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Intel Smart Response Technology - SRT @ [H]
- Thread starter FrgMstr
- Start date
From what I've read, the answer to this question is yes, although I haven't tried this exact configuration myself. You should probably avoid SRT 'Maximized' mode to avoid excessive wear on what I assume is a MLC SSD drive. And if you value your data, I'd recommend a backup strategy on that RAID0 array as well, this being somewhat unproven technology at this point.
Yes. You certainly can. Though I'm unsure how much of a benefit you'd get using it on a RAID 1 array. My guess is that reads will be the same as a single AHCI drive with SRT enabled and that your writes will be slightly slower given that two drives are being written to. I'm not sure how the algorithim deals with that. I don't recall seeing it in the documentation I've seen on the subject.
He said "RAID 1" not RAID 0. There is a big difference. While no RAID is truly a backup, but rather redundant, I can agree that a proper backup solution should be implemented no matter what the RAID level.
I'd think that a SRT cached RAID0 setup is the best way to go on a consumer desktop or gaming machine unless you want to use an SSD for your operating system. Obviously a dedicated SSD is really the ultimate way to go. RAID 0 improves sequential reads and writes compared to single drives by quite a bit. SRT doesn't. SRT however does improve 4K, 4K QD32, and 8k writes. Random reads are often slower on RAID 0 arrays and I think SRT will help overcome those limitations.
Ah, I misread that.
Hey, since you mention it, could you post links to any SRT documentation, whitepapers, etc you're aware of? The Google isn't dredging up much...
I don't think there are any official documents up on Intel's site yet.
update, if any1 cares..
I have installed my Gigabyte Z68Xud4b3/2600k, easy, no issue install of W7HP64. 1155 is a very fast platform, running over 4GHZ on air is just plain cool, excuse the pun...the Giga mobo..well - the touch bios, EFI hybrid thing is very underwhelming in it's presentation,ugly compared to others i've seen screenies of. That said, having a traditional bios is reasuring, nothing too hard to find etc...and it all works!! Not quite ready to part with the 1366 yet though, the RE3 has never BSODed, ever...this giga board has once already, whilst installing winrar of all things...otherwise, a great setup for a good price if you want to get a 1155 system just to mess around with, or even an upgrade for an older C2D setup. 1366 performance for quite a lot less. Thnx again Kyle, Dan and the rest of [H] for making it easier for all...
I have installed my Gigabyte Z68Xud4b3/2600k, easy, no issue install of W7HP64. 1155 is a very fast platform, running over 4GHZ on air is just plain cool, excuse the pun...the Giga mobo..well - the touch bios, EFI hybrid thing is very underwhelming in it's presentation,ugly compared to others i've seen screenies of. That said, having a traditional bios is reasuring, nothing too hard to find etc...and it all works!! Not quite ready to part with the 1366 yet though, the RE3 has never BSODed, ever...this giga board has once already, whilst installing winrar of all things...otherwise, a great setup for a good price if you want to get a 1155 system just to mess around with, or even an upgrade for an older C2D setup. 1366 performance for quite a lot less. Thnx again Kyle, Dan and the rest of [H] for making it easier for all...
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2011
- Messages
- 274
I know this is a pretty old thread, but am evaluating my own setup and just happened upon this.
I have 2x1TB drives in RAID 1 and have been that way for a while now. Even been able to upgrade motherboards, keeping them intel based, and being able to keep the array active thanks to their chipset revisions and Windows 7 driver handling.
Anyway, recently got a Z68 board and was contemplating SRT with the Intel 311 drive. I'm curious why you think it won't have much benefit in a RAID1 scenario. Even though 2 drives are being written to during writes, they are happening simultaneously, so the difference between a write to 1 drive and 2 drives should be negligible. Likewise, reads in a RAID1 have a worst case scenario of taking just as long as a single drive, but best case being half as long (RAID0 perf). No argument that it usually ends up being closer to the worst case.
I just don't see how SRT wouldn't have the same effect on a RAID1 array as it would on a single drive setup.
Hi all, I have been a larker on here for some time but this is my first post
I am about to build a new computer probably my last, well in this life anyway (I'm Seventy)
Case Silverstone Fortress FT02S Silver
or SilverStone Raven RV02-E with window ( I'm probably going with this)
PowerSupply Seasonic X-760 80Plus Gold 760W
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD5-B3 Motherboard
or GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 (I think the 5 is good enough as I never likely to have more than 2 Video cards )
Cpu Intel Intel Core i5 2500K ( If I go Intel this is a no brainer)
One other Possibility that I have been toying with: The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7 with a AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition & buy a new processor & second Graphics card when bulldozer is released.
