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Smart Response Technology

In computer data storage, Smart Response Technology (SRT, also called SSD Caching before it was launched) is a proprietary caching mechanism introduced in 2011 by Intel for their Z68 chipset (for the Sandy Bridge–series processors), which allows a SATA solid-state drive (SSD) to function as cache for a (conventional, magnetic) hard disk drive (HDD).[1]

SRT is managed by Intel Rapid Storage Technology software version 10.5 or later,[2] and implemented both in its device driver and in the Z68 motherboard's firmware (option ROM). It is available only when the (integrated) disk controller is configured in RAID mode (but not AHCI or IDE modes) by implementing a style of RAID 0 striping. The user can select write-back (so-called maximized mode) or write-through (so-called enhanced mode) caching strategy. The maximum utilizable cache size on the SSD is 64 GB. Caching is done at the logical block addressing (LBA) level, not the file level.[3]

Shortly before the announcement of the new chipset, Intel also introduced the Intel 311 (Larson Creek), a 20 GB single-level cell (SLC) solid-state drive, which it markets as suitable for caching.[4][5] As of 2014, TRIM garbage collection is not supported for SRT caching devices, so the SSD's performance is solely maintained by its own firmware.[citation needed]

With the release of Ivy Bridge chipsets, support for SRT was provided in a larger variety of desktop chipsets, including Z77, Q77, H77 and C216 (but not Z75, Q75 or B75) as long as an "Intel Core Processor" is used.[6] The situation is similar for Haswell desktop chipsets, with Z87, Q87, H87 and C226 listed as supported.[7] The Ivy Bridge-E chipset X79 did not officially support SRT at launch, but some companies like ASRock added support to their boards via BIOS updates.[8][9] The arrival of Ivy Bridge also saw SRT support added to mobile chipsets: QS77, QM77, UM77 and HM77 support SRT, while HM76 does not.[10]

In 2012, Intel also introduced the 313 (Hawley Creek) caching SSD series (20 and 24 GB), advertised as also suitable for use in ultrabooks.[11]

As of 2012, SRT was limited to using at most 64 GB for caching, meaning that on larger SSDs the rest remains unused by the cache.[12] The chipset exposes any excess storage space as a separate independent disk, which can be used for other purposes.

In 2014, Intel has updated the SRT supported chipset list, to include the Intel® 9 Series Chipset: H97, Z97 as well.

Next year, support wasn't added for succeeding Z170 and H170 Skylake generation chipsets. SRT support was finally discontinued one year later in 2017 once Intel's own solution, Intel Optane, became available on 16 and 32 GB capacities. [13] It required Kaby Lake processors and chipsets with intel citing better performance over SRT. [14] This new SSD caching method left Z170/H170 chips and skylake processors without any kind of SSD caching available. [15]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Anand Lal Shimpi (May 11, 2011). "Intel Z68 Chipset & Smart Response Technology (SSD Caching) Review". AnandTech. Retrieved November 4, 2011.
  2. ^ Intel Smart Response Technology User Guide, Intel
  3. ^ Allyn Malventano (May 11, 2011). "Intel Smart Response Technology: SSD Caching on Z68 Tested". PC Perspective. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
  4. ^ Larsen Creek gets SLC NAND, 4 new Intel SSD series, Nordic Hardware
  5. ^ Andrew Ku (May 11, 2011). "Intel SSD 311 (Larson Creek): Z68-Optimized". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
  6. ^ "Intel Z77 'Panther Point' Chipset Overview > Z77, Z75, H77, and more". TechSpot. 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
  7. ^ "Chipset Software — Intel® Smart Response Technology User Guide". Intel.com. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
  8. ^ "> Keep Leading! ASRock is the First to Offer Intel® Smart Response Technology on X79 Motherboards". ASRock. 2012-10-23. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
  9. ^ "Asrock Adds Smart Response Technology to Intel X79 High-End Desktop Platform". X-bit labs. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
  10. ^ "Intel Dual-Core Mobile Ivy Bridge Launch and i5-3427U Ultrabook Review". AnandTech. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
  11. ^ Doug Crowthers (5 April 2012). "Intel SSD 313 Series Cache Drives Have Arrived". Tomshardware.com. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
  12. ^ "Cache 'n' carry: What's the best config for your SSD?". The Register. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
  13. ^ "Intel Optane Memory is SRT Cache...Again (Updated)". Tom's Hardware. 24 April 2017. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  14. ^ "Intel® Smart Response Technology Has Been Discontinued". Intel. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  15. ^ "Intel Confirms Kaby Lake and 200 Series Chipset Required for Optane Memory". Eteknix. 22 February 2017. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
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