what USB cable are you using? VIOFO or other brand? And, even, how are you powering the cam hardwire kit or USB cig plug? Its not just a simple question. lol

I still am testing/trying different things to narrow down the cause of my edge case file corruption issue.
Last thing i will try if the issues keep happening after i test for a while manually shutting the cam down, is swapping back to my old Samsung T3 ssd to eliminate the Sandisk one.

 

[Augustus]

The whole situation is confusing…and becoming off putting to be honest…

On the one hand we have Viofo suddenly pulling recommendation on the Samsung T7 (arguably a universally well regarded SSD) but standing firm on their recommendations for any of the Sandisk Extreme line-up….And yet we have a respected DCT member/reviewer/retailer reporting major issues in using the Sandisk Extreme and changing in favour for the Samsung T7 (though I am a little confused as to whether this was with the A329S or the older A329)….

Wild West indeed – but things really shouldn’t be as random or as fussy…As long as any chosen SSD can cope with the write speeds (which aren’t high relatively speaking…and we also seem to be within USB 2.0 speeds anyway) and the power requirements fall within spec, then the useable range of SSD should be reasonably wide….There’s the issue of longevity and constant repeated write capability that only certain SSD can manage as per any NVR use-case, but I sort of see that as separate at this stage – the issues being reported are re the SSD working consistently and reliably in the first place….

I’m also confused why the ‘alternative’ use of the USB port for SSD connection for an External SD card setup seems to generally have positive feedback re performance and reliability….Should there be much difference? Except perhaps a little more power usage for a SSD, what can be the influencing difference…Chipset communications?
I guess the External SD card setup still gets the storage away from the main unit and hidden away…I just personally find it a bit messy cable wise etc, plus also more limitation re larger capacity storage options….

Some clarity and clear guidelines from Viofo on the SSD support would be great and go a long way (and something more than ‘use our cable’..!)…
They must be happy to stand by the SSD functionality and it’s one of the main features pushed on the product webpage…and added usability is apparently coming in v2.0 firmware for automated backup etc….

Unfortunately, I don’t think well hear much from Viofo just now as it’s Chinese National Day and no one is at the office for the next week or so…!

I’d love to hear from any users with A329S and a SSD setup and who have positive experience and no real issues in use….What SSD are you using…and how are you using re Normal/Parking Mode etc…And for how long..?

I don't think there's anyone that's had a flawless experience using an SSD with the A329/x lol. The fact that Viofo removes support from their website, and chops and changes, tells me all I need to know - that SSD support is buggy and continues to be so even a year later.

I wouldn't recommend anyone use SSD on those models, for now. It could be improved in the future, and the issues ironed out, but I don't see it happening anytime soon.