SSD (Solid State Drive) is a type of storage media that uses memory chips to store data, without moving mechanical parts. SSDs have advantages in terms of speed, durability, and power consumption compared to HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), which use rotating magnetic platters to store data. However, SSDs also have disadvantages, namely smaller capacity and more expensive prices compared to HDDs.
What if you want to get the benefits of an SSD without having to sacrifice the capacity and cost of an HDD? One solution is to use an SSD as a cache for HDDs. A cache is a temporary storage area used to store frequently accessed data, which can improve the performance and speed of your computer. By using an SSD as a cache for the HDD, you can speed up boot times, application loading times, and data transfer times, while taking advantage of the HDD’s large capacity and low price.
In this article, Bardimin will explain how to use SSD as a cache for HDDs, both for Windows and Linux operating systems. Bardimin will also provide some tips and tricks to optimize the use of SSDs as a cache for HDDs. Let’s get started!
How to Use SSD as Cache for HDD on Windows
There are several ways to use an SSD as a cache for HDDs in Windows, depending on the type of SSD and HDD you’re using, as well as the version of Windows you’re running. The following are some of the most common and easy ways to do this:
Using Intel Smart Response Technology (SRT)
Intel Smart Response Technology (SRT) is a feature available on Intel 6 series chipsets or newer, which allows you to use the SSD as a cache for the HDD. This feature can improve your computer’s performance and speed by up to 4 times, using intelligent algorithms to learn your usage patterns and store the most frequently accessed data on the SSD.
To use Intel SRT, you need an SSD with at least 18 GB and an HDD with at least 500 GB. You also need a Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system, with BIOS mode set to RAID or AHCI. The following are the steps to use Intel SRT:
- Plug your SSD and HDD into your computer, and make sure they are detected by the BIOS.
- Enter BIOS, and change the controller’s SATA mode to RAID or AHCI. Save the changes and exit BIOS.
- Sign in to Windows, and install the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver that matches your chipset and operating system. You can download those drivers from Intel’s official website.
- Open the Intel RST application, and click the Performance tab. You’ll see your SSD and HDD listed under Storage System View.
- Click Enable acceleration, and select the HDD you want to accelerate as the disk target. Select the SSD you want to use as a disk cache, and specify the cache size you want. You can choose between Enhanced mode or Maximized mode, depending on your preference. Enhanced mode will store data on the SSD and HDD simultaneously, making it safer but slower. Maximized mode will store data only on the SSD, making it faster but more at risk of data loss if the SSD is damaged. Click OK to apply the changes.
- Wait for the cache initialization process to complete, and restart your computer. Now, your SSD has served as a cache for your HDD, and you can enjoy better performance and speed.