Case Study

Data Recovery from Sandisk Professional Portable 4TB SSD

Recovering 3TB of Critical Video Files from a Failed SSD

Zack Ackermann
March 7, 2025
5 min read

Disclaimer: Short Circuit Repairs Require Professional Expertise

Fixing an SSD with a short circuit is NOT a DIY task.

  • Improper handling can cause permanent data loss.
  • A wrong component replacement can damage the NAND memory.
  • Overheating from incorrect repairs may kill the SSD controller.

At PITS Global Data Recovery Services, we use professional-grade thermal imaging cameras, precise soldering techniques, and cleanroom environments to safely repair SSDs. If you suspect a short circuit in your SSD, do not attempt to repair it yourself—contact a professional instead.

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have revolutionized data storage with their speed and reliability. However, like any electronic device, they are still prone to failures. In this case study, we discuss the successful recovery of crucial video files from a Sandisk Professional Portable 4TB SSD, which had become unrecognized and inaccessible.

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Customer Case Overview

A professional videographer from Texas contacted us with an urgent data recovery request. His 4TB Sandisk Professional SSD was not being recognized by his computer, putting his critical video project files at risk. The drive contained high-quality .MP4, .MOV, and .BRAW files—formats widely used in professional video production.

Front Side of the Sandisk Professional 4TB SSD Enclosure – This is the front view of the SSD’s protective enclosure.

Understanding the importance of these files, the customer shipped the SSD to our data recovery lab in New York for expedited evaluation and recovery.

Back Side of the Sandisk Professional 4TB SSD Enclosure – This is the back view of the SSD’s enclosure, showing its design and build.

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Understanding Video File Formats: .MP4, .MOV, and .BRAW

MP4 (.MP4) Files

MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is one of the most common video file formats. It is widely supported across different devices and platforms, making it an industry standard for video playback and streaming.

Used in:

Cameras: Canon C70, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, Sony FX3
Software: Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer

Sandisk Professional 4TB SSD – The SSD itself, housed within its durable enclosure for protection and performance.

BRAW (.BRAW) Files

BRAW (Blackmagic RAW) is a high-quality, uncompressed video format used in professional film production. It offers greater flexibility in color grading and editing while maintaining high-resolution footage.

Used in:

Cameras: Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K/6K Pro
Software: DaVinci Resolve (native support), Adobe Premiere Pro (with plugins)

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Data Recovery Process

Upon receiving the SSD, our team began the diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause of failure.

SSD Teardown & Inspection

After opening the Sandisk Professional Portable 4TB SSD, we found that the drive housed an NVMe SSD connected via a USB-C adapter.

Removing the USB-C Adapter

Since the drive was not being detected, we suspected the USB-C interface might be faulty. We carefully removed the USB-C adapter and connected the NVMe SSD directly to our professional data recovery equipment.

USB-C Adapter for PCIe NVMe SSD – An adapter that converts a PCIe NVMe SSD interface to a USB-C connection for external use.

Checking the SSD Controller

The SSD was built with a 20-82-20034-B2 controller, but it was drawing unusually high amperage, indicating a short circuit on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board).

Identifying the Short Circuit

Using a high-precision thermal camera, we pinpointed the shorted component.

Repairing the Faulty Component

We replaced the faulty component, restoring the normal electrical flow.

SSD Successfully Recognized

Once the repair was completed, we reconnected the SSD to our recovery system, and it was finally detected.

Successful Data Recovery

We successfully recovered 3TB of professional video files without data loss.

Overnight Shipping to the Customer

Given the urgency, we arranged for overnight shipping to return the recovered data.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are multiple reasons why an SSD may stop working:

  • Faulty USB-C adapter or cable
  • Firmware corruption
  • Overheating or power surge
  • Short circuit on the PCB
  • NAND chip failure

Warning: Attempting to repair an SSD with a short circuit is extremely risky. Improper handling can permanently damage the controller or NAND chips, making recovery impossible. Always consult a professional data recovery service.

  • Try a different USB cable or port
  • Test the SSD on another computer
  • Check if it appears in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac)
  • If the drive is still not detected, avoid further attempts and seek professional recovery services

It depends on the failure type. Logical issues can be resolved within 24-48 hours, while hardware failures (like short circuits) may take longer due to component-level repairs.

  • Keep backups on multiple storage devices
  • Avoid excessive heat exposure
  • Use a surge protector to prevent electrical damage
  • Handle SSDs with care to prevent physical damage

Emergency Data Recovery Services

Unexpected data loss? Whether it’s a crashed system, failed storage device, or accidental deletion, our 24/7 emergency recovery service ensures priority assistance to retrieve your critical data.

If your Sandisk, Samsung, or Western Digital SSD has failed, contact us today for a professional evaluation and expedited data recovery service.

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