Hey guys,
So I’ve got this dual M.2 to PCIe adapter with an ASMedia ASM2824 controller that’s basically turned into a very expensive SSD destroyer.
https://docs.rs-online.com/3e4c/A700000007345796.pdf
The situation: Every time I stick an SSD into this thing, both the controller chip and the SSD get crazy hot within like 10-15 seconds. I’ve already killed a couple of drives testing this out (RIP my SSDs 
).
You can see in the pic there’s some blue thermal paste or something that got spilled on it - not sure if that’s related or just makes it look more sketchy.
What I’ve tried:
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Different PCIe slots
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Cleaning off that blue stuff
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Testing the SSDs elsewhere first (they were fine before)
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UPDATE: Tried reflowing the ASM2824 chip with my hot air rework station - now the main chip doesn’t get as hot, BUT there’s a capacitor (and maybe some neighboring components) that’s getting super hot instead (marked in the attached image)
So it seems like I’ve just moved the problem around rather than fixed it. The capacitor getting hot suggests there might be a short or power delivery issue somewhere on the board.
Questions:
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Anyone else had an ASM2824 adapter go rogue like this?
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What would cause a capacitor to overheat like this after reflowing the main chip?
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Could this be a power rail short or failed voltage regulator?
Looking for help: At this point I’m curious enough about what went wrong that I’d be willing to pay someone with the right expertise and equipment to properly diagnose/repair this thing. If anyone here does PCB repair work or has access to proper diagnostic tools (JTAG, in-circuit testers, etc.) and wants to take a crack at it, shoot me a PM. I’m happy to cover shipping and pay for the work.
Otherwise, I’ll probably just chuck it and buy a replacement, but I’d love to know what actually killed this thing for future reference.
IC: https://www.asmedia.com.tw/product/249yq0aSx7zRFGJ9/7c5YQ79xz8urEGr1
