HDD +SSD used as cache

[Brent1970]

Hey guys, was wondering something - I am building a system and was reading about the z68 SRT option. Now, using that, would the normal cache on the HDD itself be superfluous? Like, I was looking at a 1TB WD Caviar Black SATA 3 7200rpm and it has 64MB cache on it.

Would using the SSD as cache disable that?

I know its a very small concern but I mind as well get a smaller cache on the HDD if its not even going to be used, right?

 

[LokutusofBorg]

In short, yes (it wouldn't *disable* it, but it would render its performance advantage moot). In SRT the SSD acts as both a read and a write cache. There is no reason to buy a super-performant HDD to use in SRT. You will likely get the same performance using a green drive as you would a WD Black in an SRT setup.

 

[hachi]

In short, yes (it wouldn't *disable* it, but it would render its performance advantage moot). In SRT the SSD acts as both a read and a write cache. There is no reason to buy a super-performant HDD to use in SRT. You will likely get the same performance using a green drive as you would a WD Black in an SRT setup.

Seems to me the Anand review of the SRT tech says otherwise. By their benches, the WD VR 600 w/ SRT significantly outperforms an older drive w/ SRT. Though the advantage of the higher performance drive is lessened.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4329/intel-z68-chipset-smart-response-technology-ssd-caching-review/6

 

[LokutusofBorg]

If you want to take it to extremes, then yes, the SSD isn't going to completely mask the underlying HDD. But the context here is a WD Black with a 64MB cache. The difference between that and say a WD Blue drive, or a Seagate is going to be negligible. The price difference, however, would not be negligible.