Intel matrix storage

[Slbrittin2]

The procedure requires 2 matched hdd. Can raid 1 be accomplished with ssd/nvme?

[BrusC_Intel]

Hello, Slbrittin2.

Thank you for posting on the Intel Community Support forum for Intel® Virtual RAID on CPU (Intel® VROC).

I received your case regarding a possible storage configuration, and I will be reviewing this with you.

I would like to confirm exactly what platform or driver you are working with to make sure I provide the correct information, or confirm if I can point you in the correct direction.

1. What is the model of the platform or motherboard that you are currently using?
2. If you are working with a specific Intel RST, RSTe, or VROC driver, what is the version?

I will follow up on October 19th just in case.

Regards,

Bruce C.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Slbrittin2]

Thank you for replying.

I have 2 pc’s with Raid capability using Intel Matrix Storage, Lenovo M58 9728 and Dell Optiplex 3050. Windows 10 is running on both pc’s.

Raid isn’t currently enabled in the Lenovo Bios. It has a 120gb ssd and a 250gb Seagate hdd. 

Raid is enabled in the Dell Bios. It has a 250gb ssd and a 512gb nvme.

The Lenovo is Lga775 with Intel q8400 cpu & 16gb ram.

The Dell is lga1151 with Intel i5-6500 cpu & 16gb ram.

My intent is to create Raid 1 on both pc’s using Intel Matrix Storage.

[Slbrittin2]

I need to know the appropriate intel software to downloaded for these PC's. According to the Lenovo User Manual, Intel Matrix Software for Windows XP will work, but I'm not convinced that is the appropriate intel software i.e., there's likely a newer solution. I  read the Dell User Manual and it recommends the Intel Matrix Driver as well, but user blogs say they had problems when using an SSD  and/or NVMe. Both Lenovo and Dell User Manuals recommend using matched HDD's, but I'm hoping Intel Matrix is upgraded to allow me to use an SSD and HDD; and/or SSD and NVMe. Thanks 

[n_scott_pearson]

I can't promise anything for systems this old, but the Intel Rapid Storage capability is, in general, 2-4 SATA devices or 2-3 NVMe devices can be included in an array. You cannot combine SATA drives with NVMe drives within an array, but you can simultaneously have an array containing SATA drives and an array combining NVMe drives.

So let's talk impact with your configurations.

• RAID1 utilizes one drive to hold a mirror copy of another drive.
• If the mirror device is larger than the mirrored device, the additional space is wasted. In your example, you cannot have the HDD device be mirrored because the SSD is smaller. If mirroring the SSD to the HDD, half of the HDD would be wasted.
• Putting a SATA SSD and a SATA HDD in the same array will slow the performance of the array to that of the HDD.
• You cannot use RAID1 on the 6th gen-based system. You cannot combine SATA and NVMe drives in an array.

As for getting the software, it is called Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) in Desktop designs and Intel Matrix Storage in Server designs. I cannot tell what you have.

Hope this helps,

...S

[Slbrittin2]

Thank you. Using Windows 10, if possible, I'll sync files on both drives/ on both PC's.

[BrusC_Intel]

Hello, Slbrittin2.

Thank you very much for the additional information.

With this not being related to Intel VROC in any way, I will move your thread to the Intel Rapid Storage Technology community section.

One of my colleagues will contact you back as soon as possible.

Regards,

Bruce C.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Steven_Intel]

Hello Slbrittin2,

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.

Were you able to follow the recommendations provided by Scott? If you have not already, you can download Intel® RST from the board/device manufacturer website.

Best regards,

Steven G.

Intel Customer Support Technician.

[AndrewG_Intel]

Hello Slbrittin2

We are checking this thread and we would like to know if you need further assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact us back if you have additional inquiries.

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[AndrewG_Intel]

Hello Slbrittin2

We have not heard back from you so we will proceed to close this thread now. If you need any additional information, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician