CONTACT
Offices
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Taipei Office
- EMAIL:
- inquiry@simorchip.com
- PHONE:
- +886-2-2657-6680
Taipei City 114066, Taiwan -
Shanghai Office
- EMAIL:
- inquiry@simorchip.com
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Shenzhen Office
- EMAIL:
- inquiry@simorchip.com
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Frequently asked questions
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Follow these four steps to complete the installation:
- Power off and discharge static electricity: Shut down the computer, unplug the power cord, and touch a metal part of the chassis to discharge any static electricity from your body.
- Choose the correct slots: When installing two memory modules on a four-slot motherboard, populate the second and fourth slots (A2 / B2) first for the optimal dual-channel configuration.
- Align and press down: Open the slot latches, line up the notch on the module with the key in the slot, and press the module straight down firmly until the latches on both sides click into place.
- Wait for the Power-On Self-Test (POST): Reconnect the power and turn on the computer. On DDR5 platforms, the first boot may take 1–3 minutes due to memory training. Please wait until the display shows video output.
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- Reseat the memory: The module may not be fully seated. Remove and reinstall it, making sure the latches on both sides are securely locked.
- Try another slot: Install the module in a different slot to rule out a faulty slot.
- Test one module at a time: Test each memory module individually to identify any faulty module.
- Update the BIOS: Some motherboards require a BIOS update to recognize the memory correctly.
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Windows:
- Go to Task Manager → Performance → Memory to view the capacity, speed, and number of slots in use.
Mac:
- Go to “Apple Menu” → “About This Mac” → “System Report” → “Memory” to view the capacity, speed, manufacturer, and other details.
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- Mixing is not recommended: Using modules with different frequencies or capacities may affect system stability and performance, and may even prevent the system from booting.
- Effect on frequency: When modules with different frequencies are installed, the system will usually run all of them at the lowest common frequency.
- Effect on capacity: Modules with different capacities can be mixed, but this may affect dual-channel operation and reduce performance.
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- XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) is a memory overclocking technology that allows compatible memory to run at higher frequencies.
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- Check the installation: Make sure the memory module is fully seated in the slot.
- Clean the gold contacts: If the contacts show signs of oxidation, gently clean them with an eraser and reinstall the module.
- Check compatibility: Some systems may not support this memory module. Please check your motherboard's specifications.
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- Confirm system support: Check whether your motherboard and operating system support the installed memory capacity.
- Update the BIOS: Some motherboards may not recognize certain memory densities. Update the BIOS/UEFI and try again.
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- The maximum memory frequency supported by your motherboard and CPU may prevent the memory from reaching its advertised frequency.
- Enable XMP/EXPO: Some overclocked memory requires XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD) to be enabled in order to reach its advertised frequency.
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- Compatibility: Make sure the RAM type matches. DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 cannot be mixed.
- Matching frequency: We recommend using memory with the same frequency (for example, 3200MHz) to avoid performance issues.
- Maximum supported capacity: Check the maximum RAM capacity supported by your motherboard or laptop (for example, 32GB / 64GB).
- Number of slots and dual-channel: A dual-channel configuration is preferred. For example, 2 x 8GB generally provides better performance than 1 x 16GB.
- Laptop vs. desktop: Laptops use SO-DIMMs, while desktops use U-DIMMs. The two are not interchangeable.
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A new SSD must be initialized before it can be used. Follow these steps:
- Press Win + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Disk Management.
- Find the SSD marked as "Not Initialized," right-click it, and select "Initialize Disk."
- Select GPT (for drives 2TB or larger) or MBR (for drives smaller than 2TB).
- Right-click the unallocated space, select New Simple Volume, and format it as NTFS or exFAT.
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- Check the connection: Try a different SATA / NVMe cable or another slot.
- Check the BIOS: Confirm whether the SSD is detected in the BIOS.
- Use Disk Management: Press Win + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and check whether the drive appears.
- Use Command Prompt (CMD):
- Run Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type diskpart, then list disk, to check whether the SSD is detected.
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This is because manufacturers and computer systems calculate storage capacity differently:
- Manufacturer calculation (decimal): 1GB = 1,000MB
- Computer calculation (binary): 1GB = 1,024MB
For example, a 1TB (1,000GB) SSD may appear as approximately 931GB on a computer. In addition, part of the capacity may be reserved for caching and spare area (over-provisioning).
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- Avoid excessive writes: SSDs have limited write endurance (TBW), so avoid sustained heavy writes over long periods.
- Keep 10–20% of the drive's capacity free so that garbage collection (GC) can run efficiently.
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Not necessarily. M.2 refers to the physical form factor, while an M.2 slot may support different interface protocols such as SATA or PCIe / NVMe.
- Check device specifications: Before purchasing, confirm whether the M.2 slot in your laptop, desktop, or motherboard supports NVMe SSDs.
- Check the interface protocol: If the slot supports SATA only, a PCIe / NVMe SSD cannot be used.
- How to check: Refer to the specifications provided by the device or motherboard manufacturer.
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Yes. Disassembling, modifying, or tampering with the SSD may affect the product warranty.
Do not disassemble or modify the product yourself. If service is required, contact customer service first to confirm warranty coverage and the appropriate service procedure.
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No. SSDs use flash memory and mechanisms such as wear leveling, which distributes writes evenly across memory cells to help extend the drive's lifespan.
Therefore, unlike traditional HDDs, SSDs do not need to be defragmented.
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SSD benchmark results may vary depending on the test environment. Common reasons include:
- Different benchmarking tools produce different results.
- Different tool versions and test methods may affect the results.
- The hardware of the test system affects the results. In general, higher-end systems are better able to take full advantage of the SSD's performance.
- If the SSD already contains data, the results may differ from those of a brand-new, empty drive.
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M.2, formerly known as NGFF (Next Generation Form Factor), is a compact form factor standard for expansion cards and their connectors.
SSDs are among the most common M.2 devices. Their small size and light weight make them well suited for laptops, desktops, and other compact devices.
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S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a built-in monitoring and reporting system used in hard drives and solid-state drives. It allows users to check the health status of their storage devices.
Commonly reported information includes:
- P/E cycles or other lifespan-related information
- Total power-on hours
- Power cycle count
- Host writes / reads
- Other device-specific health information
You can view these values with any SSD health-monitoring tool that supports S.M.A.R.T.
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The main difference between SSDs and HDDs lies in how they store data:
- SSD: Has no moving parts, so it generally offers faster access speeds and better resistance to shock and vibration.
- HDD: Uses spinning magnetic platters and mechanical read/write heads, so it works differently from an SSD.
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If an SSD overheats (above 70°C), it may experience thermal throttling or cause system instability. Possible solutions include:
- Ensure good airflow inside the computer case.
- Install a heatsink on the M.2 SSD or use the motherboard's built-in cooling solution.
- Minimize prolonged write-intensive workloads, such as 4K video editing.
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An SSD is well suited for use as a system drive and can speed up boot times and application loading. Recommendations:
- Install the Windows operating system on the SSD.
- Install Windows on the SSD and enable AHCI mode for optimal performance.
- Make sure TRIM is enabled to help extend the SSD's lifespan.
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A memory card's speed rating affects its read/write performance. When choosing a card, refer mainly to the following ratings:
- Class 10 (C10): Minimum 10MB/s, suitable for everyday use.
- UHS-I U1 (U1): Minimum 10MB/s, suitable for Full HD video recording.
- UHS-I U3 (U3): Minimum 30MB/s, suitable for 4K video recording.
- V30 / V60 / V90: Designed for high-quality 4K / 8K video recording.
For cameras or 4K video recording, a U3 or V30 (or higher) memory card is recommended.
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A1 / A2 are performance classes that indicate how well a memory card can run smartphone apps stored on it. They are defined mainly by random read/write IOPS and minimum sustained sequential write speed.
- A1: At least 1,500 random-read IOPS, at least 500 random-write IOPS, and a minimum sustained sequential write speed of 10MB/s.
- A2: At least 4,000 random-read IOPS, at least 2,000 random-write IOPS, and the same minimum sustained sequential write speed of 10MB/s.
A2 has higher random read/write performance requirements than A1.
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V30 / V60 / V90 are Video Speed Classes that indicate the minimum sustained write speed during video recording:
- V30: Minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s.
- V60: Minimum sustained write speed of 60MB/s.
- V90: Minimum sustained write speed of 90MB/s.
Different devices and recording formats have different speed requirements. Choose a card that meets the specifications required by your camera or recording device.
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U1 / U3 are UHS Speed Classes that indicate the minimum sustained write speed during video recording:
- U1: Minimum sustained write speed of 10MB/s.
- U3: Minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s.
U1 and Class 10 share the same minimum speed, but they belong to different speed-class rating systems. U3 is generally better suited for higher-resolution or higher-bitrate recording.
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UHS stands for Ultra High Speed. It is a high-speed bus interface standard used by SDHC and SDXC memory cards.
- UHS-I: Theoretical bus speed of up to 104MB/s.
- UHS-II: A newer-generation UHS interface with a theoretical bus speed of up to 312MB/s.
Actual read/write performance also depends on the memory card itself, the host device, the card reader, and other factors.
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This is normal, for the following reasons:
- Memory card manufacturers calculate capacity in decimal (1GB = 1,000MB), while computer systems use binary (1GB = 1,024MB).
- To improve performance and extend product lifespan, part of the capacity is reserved for formatting and other purposes. As a result, the actual usable capacity is slightly lower than the advertised capacity.
For example, a 64GB memory card may have an actual usable capacity of approximately 57–59GB.
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- Check the card for physical damage, such as cracks or warping.
- Make sure the memory card is inserted correctly.
- Try the memory card in another device, such as a computer or phone, to see whether it can be read.
- If the gold contacts are oxidized or dirty, gently wipe them with a dry cloth.
