Any one having problems with Z68 and SSD caching?

[Captain Slow]

Hi
I've just built a new gaming rig, including an Asus P8Z68-V motherboard and 60GB OCZ Vertex 2E. The idea was to use the SSD as a cache, as per the review on Anandtech. However, if I install Intel Rapid Storage Technology, and then try to change the primary drive (a Samsung 1TB HDD) from AHCI to SATA in the BIOS (as per the set up instructions on the Asus web site), the system hangs as the windows logo everytime. After four Win 7 installs, I've now worked out I can't have 2 active drives, and the one active drive I can have has to be ACHI. Any attempt to change simpy results in a constant reboot cycle, until I change the drive back to AHCI when it then boots.
Asus say you need their latest BIOS (0501) and IRST ver 10.5.1026, both of which I have, but still can't use my SSD. Anyone with similar problems, or suggestions on what I'm doing wrong? Seems to me, Intel and the vendors are still having issues with IRST and BIOSes supporting the SSD caching, and I'm guessing we'll see updates to both in the coming days / weeks.

 

[dyn2nvu]

Maybe the instructions from asrock's website will help, although it's a different m/b, I think the steps should be similar.

http://www.asrock.com/microsite/IntelZ68/index.asp?c=SRT

 

[Nemesis 1]

For a system to support Intel Smart Response Technology it must have the following:
 Intel® Z68 Express Chipset-based desktop board
 Intel® Core™ Processor in the LGA 1155 package
 System BIOS with SATA mode set to RAID
 Intel Rapid Storage Technology software 10.5 version release or later
 Single Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or multiple HDD’s in a single RAID volume
 Solid State Drive (SSD) with a minimum capacity of 18.6GB
 Operating system: Microsoft Windows* Vista 32-bit Edition and 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows*
7 32-bit Edition and 64-bit
Setup Guide
Configure SATA Mode in BIOS Setup
1. Press the F2 during boot up to enter the BIOS setup menu
2. Go to Configuration > SATA Drives
3. Select the setting for Chipset SATA Mode and change the value to RAID
4. Press the F10 key to save settings and restart the system.
Operating System Installation
5. You may now begin installation of the operating system on the HDD (or RAID volume)
6. Install all required device drivers
7. Install the Intel Rapid Storage Technology software version 10.5 or later
Enabling Intel Smart Response Technology
Note: The Intel RST software denotes Intel Smart Response Technology as Accelerate
8. Run the Intel RST software through the All Programs menu or the task bar icon.
9. Click “Enable acceleration‟ either under “Status‟ or “Accelerate‟.
10. Select the SSD to be used as a cache device.
11. Select the size from the SSD to be allocated for the cache memory.
Note: Any remaining space on the SSD may be used for data storage using the simple data
single-disk RAID 0 volume that is automatically created.
12. Select the HDD (or RAID volume) to be accelerated. It is highly recommended to accelerate the
system volume or system disk for maximum performance.
13. Select the acceleration mode, and then click “OK‟. By default, Enhanced mode is selected.
Note: Enhanced mode (default): Acceleration optimized for data protection.
Maximized mode: Acceleration optimized for input/output performance.
14. The page refreshes and reports the new acceleration configuration in the Acceleration View.
15. Congratulations! Your system is now successfully configured with the Intel Smart Response
Technology!
For more information on Intel Smart Response Technology, please visit:
http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support...ts/chpsts/imsm
* Other names, brands, and logos may be claimed as the property of others.
Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Core, and Core Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
Copyright © 2011 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
__________________

 

[Hawthorne]

I believe you can't just change Sata mode from AHCI to Raid. If you need to change modes, you need to reinstall the OS. I tried this on a new build, and installed the OS in AHCI, and when I changed to Raid, the system hung on boot. I then reinstalled the OS and it booted fine.