Z68 - SRT cache and boot volume on a single SSD disk - it works!

[MTDEW]

However, it is true that enabling SRT cache on SSD (in any configuration) disables pass-through mode on the controller and OS cannot communicate with the SSD directly any more (i.e. to send TRIM commands). At the current state, TRIM will not work on Intel RAID volumes. So if you use your SSD for SRT (whatever setup you pick), you have to keep this in mind.

So you lose TRIM on both SSD partitions?
Or just the SRT partition?
I'm not sure losing TRIM on my SSD is worth it to me, just to have my games on my mechanical secondary drive load a bit faster.

 

[aszu]

So you lose TRIM on both SSD partitions?
Or just the SRT partition?
I'm not sure losing TRIM on my SSD is worth it to me, just to have my games on my mechanical secondary drive load a bit faster.

You always lose TRIM on SSD if you do any kind of RAID on it (including cache/data partition). TRIM works on device level and when you use SSD as a part of RAID volume, direct access to the device from the OS is not possible any more.

Personaly, I am not concerned about lack of TRIM, as my SSD got internal garbage collector. It is probably not as effective as TRIM, but definitively good enough.

 

[MTDEW]

You always lose TRIM on SSD if you do any kind of RAID on it (including cache/data partition). TRIM works on device level and when you use SSD as a part of RAID volume, direct access to the device from the OS is not possible any more.

Personaly, I am not concerned about lack of TRIM, as my SSD got internal garbage collector. It is probably not as effective as TRIM, but definitively good enough.

Thanks for the info, i haven't run a raid setup in years and obviously not since I have had an SSD, so i did not know that.

I guess i'm in the camp where i'd prefer to just have my SSD for my OS and my storage drive for my games, music etc..etc...
Heck I can even fit whatever few current games i'm playing on my SSD if i really do want take advantage of my SSD and load times.

 

[LieutenantFrost]

Or P67, lol
I still can't believe how much superior was my old, plain p8p67 (non-pro or anything like that) comparing to crappy Asrock Z68 Pro3

Anzu Why was it superior? I'd love to know because Im trying to decide between a p67 and a z68 right now

 

[aszu]

Anzu Why was it superior? I'd love to know because Im trying to decide between a p67 and a z68 right now

I am talking particularly about Asrock Z68 Pro3 motherboard. Z68 chipset itself is obviously better than p67, but this specific Asrock MB is pretty badly designed comparing to Asus P8P67. It has got this low-budget feeling.

1. MB is smaller (narrower) than usual ATX, it means that on the right side screws holes might not fit you case (depends on your case, does not fit on mine). Part of MB where RAM slots are located effectively just hoovers in the air.

2. Only one PCI 16x slot, small amount of USB ports, only 6x SATA. No firewire, eSATA or any other gimmicks.

3. UEFI 'bios' is ugly comparing to P8p67 one

4. Something (coil?) on this MB makes irritating, hissing noise under heavy GPU or HDD load. This did not happen on P8P67.

5. No diagnostic LEDs on MB whatsoever, you don't even know if power is connected to the MB. For instance, P8P67 got this nice RAM test LED, etc.

6. Not much space on MB (as it is smaller than usual), everything is squeezed.
On P8pP67 there was more space between CPU, RAM slots and other components - it is easier to fit bigger HSF.
Also, mounting this additional bracket for HSF is a bit scary task on Asrock, as paths on PCB are placed next to mounting holes - mounting screws are sitting directly on these paths and I suppose it is easy to damage them by tighting screws too much.

Generally, I can live with these drawbacks, as MB works just fine and is sitting in the case - so I do not care for most of the time. It also overclocks better for me than P8P67. (4.5Ghz works without a problem, I couldn't make it on Asus despite trying hard).
However, my initial impression was far from positive

 

[bka4u2c]

I have a question but not sure exactly what to ask. I am setting up my Z68 system today and getting a hold of using SRT usuage. My current setup consists of a 128GB Crucial C300 with Win 7 OS on it, Office, other programs; a 128gb OCZ Vertex 2 with games installed on it; and (2)1TB drives running in RAID 0 with data, games, etc on it. The new setup will consist of a Gigabyte Z68 motherboard, a Intel 510 128gb for Win 7 OS, Office, etc; the Crucial C300 for games and the 2TB RAID array will carry over. (I will be selling the OCZ Vertex2 in the sale thread soon).

I guess my question is, Is SRT unnecessary for me in this setup? I understand that I will have to setup SRT on the Intel 510 before installing the new OS if I'm reading correctly. But should I set it up on the Crucial drive as well? Can I even do that? Both drives will be on the SATA 6Gb ports without problems correct?

EDIT: Never mind. Upon further reading, not even needed.

 

[Chaoticlusts]

Hey just thought I'd post up another +1 for success of this build...posting now from my new computer it's running an OCZ Vertex III MaxIOPS 120GB with 64GB caching a 3TB HDD and the remaining space acting as my primary OS drive

Oh a little addition to what was stated before you don't just need to unplug the drive you had the original OS installation on when you put the OS on the SSD you also (at least in my case) need to unplug *every* other drive while you install windows on the SSD otherwise you get an error telling you it can't be installed to that drive. but that's not really a huge issue...just pull all the sata cables do the install turn the comp off and plug them all back in ^_^

<3'ing the SSD difference btw...ultra fast bootup and it's definitely accelerating the HDD, was playing a game earlier (off the HDD) and loads/startups after the first were *way* quicker (had to restart it a few times cause games for windows live kept crapping itself ) and the 47.7GB seems plenty for the OS drive (only using 16GB atm after getting rid of useless crap)

 

[Gadget Man 007]

Hey just thought I'd post up another +1 for success of this build...posting now from my new computer it's running an OCZ Vertex III MaxIOPS 120GB with 64GB caching a 3TB HDD and the remaining space acting as my primary OS drive

Oh a little addition to what was stated before you don't just need to unplug the drive you had the original OS installation on when you put the OS on the SSD you also (at least in my case) need to unplug *every* other drive while you install windows on the SSD otherwise you get an error telling you it can't be installed to that drive. but that's not really a huge issue...just pull all the sata cables do the install turn the comp off and plug them all back in ^_^

<3'ing the SSD difference btw...ultra fast bootup and it's definitely accelerating the HDD, was playing a game earlier (off the HDD) and loads/startups after the first were *way* quicker (had to restart it a few times cause games for windows live kept crapping itself ) and the 47.7GB seems plenty for the OS drive (only using 16GB atm after getting rid of useless crap)

I tried this in conjunction with what the OP stated with no luck. I install W7 to a HDD, enable SRT with ~18GB, but when I go to install W7 in the remaining space on the SSD, the SSD never appears on the drive list. Yes, I've tried unplugging every other SATA device on my mobo.

What am I doing wrong? Thanks

 

[aszu]

I tried this in conjunction with what the OP stated with no luck. I install W7 to a HDD, enable SRT with ~18GB, but when I go to install W7 in the remaining space on the SSD, the SSD never appears on the drive list. Yes, I've tried unplugging every other SATA device on my mobo.

What am I doing wrong? Thanks

You have to provide Windows installer with Intel storage driver on USB stick.

 

[Chaoticlusts]

I tried this in conjunction with what the OP stated with no luck. I install W7 to a HDD, enable SRT with ~18GB, but when I go to install W7 in the remaining space on the SSD, the SSD never appears on the drive list. Yes, I've tried unplugging every other SATA device on my mobo.

What am I doing wrong? Thanks

have you loaded up the latest intel sata/SRT drivers during the middle of the windows installation (ie when it comes up with the options of HDD's to pick from you pick the load drivers options throw in a USB stick with them on load them refresh the list it should be there then)

 

[Gadget Man 007]

Thanks for the quick responses. At the time I wasn't using any drivers (had just assumed it would see it since it could see the SSD without SRT).

Anyway, I grabbed the drivers (here), boot to Windows install disc, load the driver from a flashdrive, and while all that goes smoothly, the SSD still doesn't appear. I've tried it with and without other SATA devices connected. Very weird.

 

[aszu]

Thanks for the quick responses. At the time I wasn't using any drivers (had just assumed it would see it since it could see the SSD without SRT).

Anyway, I grabbed the drivers (here), boot to Windows install disc, load the driver from a flashdrive, and while all that goes smoothly, the SSD still doesn't appear. I've tried it with and without other SATA devices connected. Very weird.

This driver is old, it does not support SRT.
Get the proper 'floppy' driver from MB manufacturer page. I could not find the latest version of storage driver on Intel site as well (it seems that for some reason Intel stopped updating RST drivers on their site...)

You need 10.5.0.1026 (or very similar) version.

 

[Gadget Man 007]

This driver is old, it does not support SRT.
Get the proper 'floppy' driver from MB manufacturer page. I could not find the latest version of storage driver on Intel site as well (it seems that for some reason Intel stopped updating RST drivers on their site...)

You need 10.5.0.1026 (or very similar) version.

You nailed it! Grabbed the driver off Gigabyte's website, unpacked it to my flashdrive, boot to Windows disc, load driver, and BOOM, the SSD appears. Installing Windows 7 to the SSD now. Really appreciate your help. Thanks!

