Z68 + SSD

qbazdz

qbazdz

qbazdz

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Anyone tried the following:

Partition SSD into Win 7 system partition and cache for Smart Response

Put Win7 on first partition of SSD
Raid the second partition of SSD with your HDD through Smart Response

Is this possible in the first place?
 
I'm looking at a similar setup, hence I bought a Z68.

Reviews of SSD-caching are mixed, mainly as it takes time to "learn" your most used files/patterns of use, which make it difficult (and time-consuming) to benchmark.

A 40GB boot drive + 20GB cache would fit a 60GB SSD perfectly, making a very cheap upgrade. Two SSDs in RAID0 would be lightning fast, but you'd need a third SSD for caching - which is where it starts getting expensive.

My favoured options would be:
One fast 120GB SSD (eg Vertex3) for boot + cache (20-40gb)
Two "cheap" 60GB SSDs (eg Agility3) for RAID

So I'm waiting for more conclusive reviews before deciding. And waiting for that elusive "mega-deal".
 
Well, the main question is then - has anyone tried it?
I've seen the benches of the improved HDD performance with the SSD cache, but only in cache + HDD config with Win7 on the HDD.
I'm ok with getting a 120GB SSD and splitting...
 
Update...
I talked to intel tech support through their Live Chat yesterday, see below

: Hi
: I have a question re the Smart Response technology and the way it is set up
: I wonder if it is possible to set up the following scenario
: 1 SSD with 2 partitions, one for the OS and 2nd for the HDD cache
: 1 HDD to be RAID with the 2nd partition of the SSD
Moorthy: I see.
: so essentially we end up with 1 partition on SSD with our OS, a SSD cached HDD drive
: can this be implemented?
Moorthy: As per the configuration guidelines, you can create two partition on the SSD one for caching and another for data storage.
Moorthy: As per your enquiry yo are not going to configure OS installation partition on RAID array, am I right?
: correct
Moorthy: If you are using the RAID array only for data storage its possible.
: the RAID is a 'storage' partition, while the system is installed on the separate SSD partition
Moorthy: To enable this technology we need to reserve one partition for the caching.
Moorthy: You can use other partition for the OS installtion..
: so how should I proceed with the actual set up
Moorthy: Yes you can go ahead and install OS on one partition.
Moorthy: Configure RAID with other hard drives.
Moorthy: Enable Intel® Smart Response Technology from Rapid Storage Technology Interface.
Moorthy: Select the second partition on the SSD for caching.
: superb
Moorthy: I hope it should workout.
Moorthy: I haven't checked the same yet in my LAB.
Moorthy: As per the configuration it should work with out any issues.
Moorthy: The reason for the same is, you can limit the caching partition as your needs.
Click to expand...

Seems like all should work out ok, I will be testing this next week :)
 
qbazdz said:
Update...
I talked to intel tech support through their Live Chat yesterday, see below



Seems like all should work out ok, I will be testing this next week :)
Click to expand...

I'm building a new PC at the moment (or rather I'm researching parts and ordering atm) and this is the setup that I'd like to go with so i'd be really interested to hear if you were able to get this setup working and if you think it's worth it?
 
This type of setup has never occured to me! Recently got a 60gb SSD myself, and seem to be running low on space to install programs so forced to install the less commonly used ones on my HDD. Have you tried this yet? I think you just gave people another reason to buy the Z68 if the SSD caching can work this way :D.
 
Unfortunately not yet. I've been benching and testing the limit of the CPU o/c so far and saving the SSD to be as fresh as possible for the final lot.
I hope to try this set up this coming week, probably towards the middle part of it.
I'll keep you posted!
 
Seems like this type of configuration won't work.
I tried two different approached -
1. install Win7 on a SSD partition, add HDD, turn RAID on and then turn the cache on
2. turn RAID on, install Win7 and then turn cache on.