Advantages cheaper motherboard with much longer shelf life & great support for multiple Graphic Cards.
Disadvantages slower computer now & no guarantee that bulldozer will be even as fast as the core i5.
Memory G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM (2x4GB) DDR3 ( I'm open to suggestions on this, reading Memory Specs gives me a headache
)
SSD Crucial M4 SSD 64GB (With Option 1 This one is only 159.00 Dollars & by the time I need to replace it they will be much cheaper anyway)
SSD Crucial M4 SSD 128GB (with Option 3 )
Harddisc (2) Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB HD103SJ
or (2) Western Digital Green 1TB WD10EARX ( From Reviews I'm expecting these to be Quieter but I'm not sure how much impact they will have on performance )
Graphics card MSI Radeon HD6970 Lightning 2GB 880Mhz
SoundCard Auzintech X-FI Forte
BlueRay Reader LG CH10LS20 10X Blu-ray DVD Combo Drive ( I'm almost certainly going with this as I doubt that I will ever be writing blue ray discs)
BlueRay Writer Pioneer BDR-206 Blu-Ray Disc Writer OEM ( although the writer doesn't cost that much more )
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64bit with SP1
I would like to hear any suggestions about the build as well, but that's not the main reason for my post
I'm trying to decide on the best way to use a small SSD.
My original idea was:
(1) A 64Gb SSD & use it with SRT & two 1 TB spinners using 1 for programs & 1 for data.
With the C: drive & the SSD acting as one drive. & the D: drive for data storage.
This option is simple to implement & is well within my capacities.
One further possibility with memory so cheap at present, would there be any advantage to adding another 8GB of ram to my build & using it as a ram drive?
After reading this thread I now have several other possibilities to consider
(2) still use SRT but use the 2 discs in raid o & add a third harddisk as a back up.
Is this even possible with SRT? My understanding of raid is rudimentary at best?
(3) replace the 64GB SSD with a 128GB one using the 128 GB for my operating System & Programs but keeping most of my games on the spinner.
Or is it possible to raid the 2 spinners as the D drive & install the operating system & programs on the SSD?
My oblivion folder alone would fill a 128GB drive.
I am currently playing Nehrim & use mTes4. I have been creating mods for Nehrim & have several different Nehrim installs with various mods loaded. When I start playing Oblivion again I am likely to have several different installs running at the same time. If I add Fallout & Skyrim to the mix I could easily have a 500GB games folder.
My understanding of raid is abysmal & this will be my first windows 7 system.
Which of these options will give me the best bang for the buck?
(1) which keeps my games on the same drive as the Operating system.
(2) If it's possible
(3) The third option which uses the SSD As the System Drive but moves games to a separate Drive ?
(4) Or another configurations that would be even better
thanks in advance for any help or input beebee
I am about to build a new computer probably my last, well in this life anyway (I'm Seventy)
Case Silverstone Fortress FT02S Silver
or SilverStone Raven RV02-E with window ( I'm probably going with this)
PowerSupply Seasonic X-760 80Plus Gold 760W
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD5-B3 Motherboard
or GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 (I think the 5 is good enough as I never likely to have more than 2 Video cards )
Cpu Intel Intel Core i5 2500K ( If I go Intel this is a no brainer)
One other Possibility that I have been toying with: The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7 with a AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition & buy a new processor & second Graphics card when bulldozer is released.
Advantages cheaper motherboard with much longer shelf life & great support for multiple Graphic Cards.
Disadvantages slower computer now & no guarantee that bulldozer will be even as fast as the core i5.
Memory G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM (2x4GB) DDR3 ( I'm open to suggestions on this, reading Memory Specs gives me a headache
)SSD Crucial M4 SSD 64GB (With Option 1 This one is only 159.00 Dollars & by the time I need to replace it they will be much cheaper anyway)
SSD Crucial M4 SSD 128GB (with Option 3 )
Harddisc (2) Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB HD103SJ
or (2) Western Digital Green 1TB WD10EARX ( From Reviews I'm expecting these to be Quieter but I'm not sure how much impact they will have on performance )
Graphics card MSI Radeon HD6970 Lightning 2GB 880Mhz
SoundCard Auzintech X-FI Forte
BlueRay Reader LG CH10LS20 10X Blu-ray DVD Combo Drive ( I'm almost certainly going with this as I doubt that I will ever be writing blue ray discs)
BlueRay Writer Pioneer BDR-206 Blu-Ray Disc Writer OEM ( although the writer doesn't cost that much more )
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64bit with SP1
I would like to hear any suggestions about the build as well, but that's not the main reason for my post
I'm trying to decide on the best way to use a small SSD.