 

[aszu]

You nailed it! Grabbed the driver off Gigabyte's website, unpacked it to my flashdrive, boot to Windows disc, load driver, and BOOM, the SSD appears. Installing Windows 7 to the SSD now. Really appreciate your help. Thanks!

Great! Enjoy your SSD caching

 

[ZealPath]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the great info in this thread, not only did it inspire me to change my recently placed order to a Z68 motherboard, I just completed my setup using the various instructions in this thread and finally get it working with the OS and cache on the SSD and the cache speeding up a 1TB gaming storage drive.

I mostly got held up by reading too quickly and not realizing I had to unplug all the other SATA devices such as the drive I used for the temp OS install before I would be able to complete the W7 install on the SSD. After that it was smooth sailing, good luck to everyone else and thanks again!

 

[Gadget Man 007]

Great! Enjoy your SSD caching

Well... apparently I spoke too soon. Windows finished installing and as soon as I got to my desktop on first boot I inserted the disc that came with my motherboard that has all the drivers and utilities (including the Intel Rapid Storage tool). I installed everything just as I had done when setting up the SSD for caching initially (when I was using the Windows install on the HDD) however the program doesn't appear anywhere. I have spent all day downloading and installing versions off Intel's site (which are all out of date) as well as the version from Gigabyte for my specific MB (Z68XP-UD5) but none of them get the application to appear. I am stumped.

EDIT: Actually, although I can't get the RST app to show up in Windows, in my BIOS it looks like the HDD is caching to the SSD. False alarm... I think. Will post back if I can confirm one way or the other.

 

[Chaoticlusts]

Hmmm that's very very odd Gadget...As far as I know you *need* the RST software running for it to work as it's a purely software solution but I'm not certain of that... you have checked in the little icon window in the bottom right rather than the main toolbar? (I don't mean to sound condescending at all just covering all the bases) cause from what I remember it doesn't actually appear at all when you run the app just goes down into that section like AMD catalyst control centre and similar apps..

if it's not there after you run it one other thing to check is start task manager and see if the process is running at all after you run the app?

I hate when these little niggly problems pop up right at the end when everything should be right..have had to sort a few of them myself in my new build

 

[Gadget Man 007]

I have checked the area next to the clock (as this is where I original haas the application when I installed Windows to the HDD)... Nothing. I can even do a search of the drives for "Rapid Storage Technology" and still not get any results. I've tried reinstalling Windows twice but that hasn't helped either. I've checked Processes in Task Manager and didn't see anything about the RST. Almost tempted to just get a second SSD to make things easier. Lol

 

[Gadget Man 007]

Just thinking, would updating the firmware of my SSD (Crucial m4) help my situation? Guess it couldn't hurt.

 

[Chaoticlusts]

ok that is really odd....

A firmware update shouldn't fix it but I learned a long time ago when you run into odd problems never rule *anything* out (I had massive post issues once where my computer wouldn't post 90&#37; of the time...turned out to be a dead floppy disk drive....that took a *long* time to find >_<) so sure update the firmware might want to make sure there's no 'issues' with crucial's latest firmware cause updating it can cause problems (and can lose the data on the drive currently)it's why all hardware manufacturers tell you not to upgrade firmware unless you run into a problem...want to walk us through what you did if you remember see if there's anything..

other than that and maybe before you do the firmware thing (assuming you haven't already) update as many drivers in windows as you can in regards to SATA, RST, random MB crap...hell anything I'd say registery problems but you've reinstalled windows...are you loading any other 3rd party (ie not on the windows disc) drivers other than the intel RST ones before you install the rapid storage tool? and have you actually quick formatted the drive before you do the windows reinstall?

again I don't mean any of these questions to be condescending but well your right what's happening to you just shouldn't be happening so trying to cover every base... unfortunately I'm not IT or anything just a layman that uses computers a lot and has done for decades...hopefully someone with real training can jump in on this but if I can think of anything I'll try and help...I know how much of a headache new setup issues are >_<

*edit* as a random side note the above floppy drama (hehehe ) caused me to never put a FDD in another system from that point onwards (they were basically obsolete by then anyway) for very little reason other than damn I was angry when I figured it out.... any time my computer had been off more than 10 minutes it would take me 10-20minutes of turning it on and off before I could get it to post again and with that obscure a problem finding a solution in forums just wasn't happening

 

[Gadget Man 007]

I take no offense at all. Obviously I'm doing something wrong so I appreciate any help I can get.

