Romex Software Forum

I currently have an OCZ Agility 3 60GB ssd, a 320GB RAID0 setup, and 16GB RAM.

As it is, I have the OS on the SSD and games/media on the RAID, and then I have a 8GB RAM drive and 3GB primocache for both drives.

However, I was thinking of using my SSD as cache instead, using Intel Smart Response. That way, I have boot-persistent cache that adapts to how I use my computer.

I also figured if I use PrimoCache on TOP of this, I could have the 3-4GB cache for dealing with even smaller data. However, I'm not sure if this interferes with the operation of Smart Response.

From what I understand, Smart Response is partially based on intensity of disk I/O. So if I'm right, It should adapt to different usage that PrimoCache would incur.

For instance, really small R/W operations would be handled a lot by Primo. especially with Deferred Write. Because of this, really small operations wouldn't be cached, because the HDD would't be hit as hard.

So the SSD would take care of the fairly small to medium reads (I could just disable Smart Response write operations.) And then sequential reads would be what is mostly left for the HDD.

So in summary

Tiny reads, deferred write: PrimoCache
Temp folder: Primo Ramdisk
Small-Medium reads: Intel Smart Response
Large sequential reads: HDD

It is not wise to use two caching software on the same system.

I like the sounds of this, and would like someone to explain pros/cons, i think because the caching strategy and way it detects what to be cached would happen at different times/ways this should compliment eachother quite well as described by the OP.

I have the opportunity to test this soon but would like some more info from someone from romex before i try, surely one of the cache junkies have tried this before.

I think also that smart response has an option to see the activity (hit rate) on the cache also (same as primocache) and i also think that some ssd manufacturers offer a similar software to primocache (might have been asus laptop software) that offers to dedicate ram to a cache also, so maybe someone has tried those 2 together? and can shed some light.

My test setup would be in a laptop, it would involve a 60 second delayed write cache to a 32GB RAM (16gb for cache) then to a RAID 0 3x1tb 5400RPM with 80 msata as intel cache at same time.

Thanks