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Tweaking a DELL system and want both SSD and RAID-1

Z

Zillatech

Senior member
Because I don't have the system in front of me and because I'm not sure how much you can do with just the Intel/Dell BIOS.

Will I need to add a SATA RAID Controller along with the Dell/Intel Motherboard SATA Controller to run this senario?

C:\ = 160GB Intel G2 SSD for OS and Apps

D:\ = 2x1.5TB in RAID-1 for Data protection and Storage

I'm helping out a friend that wants to do a lot of HD Video Editing and store a lot of pictures, etc. I don't want to build a computer from scratch because I need to keep it simple for him. I was planning to go with the Dell XPS 9000 series, ordering the 1.5TB drives with the system, then adding the Intel SSD after the fact, re-installing Windows 7 from scratch.

I'm not sure I can make the Dell/Intel BIOS do both AHCI and RAID-1 for this application so I'm looking for confirmation that I need to order an add-in RAID Card. I was looking at the 3ware 9650SE-4LPML for the add-in card. I know its a little pricey but I want quality and no problems with this system so no "bargain components" for this build.

Can anyone confirm what I can and cannot do with the Dell XPS system and the on-board RAID options before I purchase an add-in card?
 
As far as overclocking, virtually nothing can be done with a Dell with the possible exception of the XPS stuff. As far as the ACHI + RAID, what board is it? The MOBO and chipset will be the primary factor there and, hopefully Dell has not disabled the option for the end user to switch these options.
 
No overclocking will be done with this system and the Motherboard will be the Socket 1366 Intel board that comes standard in the Dell XPS 9000 line. I'm thinking I'll need to add the SATA RAID Card to do both effectively.
 
If it is a 1366 board and Dell has not crippled the chipset in the BIOS, you should be able to do what you want with the ICH10-R.
 
dell systems cannot overclock due to crippled BIOS.

with a seperate SATA controller you can have both RAID1 and SSD and have them play nice.
 
I ordered the Dell with the RAID-1 option from them (2x1.5TB) so I should only have to add a SATA Controller (Maybe). What SATA Controller do you recommend instead of the RAID Card? The 3ware 9650SE-4LPML seems a little steep unless there is nothing else reliable. Its NewEgg's highest rated Controller/RAID Card without going crazy for the $$$
 
Why would you need another SATA controller at all? There should be plenty on the motherboard.

At the least wait until the system arrives and you can confirm the need for a separate adapter before spending the money for one (and facing newegg's 15% restocking fee if you don't need it).
 
I probably did not say it clearly but that's what I was trying to say. If you want RAID and AHCI, you can do that using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager.

http://www.intel.com/support/c.../imst/sb/CS-015988.htm




Note If you are using a SATA hard drive, the best option is to set your BIOS to RAID mode. RAID mode provides the greatest overall flexibility and upgradeability because it allows your system to be RAID-Ready and also enables AHCI................

To enable RAID and AHCI:

Enter the BIOS.
Click Advanced.
Click Drive Configuration.
Enable Intel® RAID Technology.
Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
Click to expand...
 
Noob Question:

So a similar setup (1 ssd + 2 HDD in Raid-1) is also possible on a standard P55 mainboard? (eg from Asus, MSI, whatever...not dell stuff)
 
Originally posted by: beginner99
Noob Question:

So a similar setup (1 ssd + 2 HDD in Raid-1) is also possible on a standard P55 mainboard? (eg from Asus, MSI, whatever...not dell stuff)
Click to expand...

Yes, they use the same drive controller technology. You can find more info on this at Intel using the link I gave.
 
Thank you! I know it sounds like a noob question but unless you have the hardware in front of you or you've done it in the past, you don't really know. I figure I will be able to do what I want no problem but was just looking for confirmation. Now if only Intel would stop teasing us with their G2 Bios fixes/bugs! OMG, are SSD's ready or not!!!???

Oh well, I've always got the 300GB VelociRaptor to fall back on 😉

Thank you Yellowbeard ~
 
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