I'll hold off on the SSD firmware update for now but try to update everything else. No, the RST stuff is the first thing I do in Windows on first boot. I think I formatted the drive (using the tools on the Windows install CD) each time as well, but I'm only about 95&#37; sure on that.

Here's everything I did (that I can remember anyway):
1. Boot to Windows CD, then format HDD and install Windows.
2. Install RST tools and enable SSD for Acceleration using 18.8GB.
3. Disconnect all SATA drives except the SSD and boot to Windows CD.
4. Load drives for SRT from flashdrive and install Windows to SSD.
5. Reconnect HDD via SATA, boot into Windows, and attempt to install SRT stuff from disc (have also tried the files I downloaded from Gigabyte).
6. Format HDD (the one Windows was first installed on).
7. Look for SRT tool to enable acceleration, can't find it, begin researching problem.

 

[Gadget Man 007]

Well, just updated everything and the only noticeable change is my wireless card isn't working anymore. Guess I'll just start over from step 1 (Windows on the HDD).

 

[Gadget Man 007]

Just about ready to give up here. Just formatted all my drives and started from scratch. In exactly the same position I was in a few hours ago. I think I'm going to just try to trust that the BIOS is implying the HDD is being cached to my SSD. I took careful notes this time so hopefully they help someone.

1. Reset RAID status of SSD (removing everything from prior attempts)
2. Boot to Windows disc
3. Delete all partitions on SSD and on HDD
4. Select to install Windows to the HDD
5. Once in Windows, navigate to Gigabyte.us to get Intel Smart Response utility for my motherboard.
6. Install Smart Response utility and reboot. Nothing (in the taskbar).
7. Uninstall Smart Response utility (the downloaded one)
8. Insert disc that came with motherboard and install all drivers except "Splashtop Connect." Then "Yes" to install utilities.
9. Reboot, open Smart Response utlility from taskbar (next to clock)
10. Choose "Accelerate," then "Enable Accelerate," select 18.6GB and Enhanced
11. Shutdown, unplug all SATA devices except SSD, power on, boot to Windows disc
12. Load drivers for SRT from flashdrive. Select and install Windows to the SSD.
13. Once in Windows, install all drivers from the motherboard disc except "Splashtop Connect," and again, "Yes" to install utilities.
14. Power off, connect SATA HDD (the one Windows is installed on), power on, nothing in taskbar.
15. Format HDD in Disk Management, reboot, still nothing.

My PC setup:
Core i7 2600K
16GB Corsair Vengeance RAM
64GB Crucial m4 SSD
250GB WD HDD
Gigabyte Z68XP-UD5

 

[aszu]

Just about ready to give up here. Just formatted all my drives and started from scratch. In exactly the same position I was in a few hours ago. I think I'm going to just try to trust that the BIOS is implying the HDD is being cached to my SSD. I took careful notes this time so hopefully they help someone.

This seems like some problem with this Rapid Storage Utility installer.
Possibly you have got some corrupted/incorrect version?
It is quite suspicious that it works OK on HDD installation though.

Please try this one:

http://europe.asrock.com/downloadsite/drivers/Intel/SATA/RapidStorage_Win7-64_Win7_Vista64_Vista_XP64_XP(10.5.0.1027).zip

(it is from Asrock site, but will work fine with your MB).

Once installed you should see "Intel Rapid Storage Technology Service" service present (and running) under Windows services (start -> run -> services.msc)

You should also see this utility in "Program Files\Intel\Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology"
You can just run it manually (i think it is iastorui.exe file), even when icon is not present in system tray.

 

[Gadget Man 007]

This seems like some problem with this Rapid Storage Utility installer.
Possibly you have got some corrupted/incorrect version?
It is quite suspicious that it works OK on HDD installation though.

Please try this one:

http://europe.asrock.com/downloadsite/drivers/Intel/SATA/RapidStorage_Win7-64_Win7_Vista64_Vista_XP64_XP(10.5.0.1027).zip

(it is from Asrock site, but will work fine with your MB).

Once installed you should see "Intel Rapid Storage Technology Service" service present (and running) under Windows services (start -> run -> services.msc)

You should also see this utility in "Program Files\Intel\Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology"
You can just run it manually (i think it is iastorui.exe file), even when icon is not present in system tray.

OMG! I begin by checking running services. Not there. I check the directory you mentioned. Not there. I go to install the files from the Asrock site, says I already have a newer version installed, I proceed anyway, reboot, AND IT WORKS! I have the RST application now!

Thank you so much Aszu (and Chaoticlusts for convincing me to keep working on this)!

Oh and the best part... acceleration is already enabled for my hard drive like I suspected from the BIOS but still very happy to know for sure (and have a GUI to manage it).