Problem understanding Intel Smart Response with Maximus Extreme Z

[Retired]

Im not understanding how I need to configure the setup with my SSD and HDD before the OS installation of Win 7. Do I install it as a RAID or so other setting? Can someone walk me through the steps completely? I only need the cliff notes version. Thanks ahead of time. :confused:

[Cheeba]

If you do not have two or more "of the same" hdd's that you want to combine into a RAID configuration. Then put the OS on the SSD and use the HDD for storage. If your SSD is SATA3 then put the SSD on the Intel(NOT MARVELL) 6G port(red), connect the HDD to the 3G intel port. Windows will ask you where you want to install the OS, just make sure you highlight the SSD. You can go back into the BIOS and disable the Marvell and JMB controllers (extra sata ports) if you are not going to use them to conserve resources.

By default your sata ports should be setup in AHCI mode(which you want), if setting up a RAID they need to be in RAID mode. Just check bios to be sure. Intel SSD toolbox is good to download to manage your SSD once you get it setup.

Good luck!

ps. the above does not utilyze the Intel SRT. Sorry if that's what you needed specifically (size of your SSD?). You did not list your components.

[Retired]

PROBLEM SOLVED!

I found out the series of steps need to accelerate my HDD with an SSD. Here are the steps in case anyone is unsure, take note this is installing a fresh copy of Windows 7 64 on a fresh HDD with a new SSD.

1. Ensure in BIOS that SATA mode is set to RAID. Ensure that your SSD is not connected yet. (My HDD is connected to my Intel SATA 3 6GB/s port 1.)
2. Install windows and it updates. Ensure all drivers are good to go.
3. Shut down and now connect the SSD. (The SDD is connected to Intel SATA 3 6GB/s port 0.)
4. Start the computer and install the latest Intel Rapid Storage Driver...currently at version 10.6. Restart the computer.
5. Start the Intel Rapid Storage Program and hit the accelrate button. Choose your HDD to accelerate. Choose how much of the SSD to utilize.
6. Choose either Ehanced or Maximize for acceleration. I choose Ehanced for better data integrity. Then apply settings and you should be good.

[MIVE]

Furien wrote:
PROBLEM SOLVED!

I found out the series of steps need to accelerate my HDD with an SSD. Here are the steps in case anyone is unsure, take note this is installing a fresh copy of Windows 7 64 on a fresh HDD with a new SSD.

1. Ensure in BIOS that SATA mode is set to RAID. Ensure that your SSD is not connected yet. (My HDD is connected to my Intel SATA 3 6GB/s port 1.)
2. Install windows and it updates. Ensure all drivers are good to go.
3. Shut down and now connect the SSD. (The SDD is connected to Intel SATA 3 6GB/s port 0.)
4. Start the computer and install the latest Intel Rapid Storage Driver...currently at version 10.6. Restart the computer.
5. Start the Intel Rapid Storage Program and hit the accelrate button. Choose your HDD to accelerate. Choose how much of the SSD to utilize.
6. Choose either Ehanced or Maximize for acceleration. I choose Ehanced for better data integrity. Then apply settings and you should be good.

Can't we use AHCI?

[Kipper]

No, for the caching to work in Smart Response you need to be in RAID

Here is a darn good read on Smart Response