- Use a computer to scan for and repair errors: on Windows, use the built-in disk error-checking tool; on Mac, use Disk Utility.
Try the card in another device. If it still cannot be read, it may need to be sent in for service.
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- For SD cards, check whether the "Lock" (write-protect) switch on the side is engaged, and make sure it is in the unlocked position.
- Try formatting the card on a different device, such as a camera or computer.
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- With long-term use, frequent writes can cause storage blocks to become fragmented, which affects read/write speed.
- Back up your data and format the memory card periodically to help maintain optimal performance.
- If the memory card is nearly full, read/write speed may decrease. Leave some free space to improve performance.
- Using a low-speed or unsuitable memory card in devices with heavy write demands, such as dash cams or surveillance cameras, may reduce performance. A high-endurance memory card is recommended for these devices.
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Regular formatting is recommended to maintain stable performance, especially in the following cases:
- When read speeds slow down or files become inaccessible.
- When the card is used in a dash cam or surveillance recorder. Format it every 1–2 months to reduce the impact of file fragmentation on read/write speed.
Back up important data before formatting to avoid losing it.
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A memory card can be used in different devices, but compatibility issues may occur. Recommendations:
- For cameras, dash cams, and similar devices, format the card in the device it will be used in before use whenever possible.
- Avoid frequently switching the card between devices (for example, between a camera and a phone), as this may cause file corruption.
Different devices may use incompatible file systems. If a problem occurs, reformat the card.
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External SSDs are formatted as NTFS at the factory. To use the drive with a Mac, reformat it as exFAT by following these steps:
- Connect the external SSD to your Mac.
- Open “Disk Utility”.
- Select the external drive from the device list on the left.
- Click the Erase button at the top right of the window.
- Select exFAT from the “Format menu”.
- Click Erase. Once formatting is complete, the drive is ready to use on your Mac.
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If the external SSD is not recognized, possible causes and solutions include:
- Try another computer: Connect the drive to a different computer and a different USB port.
- Insufficient USB power: Connect the drive directly to a rear USB 3.0/3.1 port on the computer instead of using a USB hub.
- Disk not initialized or not partitioned: On Windows, open Disk Management to initialize and format the SSD. On Mac, use Disk Utility to format it.
- Incompatible file system: Some operating systems may not be able to read NTFS or APFS. Use exFAT instead.
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We recommend safely ejecting the drive first:
- Unplugging the drive without ejecting it may cause data loss or file corruption.
- Windows: Right-click the USB device icon in the lower-right corner of the taskbar, select "Safely Remove Hardware," and then unplug the drive.
- macOS: Drag the external SSD icon from the desktop to the Trash, and unplug the drive after the icon disappears.
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- Connect the drive: Use the included Type-C to Type-C cable to connect the drive to your Android phone.
- Format the drive: Make sure the drive is formatted as exFAT so that the phone can recognize it.
- Enable OTG: Check whether your phone supports USB OTG, and enable it in Settings if required.
- Confirm the connection: After connecting the drive, swipe down to open the notification panel and confirm that the drive has been detected.
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- Connect the drive: Use the included Type-C to Type-C cable to connect the drive to an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 series device.
- Format the drive: Make sure the drive is formatted as exFAT so that the iPhone can recognize it.
- Use the Files app: Open the Files app, locate and select the external drive, and transfer your files.
- Transfer photos: In the Photos app, select the photos, tap Share, choose "Save to Files," and then select the external drive.
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Yes. iPhone 14 and earlier models can support external SSDs, provided the following conditions are met:
- Use a powered adapter: A powered adapter, such as the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, is required to supply additional power to the SSD.
- Supported format: The external SSD must be formatted as exFAT so that the iPhone can recognize and access the data.
- iOS 13 or later: Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 13 or later, as support for external storage devices was introduced in iOS 13.
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Simorchip is a Taiwanese brand specializing in memory, solid-state drives (SSDs), memory cards, external drives, and other storage-related products.
We are committed to providing stable and reliable storage and memory solutions while continuing to expand our global market presence and partner network.
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Warranty periods may vary by product category and model.
You can check your warranty in the following ways:
- Check the warranty information on the product packaging or product label.
- Visit the official Simorchip website to review the specifications and warranty information for your product model.
- Refer to Simorchip's official Product Warranty Service terms.
- If you are still unable to confirm your warranty, contact the customer service team of the original distributor or retailer with your product model and serial number for assistance.
Actual warranty terms are subject to the latest information published on the official Simorchip website.
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We recommend purchasing Simorchip products through officially authorized dealers, distributors, or partner channels to ensure product authenticity and access to after-sales service.
If you have any concerns about a product's authenticity, please provide the following information to Simorchip customer service for verification:
- Product model
- Product serial number
- Photo of the product label
- Photo of the product packaging
- Purchase channel or proof of purchase
Do not purchase products from unknown sources, products with tampered labels, or products sold without valid proof of purchase.