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AHCI versus RAID with 2TB HD + 32GB M.2 SSD Cache and 250 SSD
I got a new XPS 8900 with a 2TB HD + 32GB M.2 SSD Cache and I want to use a Samsung 250GB 840 EVO SSD I already had as the system drive. I would also put programs and files I use frequently in the 250GB SDD. The 2TB hard drive would store user files, music, photos and videos.
After reading in different forums, it seems to me that if I want to use the 32GB SSD as a cache, I would need to set the SATA controller to RAID. On the other hand, Samsung recommends using AHCI for optimum performance of the 250GB SSD drive and the RAPID mode available with Samsung Magician only works with AHCI.
I also read that RAID offers similar performance as AHCI for a single drive and that it can improve performance when using two drives as RAID 0.
I have 3 options:
1- Select AHCI, use the 250GB SSD in RAPID mode and leave the 2TB hard drive as a regular HD. The 32GB SSD would not be useful, it is too small as a standalone drive. This may be the simpler option.
2- Select RAID, use the 250GB SSD without the RAPID mode and use the 2TB hard drive as a RAID 0 with the 32GB SSD so that it works as a cache. This could have the advantage of speeding up the 2TB HD but I am worried it could slow down the system drive as compared to option 1.
3- Select RAID, use the 250GB SSD as a RAID 0 with the 32GB SSD and use the 2TB hard drive as a hard drive. The system drive could be faster than in option 1.
Can anyone tell me what option would be best?
osprey4
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January 12th, 2016 16:00
Hi Sssanti,
If you use the SSD as your system drive, there is no need for a cache. The cache is only useful for rotational hard drives. Just set the controller mode to AHCI. You can use the cache as an ordinary drive, such as for backup purposes. Even 32 GB should be enough for routine backup of data files, for example.
sssanti
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January 13th, 2016 08:00
Thanks for your reply. I think that my post is incorrect when talking about RAID 0. I should have said using the 32GB SSD as a cache. For RAID 0 to make sense, I would need two SSDs with the same size.
I understand that my 250GB SSD is fine as system drive without cache, but I was hoping I could improve the speed of the mechanical hard drive with photo files by using the 32GB as a cache. To do this I would need to set the SATA controller to RAID, and I would not be able to use the RAPID mode in the Samsung Magician software.
Your response implies that using RAID the system 250GB SSD drive would be slower and that a faster system drive using AHCI with the RAPID mode would be better than a slower system drive with a faster mechanical hard drive. Is this correct?