My original idea was:
(1) A 64Gb SSD & use it with SRT & two 1 TB spinners using 1 for programs & 1 for data.
With the C: drive & the SSD acting as one drive. & the D: drive for data storage.
This option is simple to implement & is well within my capacities
.One further possibility with memory so cheap at present, would there be any advantage to adding another 8GB of ram to my build & using it as a ram drive?
After reading this thread I now have several other possibilities to consider
(2) still use SRT but use the 2 discs in raid o & add a third harddisk as a back up.
Is this even possible with SRT? My understanding of raid is rudimentary at best?
(3) replace the 64GB SSD with a 128GB one using the 128 GB for my operating System & Programs but keeping most of my games on the spinner.
Or is it possible to raid the 2 spinners as the D drive & install the operating system & programs on the SSD?
My oblivion folder alone would fill a 128GB drive.
I am currently playing Nehrim & use mTes4. I have been creating mods for Nehrim & have several different Nehrim installs with various mods loaded. When I start playing Oblivion again I am likely to have several different installs running at the same time. If I add Fallout & Skyrim to the mix I could easily have a 500GB games folder.
My understanding of raid is abysmal & this will be my first windows 7 system.
Which of these options will give me the best bang for the buck?
(1) which keeps my games on the same drive as the Operating system.
(2) If it's possible
(3) The third option which uses the SSD As the System Drive but moves games to a separate Drive ?
(4) Or another configurations that would be even better
thanks in advance for any help or input beebee
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2001
- Messages
- 12,826
I'm curious if this would work with my aging 80gb X25-M G2 drive.
Do you still need RAID0 when using SSD + RST?
I couldn't find any useful info regarding this before I bought my SSD. After I bought a SSD for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the Z68 + Intel RST, I started testing various configurations. Hope this helps for noobs like you and me.
My previous setup was 5 x 1TB running RAID0 (tests were done using 3 x 1TB Hitachi 7200 RPM drives)
Testing configurations:
System: ASRock Z68 Extreme4 with latest firmware + i7 2600 + 2x4GB DDR3-1600 + Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 x64
SSD : ADATA 60GB S511 SATA3 with TRIM (550 MB/s Read, 500 MB/s Write)
CDM #1: 3x1TB 7200RPM SATA2 RAID0
CDM #2: ADATA S511 60GB SATA3 TRIM on 3x1TB 7200 RPM SATA2 RAID0 RST Enhanced Mode
CDM #3: ADATA S511 60GB SATA3 TRIM on 3x1TB 7200 RPM SATA2 RAID0 RST Maximized Mode
CDM #1: 1x1TB 7200RPM HDD SATA2
CDM #2: ADATA S511 60GB SATA3 TRIM on 1x1TB 7200 RPM SATA2 HDD RST Enhanced Mode
CDM #3: ADATA S511 60GB SATA3 TRIM on 1x1TB 7200 RPM SATA2 HDD RST Maximized Mode
If you're planning to use RST Maximized Mode, you probably don't need RAID0 at all. However, there could be some difference when using RST Enhanced Mode... But then, RAID0 would still be beneficial if you perform a lot of application setups or copying large media files between drives. SSD Caching seems to degrade RAID0 sequencial Write performances.
Regardless, I ditched my previous 5x1TB RAID0 setup for a 1x1TB + SSD + RST. It's just as fast. I don't play a lot of games. The only game I'm still playing is Anal 1404...er...Anno 1404. There is a noticeable loading performance difference between the RAID0 without SSD RST and RAID0 + SSD + RST but very little when compared with a RAID0 + SSD + RST and a non-RAID + SSD + RST config. On my previous 5x1TB RAID0 config, it could take 3-5 minutes just to load a savegame, even on an I7-2600 + 8GB + Win7 x64 system. With my current 1x1TB + 60GB SSD + RST, that load time has shorten to less than 30 seconds. RST is definitely what I called the "poor man's SSD".
Oh yes, I also wanted to SSD cache my 5x1TB RAID0 but the Intel ICH chipset wouldn't allow me (or Windows wouldn't allow me). The ICH can only allow up to two arrays and RST already occupies one. If you create a 5TB array, Windows can only use 2TB and the rest is truncated or wasted (you can't use it). Keep in mind you cannot GPT the boot HDD. So, that's why I have to use a non-RAID 1TB for the RST array and then create a second 4x1TB RAID0 array for DATA storage. This Data array is not SSD cache and you really don't want to because SSD caching could degrade SEQ Write performances.
