I want to add a new SSD and use it as system drive with Windows 7 x64 installed.
As driver I chose newest Intel Rapid Storage driver (not MSAHCI). I know that I have to use AHCI as BIOS setting for optimal SSD read/write performance. But I'm also using 2 normal hard drives as separate RAID-0
SSD: Windows 7
hard drive: RAID-0
hard drive: RAID-0
If I set my BIOS on my Asus P5W DH Deluxe to AHCI, my RAID-0 cant be recognized
And If I'm using RAID as setting, maybe my SSD has not its top speed. But I'm not sure about that.
In short:
AHCI > no RAID-0
RAID > no optimal SSD performance (?)
Now my question: Can I use RAID as BIOS setting and be sure, that theres no decrease in SSD performance?
Google finds so many articles with similar topics and my head is just exploding. Two examples:
– set AHCI and after installing OS switch to RAID as BIOS setting… what?
– use a diskette and F6 while installing Windows 7… really? O.o I thought those times are gone
Best Answer
RAID should support everything AHCI does for an SSD that isn't actually in an array; no reason for concern.
(On a tangential note, I've benchmarked better speeds using the msahci driver than the Intel one even on Intel drives. If you're that concerned you might check it out.)