Somewhere on the intel forum, Ive read that the Smart Response needs a clean SSD drive, not just empty space to be used.
It would make sense as you can RAID whole drives not partitions, so it would appread that you can do this but with 2 separate SSDs - one for system and one for caching.

If someone gets some luck let us know!
 
From what I understand, you have to install the drive as follows:

1. install windows on a normal hard disk, as normal.
2. install intel SRT driver.
3. physically install the SSD
4. change the settings in Intel's driver and assign the RAID array, between your SSD and the magnetic hard disk you wish to RAID

I could be wrong, but that's what I understand is the best procedure. Also I've read a lot of reports that the Asus Z68 boards are the ones which are having the most problems with SRT technology.
 
sunama, this is obvious and I know the standard setup.

I was hoping to have Win7 on SSD partition 1, remaining free space of SSD used for a separate HDD which is used as storage
 
OIC. Sorry.

I think the best way would be to use 2 separate SSDs (1 for caching and 1 for your Windows install).

Apart from the reason you described, there is another reason for this.

Apparently SRT really thrashes your SSD, especially on the 'maximise' setting. I believe that this is the reason why Intel advise that you use their Larson Creek 20GB SLC drive (not MLC). Apparently SLC is more resilient to being constantly written to and deleted. Unfortunately, SLC is also more expensive than MLC drives.

Due the Z68 chipset being so new, there isn't yet any anecdotal evidence of MLC SSDs dying quickly, when used as the caching drive. What we can infer is that Intel, for whatever reason, have created a driver for SRT, made from SLC chips...there must be a good reason for this.

At present though, the Intel 311 SSD drives are retailing at around £90...which doesn't make SRT worth the money. Its better to pay an extra £10 and buy a 96GB SSD and install your OS on that.
 
sunama said:
OIC. Sorry.

I think the best way would be to use 2 separate SSDs (1 for caching and 1 for your Windows install).

Apart from the reason you described, there is another reason for this.

Apparently SRT really thrashes your SSD, especially on the 'maximise' setting. I believe that this is the reason why Intel advise that you use their Larson Creek 20GB SLC drive (not MLC). Apparently SLC is more resilient to being constantly written to and deleted. Unfortunately, SLC is also more expensive than MLC drives.

Due the Z68 chipset being so new, there isn't yet any anecdotal evidence of MLC SSDs dying quickly, when used as the caching drive. What we can infer is that Intel, for whatever reason, have created a driver for SRT, made from SLC chips...there must be a good reason for this.

At present though, the Intel 311 SSD drives are retailing at around £90...which doesn't make SRT worth the money. Its better to pay an extra £10 and buy a 96GB SSD and install your OS on that.
Click to expand...

Apologies for resurrecting this, but I just bought a Crucial M4 for my SRT cache, so did I buy the right kind of Flash to take the thrashing? I will have my OS on a separate Vertex 3 FYI.

Cheer!
 
Use the Crucial M4, by all means.
If it messes up, you have a 3 year warranty.

In 3 years time when the warranty is finished, you will probably throw the drive away and replace it with something significantly faster.

Go for it man.
 
Tryed it and was crap very buggy at the moment so ive gone back to os on ssd and games on raptor.
 
Clone.
Can you give us more details?
Many people around the World have used the SRT tech and it works just fine.
A little more detail please.
 
Are you referring to the setup I've used over here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=19834039&postcount=8

I'm using 20GB of my SSD with ISRT to boost my mechanical drive. The other 100GB is used for the OS and applications I want to have full speed.

For my performance benchies you can check the firmware 0009 thread for the Crucial M4 in the Hard drive forum. I've lost some speed due to ISRT, but all of my games are on the mechanical drive and I am first to load into games, so it is definitely working nicely.
 
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Ive just got my asrock extreme 7 Z68 board and interested in doing this, is there a noob friendly guide that breaks it down and shows how to do it. ive seen the plextor SSDs for 110 for a 128GB!! thanks in advance
 
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