PS. Be sure to disable HDD Sleep/Suspend mode if your SSD is using a SandForce controller. Otherwise, your Windows would freeze/hang very often! No more freezes for me now...
I couldn't find any useful info regarding this before I bought my SSD. After I bought a SSD for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the Z68 + Intel RST, I started testing various configurations. Hope this helps for noobs like you and me.
My previous setup was 5 x 1TB running RAID0 (tests were done using 3 x 1TB Hitachi 7200 RPM drives)
Testing configurations:
System: ASRock Z68 Extreme4 with latest firmware + i7 2600 + 2x4GB DDR3-1600 + Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 x64
SSD : ADATA 60GB S511 SATA3 with TRIM (550 MB/s Read, 500 MB/s Write)
CDM #1: 3x1TB 7200RPM SATA2 RAID0
CDM #2: ADATA S511 60GB SATA3 TRIM on 3x1TB 7200 RPM SATA2 RAID0 RST Enhanced Mode
CDM #3: ADATA S511 60GB SATA3 TRIM on 3x1TB 7200 RPM SATA2 RAID0 RST Maximized Mode
CDM #1: 1x1TB 7200RPM HDD SATA2
CDM #2: ADATA S511 60GB SATA3 TRIM on 1x1TB 7200 RPM SATA2 HDD RST Enhanced Mode
CDM #3: ADATA S511 60GB SATA3 TRIM on 1x1TB 7200 RPM SATA2 HDD RST Maximized Mode
If you're planning to use RST Maximized Mode, you probably don't need RAID0 at all. However, there could be some difference when using RST Enhanced Mode... But then, RAID0 would still be beneficial if you perform a lot of application setups or copying large media files between drives. SSD Caching seems to degrade RAID0 sequencial Write performances.
Regardless, I ditched my previous 5x1TB RAID0 setup for a 1x1TB + SSD + RST. It's just as fast. I don't play a lot of games. The only game I'm still playing is Anal 1404...er...Anno 1404. There is a noticeable loading performance difference between the RAID0 without SSD RST and RAID0 + SSD + RST but very little when compared with a RAID0 + SSD + RST and a non-RAID + SSD + RST config. On my previous 5x1TB RAID0 config, it could take 3-5 minutes just to load a savegame, even on an I7-2600 + 8GB + Win7 x64 system. With my current 1x1TB + 60GB SSD + RST, that load time has shorten to less than 30 seconds. RST is definitely what I called the "poor man's SSD".
Oh yes, I also wanted to SSD cache my 5x1TB RAID0 but the Intel ICH chipset wouldn't allow me (or Windows wouldn't allow me). The ICH can only allow up to two arrays and RST already occupies one. If you create a 5TB array, Windows can only use 2TB and the rest is truncated or wasted (you can't use it). Keep in mind you cannot GPT the boot HDD. So, that's why I have to use a non-RAID 1TB for the RST array and then create a second 4x1TB RAID0 array for DATA storage. This Data array is not SSD cache and you really don't want to because SSD caching could degrade SEQ Write performances.
PS. Be sure to disable HDD Sleep/Suspend mode if your SSD is using a SandForce controller. Otherwise, your Windows would freeze/hang very often! No more freezes for me now...
Last edited:
Will SRT work for caching my mechanical drives if I boot my OS off of another SSD? I'm currently booting off of a 64GB SSD and have a Raid 1 of 2TB Blacks that I want to use a larson creek drive to add SRT caching to. I am unsure if SRT requires a mechanical boot drive (or works on non-boot volumes). I know it won't affect my SSD boot drive.
SRT works on any mechanical HDD regardless it's a boot drive or not.
But fyi, SRT is really too good to be true. It may seem WOW! Superfast!! Woohoo!!! Amazing!!!! at first but now I take that back and I have since stopped using SRT permanently. The reason is when the cache is full, the HDD becomes ultra-slow, sometimes dropping to only 30 MB/s from a normal 106 MB/s speed. I didn't notice it until I notice my Windows apps were sluggish and investigation that lead me to SRT. As soon as I disable and re-enable SRT, the HDD is back to WOW! Superfast!! Woohoo!!! Amazing!!!!
Now that SSDs are 30% cheaper than a few months ago, I have since bought another 60GB SSD and RAID-0 the two for my boot drive and re-make use of my 3 x 1TB RAID-0. No more sluggish behavior since getting rid of SRT.
