Why Some JPEG Files Are Getting Corrupted When Copied to a Korstal 8TB External SSD

It’s time to exercise caution when purchasing large-capacity external SSDs, especially from less well-known manufacturers like Korstal. In this article, we will delve into the prevalent issue of counterfeit SSDs, particularly Korstal 8TB external SSDs, and discuss how these seemingly inexpensive drives can lead to data corruption and other problems.

Occurrences and Observations

Consumers who purchased Korstal 8TB external SSDs found that JPEG files were getting corrupted when copied to these drives. Upon investigation, it became clear that some consumers had purchased fake drives, which are scams. These drives likely contained only a 1 or 2TB flash drive or SD card with altered firmware, making them appear to be 8TB drives. This practice goes against industry norms, as reputable manufacturers such as Crucial and Sandisk would not offer such a low-priced 8TB drive until 2023. The genuine cost of a 2TB to 8TB SSD falls within a range several times higher than the price of the unscrupulous drives.

Analysis and Evidence

Placing a Korstal 8TB SSD on a USB drive detection website such as Probe revealed that the drive appears to be a small flash drive or SD card with altered firmware. The drive's firmware has been modified to make it appear larger than it is, hence the absurdly low price point. This manipulation is a common tactic used by scammers to deceive buyers into thinking they are purchasing a high-capacity, high-performance drive.

The price discrepancy is striking. For example, real 8TB SSDs cost around $849-$1249, while a Korstal 8TB SSD is advertised for as low as $48.99. Given the current market price of similar SSDs, the discrepancy is too significant to be ignored.

Verification and Recommendations

To confirm the authenticity of the drive and identify where the data corruption is occurring, consumers can use a tool like FakeFlash. Running this tool will test the entire drive and reveal where the data starts to be falsely written or corrupted. It’s crucial to back up any critical data before using such tools, as they are known to potentially erase the drive entirely.

Computer community forums like Computer Clan have also covered this issue. Users noted that even the drive's images appear to be modified promotional photos from Samsung. For example, phrases like "Transfer massive files within seconds with incredible speed" are pulled from outdated USB 2 specifications, which do not reflect modern speeds.

Given the prevalence of such scams within Alibaba, it is wise to be extra cautious with online purchases, especially in the hardware sector. The lack of original photographs and the suspicious pricing structure strongly suggest that these drives are counterfeit and should be avoided at all costs.

Key Takeaways:

Be wary of unexpectedly low prices for high-capacity SSDs. Verify the authenticity of the drive with tools like FakeFlash. Avoid purchases from suspicious or untrusted sellers. Check online community forums and reviews for warnings and red flags.

In conclusion, if you experience data corruption or suspect that you have purchased a fake, low-capacity SSD, take immediate steps to back up your data and avoid further investment in these unreliable drives. Stay informed and stay safe when shopping for electronic components online.