Nowadays you can use an SSD as cache (64GB max) to boost the transfer rate of a normal hard disk (Sata II or Sata III). This feature can increase the performance of large capacity disks. We'll walk you through all the steps in this article.

How to Use SSD Caching Technology

Some Prerequisites before beginning:

SSD

You will require a SSD with a minimum capacity of 64GB (optimal size).

HDD

Use a large capacity disk - 2TB.

Motherboard

Your motherboard must support the SSD Caching Technology (Asus, MSI, ASRock, Gigabyte).

Softwares

Based on the motherboard and SSD you are using:

Intel Smart Response:

Dataplex:

ExpressCache:

Implementation

Connect two hard drives

Warning: both HDDs must be connected to the same controller, e.g Marvel or Intel ...

Configuring the Cache

The default option, named "Enhanced" is less efficient but more secure than the "Maximized" option (risk of data loss). The Intel driver allows you to switch from one configuration another at any moment.

Minimum Cache: 19GB

Maximum Cache: 64GB

If you use a SSD with a capacity greater than 64GB, then the rest of the available space will be wasted.

Performance

The transfer rate ??of the hard disk

For a 2TB HDD with a speed of 140MB/s, SSD caching on Marvell controller will reach 250MB/s. Knowing that the SSD has a default speed of 550MB/s alone.

According to benchmarks, it appears that when working on small files, the SSD cache is particularly effective.

As for the remaining space of the SSD Cache

We notice a lower transfer rate:

Conclusion

Advantage

Optimize the performance of high capacity storage disk.

Inconveniences

Depending on the type of controllers and SSD used, the performance may be limited.

If you want to install Windows on the SSD, its better to avoid using SSD caching, as it will drop the default transfer rate by half.

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