But fyi, SRT is really too good to be true. It may seem WOW! Superfast!! Woohoo!!! Amazing!!!! at first but now I take that back and I have since stopped using SRT permanently. The reason is when the cache is full, the HDD becomes ultra-slow, sometimes dropping to only 30 MB/s from a normal 106 MB/s speed. I didn't notice it until I notice my Windows apps were sluggish and investigation that lead me to SRT. As soon as I disable and re-enable SRT, the HDD is back to WOW! Superfast!! Woohoo!!! Amazing!!!!
Now that SSDs are 30% cheaper than a few months ago, I have since bought another 60GB SSD and RAID-0 the two for my boot drive and re-make use of my 3 x 1TB RAID-0. No more sluggish behavior since getting rid of SRT.
Yes, but the problem is you won't know when the cache is full or not. Whenever you feel the system becomes somewhat slow, psychologically the first thing to think is SRT. You'll be wasting a lot of time with wild goose chases thinking the sluggish performance is a result or SRT but it could many other reasons as well. i.e. slow apps, stressful tasks, mult-tasking, etc.
- Joined
- May 31, 2003
- Messages
- 2,754
After upgrading over the weekend to a 2600K + z68, I decided to go the SRT route:
-80GB X-25m as boot
-3x1TB Samsung F3 RAID0 + 80GB X-25m + SRT for games
-2TB to backup most of the RAID array in case of integrity issues
Games definitely seem to load faster after the first couple of startups, and I get to keep SRT off of my boot disk and main applications in case there are any complications. I will be interested to see if I experience the same issues as iTwins after heavy use... but so far, so good.
-80GB X-25m as boot
-3x1TB Samsung F3 RAID0 + 80GB X-25m + SRT for games
-2TB to backup most of the RAID array in case of integrity issues
Games definitely seem to load faster after the first couple of startups, and I get to keep SRT off of my boot disk and main applications in case there are any complications. I will be interested to see if I experience the same issues as iTwins after heavy use... but so far, so good.
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2001
- Messages
- 12,826
I haven't experienced any slowdown after using SRT for quite some time. I installed over 2 dozen different games on my computer in preparation for GeforceLAN this past weekend, and I've been using SRT itself for over a month - I have to imagine my cache is full by now, but there is certainly no slowdown.
I see, thank you
I'm looking for a functionality/application acting like:
1. Smart response technology (problem: cannot be used when OS is installed on SSD) or
2. Readyboost, but without deleting the cache during reboot.
I want a program/function working like a read and write cache(*) for the 7200rpm drive (using e.g. 10-30GB of the SSD disk or USB for cache) that "survives" OS restart. Do anyone know if there exist any application with this functionality (Solutions I know: 1. buy a second SSD to use for HD cache using SRT, and 2. I could install OS on the 7200 rpm drive and use part of the SSD as cache also for the OS)?
(*) With cache I here mean something like:
- mirror the latest files read from the HD, and
- writes data directly to the USB, and later mirror the data to the Hard drive (when it has started up from idle to 7200rpm.)
Background: My system: Windows 7, Z68 motherboard, 120GB SSD + 1GB disk 7200rpm. The 1GB disk goes into standby (which is fine because I doesn't use it very often), but when data is needed it starts up slowly which is annoying.
1. Smart response technology (problem: cannot be used when OS is installed on SSD) or
2. Readyboost, but without deleting the cache during reboot.
I want a program/function working like a read and write cache(*) for the 7200rpm drive (using e.g. 10-30GB of the SSD disk or USB for cache) that "survives" OS restart. Do anyone know if there exist any application with this functionality (Solutions I know: 1. buy a second SSD to use for HD cache using SRT, and 2. I could install OS on the 7200 rpm drive and use part of the SSD as cache also for the OS)?
(*) With cache I here mean something like:
- mirror the latest files read from the HD, and
- writes data directly to the USB, and later mirror the data to the Hard drive (when it has started up from idle to 7200rpm.)
Background: My system: Windows 7, Z68 motherboard, 120GB SSD + 1GB disk 7200rpm. The 1GB disk goes into standby (which is fine because I doesn't use it very often), but when data is needed it starts up slowly which is annoying.
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I am really enjoying the Smart Response Technology, but found that on my machine the Maximized performance mode was causing it to lock up so I really can't recommend changing it from Enhanced. I thought it was worth trying out to see how well it worked but it actually seemed slower anyway..
- Joined
- May 31, 2003
- Messages
- 2,754
I have SRT running on my non-boot 3x1TB RAID 0 array and it does not affect the data on the array when I enable/disable SRT.