How to Recover Data From SSD Raid Array ?

RAID has been around since the mid-‘80s, providing data protection via mirroring or parity. The primary purpose of RAIDs is to provide fault tolerance and improve performance. RAID can be implemented in various configurations and levels depending on user requirements of better speed, redundancy, or both.

Using SSDs in RAID array configuration, users can achieve reduced access time and faster I/O speed along with more redundancy. Moreover, SSDs enable faster rebuilds in parity-based RAID configuration. However, no RAID configuration is failure proof and the same holds true for the SSD RAIDs. RAID or RAID’s solid-state drives can fail anytime due to the following:

• RAID controller failure
• Software (firmware) failure
• Power failure/ Sudden power surges
• Operator errors
• Normal electronic components’ wear and tear
• CRC errors
• Corroded or worn out SSD connectors
• SSD overheat due to improper ventilation
• Bad Sectors due to NAND flash degradation
• Physical damage

SSDs also eventually fail as they have limited write I/O capacity and erase cycles.

Fortunately, some advanced tools available, like the Stellar Data Recovery Technician can help rebuild RAID 0, RAID 5, or RAID 6 configuration and also recover data from a reconstructed RAID volume without any RAID controller card or other fancy hardware.

Step 1: SSD RAID Parameters

Find out the following RAID parameters in order to recover data from an SSD RAID array:

1. Total member disks
2. Disk Order
3. Stripe or Block Size
4. Parity order or Rotation
5. Parity repetition or delay

In the case of RAID 0, find only the ‘Stripe or Block Size’ parameter. Once you have the RAID parameters, proceed to SSD RAID reconstruction and data recovery with the help of Stellar software.

Step 2: Connect SSD Drives to your PC

Secondly, remove all the SSD from the RAID rack and use HDD/SSD enclosure or SATA to USB 3.0 or 2.0 connector cables to connect each SSD to Windows PC together. Use a USB hub if the USB ports are fewer on your PC or laptop.

Step 3: Use Data Recovery Software.

Finally, to recover data from an SSD RAID array, download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Technician version on a Windows PC or laptop. This will help you to recover data from the SSD RAID array.