SSD Data Recovery
SandForce SF-2281 Data RecoveryOCZ Vertex 3/Agility 3 / Kingston HyperX/SSDNow V300 / Corsair Force 3/Force GT
The SandForce SF-2281 was the dominant SATA controller from 2011-2014. Its always-on AES encryption, DuraWrite compression, and RAISE parity make it one of the most difficult controllers for data recovery. Most labs historically declared SF-2281 BSY failures unrecoverable. Our Austin lab uses board-level diagnostics and NAND-level techniques for SandForce SF-2281 recovery.
SandForce SF-2281 Technical Details
The SandForce SF-2281 was the dominant SATA controller from 2011-2014. Its always-on AES encryption, DuraWrite compression, and RAISE parity make it one of the most difficult controllers for data recovery. Most labs historically declared SF-2281 BSY failures unrecoverable.
SandForce SF-2281 Specifications
- Manufacturer
- SandForce
- Interface
- SATA
- DRAM Cache
- No (HMB)
- Channels
- 8-channel
- NAND Types
- MLCTLC
Always-on AES encryption, DuraWrite compression, RAISE NAND protection. ACE Data Recovery (datarecovery.net) developed a proprietary tool called ZCopy Ultra for SF-2281 recovery.
Recovery Feasibility
Always-on AES encryption, DuraWrite compression, RAISE NAND protection. ACE Data Recovery (datarecovery.net) developed a proprietary tool called ZCopy Ultra for SF-2281 recovery.
Drives Using the SandForce SF-2281
The following consumer SSDs use the SandForce SF-2281. If your drive is on this list, the failure modes and recovery approaches described on this page apply to your situation.
SandForce SF-2281 Drive Models
8 models affected
Failure Modes
Each failure mode has a different root cause and requires a different recovery approach. Identifying the correct failure mode is the first step in any recovery.
BSY state (0MB detection)
Drive unresponsive, shows 0MB. DuraWrite compression + AES encryption + RAISE accounting applied simultaneously make recovery extremely challenging. A percentage of random BSODs can lead to fatal panic mode (per ACE Data Recovery's 2015 analysis).
Symptoms you may notice
- Drive shows 0MB capacity
- Drive completely unresponsive
- BSOD followed by drive failure
Related search terms
TRIM firmware bugs
Firmware versions 5.0.0 and 5.0.1 had TRIM bugs causing data corruption. The fix was released in firmware 5.0.3. Random BSODs, some leading to fatal panic mode.
Symptoms you may notice
- Random BSOD
- Data corruption after TRIM
- Drive enters panic mode
Related search terms
How We Recover SandForce SF-2281 SSDs
Firmware-Level Recovery
The PC-3000 does not yet have full Active Utility support for the SandForce SF-2281. Recovery relies on manufacturer-specific diagnostic modes, service pin access, and NAND-level techniques.
We monitor PC-3000 firmware updates for new controller support. When utility support becomes available, firmware-level recovery will be the preferred path for this controller.
Chip-Off Recovery
Chip-off is not viable for the SandForce SF-2281 due to hardware encryption or architectural limitations. Recovery depends on accessing the controller through firmware-level tools or manufacturer diagnostic modes.
Always-on AES encryption, DuraWrite compression, RAISE NAND protection. ACE Data Recovery (datarecovery.net) developed a proprietary tool called ZCopy Ultra for SF-2281 recovery.
Pricing
SSD firmware and logical recovery for the SandForce SF-2281 typically costs $300 to $500. Controller-level failures requiring advanced diagnostics are $500 to $1,500. Chip-off recovery, when viable, is $1,500 to $2,500.
See our full pricing breakdown for details. Our No Data, No Fee guarantee means you pay nothing if we cannot recover your files.
Hard Drive Data Recovery Standards & Verification
Our Austin lab operates on a transparency-first model. We use industry-standard recovery tools, including PC-3000 and DeepSpar, combined with strict environmental controls to make sure your hard drive is handled safely and properly. This approach allows us to serve clients nationwide with consistent technical standards.
Open-drive work is performed in a laminar-flow bench filtered to 0.02 µm, verified using TSI P-Trak instrumentation.
Transparent History
Serving clients nationwide via mail-in service since 2008.
Media Coverage
Our repair work has been covered by The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider, with CBC News reporting on our pricing transparency. Louis Rossmann has testified in Right to Repair hearings in multiple states and founded the Repair Preservation Group.
Aligned Incentives
Our "No Data, No Charge" policy means we assume the risk of the recovery attempt, not the client.
Technical Oversight
Louis Rossmann
Louis Rossmann's well trained staff review our lab protocols to ensure technical accuracy and honest service. Since 2008, his focus has been on clear technical communication and accurate diagnostics rather than sales-driven explanations.
We believe in proving standards rather than just stating them. We use TSI P-Trak instrumentation to verify that clean-air benchmarks are met before any drive is opened.
See our clean bench validation data and particle test videoFrequently Asked Questions
Why do most data recovery labs say SandForce drives are unrecoverable?
What is DuraWrite and why does it make recovery harder?
My OCZ Vertex 3 shows 0MB capacity. Is the data still there?
Were certain SF-2281 firmware versions more problematic?
How much does SandForce SF-2281 data recovery cost?
Not an SSD issue? We also recover hard drives, RAID arrays, and iPhones.
SSD Recovery Overview →Nationwide Mail-In Data Recovery Service
We serve all 50 states with secure mail-in data recovery. Ship your failed drive to our Austin lab using our free shipping kit, and we'll diagnose it within 24-48 hours. No geographic limitations—we've successfully recovered data for customers from Alaska to Florida.
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SandForce SF-2281 SSD not working?
Ship it to our Austin lab for a free evaluation. No data, no charge.