256GB Vertex 4 + (4TB 7K4000 + 120GB Vertex 3) = ?

[AdamK47]

I've been thinking of getting the new 256GB Vertex 4 to replace my 120GB Vertex 3. I would also like to change up my data storage as well. Right now I have two 3TB drives in RAID-0 for 6TB total. My Asus P9X79 Deluxe has SSD caching through the Marvel controller. I was thinking of using the 120GB Vertex 3 as an SSD cache drive connected to a single 4TB Hitachi 7K4000. The Vertex 4 would be used for OS and some apps. The Vertex 3 / Hitachi combo will be used for data.

What say ye? Anyone here use Asus SSD caching before?

 

[razel]

Your planned primary is a large enough 240GB SSD and you have a smaller SSD you'd like to use to cache your 6TB of p0rn. I envy you. It's best to actually just use the 120GB SSD where you manually put stuff there you know you want to cache instead of letting something else guess.

However, I'd rather sell the 120GB instead, especially if you know that 120GB of space is getting tight.

 

[AdamK47]

Actually, I plan on replacing the 6TB array with a single 4TB drive and use the Vertex 3 as an SSD cache for it. The drive will be used for games.

 

[groberts101]

Just be aware that the sata chip used for caching on these X79 boards is the lowly Marvell which will force you to leave some of that potential performance on the table regardless of whether you like it or not.

PCI-E x1 lane usage of that chip combined with a Sandforce drive will likely make you feel that somethings being wasted in that trade.

Should still speed up the HDD's redundantly accesssed data well enough though.