Windows 7 - Performance decrease if not using Intel software?

Hi.

Recently resolved for the second time however on an entirely different machine, an issue wherein Windows Update without any clues refuses to work -- the problem this time was fixed by uninstalling the Intel Matrix Storage Manager.

The first time (again, on another machine altogether) it was fixed by installing the Intel Rapid Technology drivers.

However now, I am unable to install the latter drivers (the installation throws a nebulous error message about my laptop (a Thinkpad T61p) being incompatible and exits).

In other words -- I am unable to install both the Intel Matrix Storage Manager (which even is in the the "auto update software" driver list provided by my laptop manufacturer (Lenovo)) AND the Intel Rapid Technology software this time.

My question is -- will having none of these installed this have a notably negative impact on the performance of my system?

Supposedly for example the IRT software provides advanced abilities for NCQ, etc.

Yes it'll have a notably negative impact on the performance of your system...
Not because Windows 7 can't manage your machines but only because those machines are made for & around those softwares, + IMSM & IRST works hands together with others bloatwares your manufacturer puts on the machine.

Windows 7 will find a driver to replace them and will not give you ability to manually manage yourself hard drive and power consumption.

Uninstall all previous versions of IMSM & IRST, reboot let the windows 7 drivers load. Install your manufacturers drivers.

Before try to see if:
AHCI : Enable in Windows 7 / Vista

Thank you.

I shall probably try installing older drivers. The drivers from the manufacturer are the ones I mentioned (that did not work).

What i'm doing in such case, i do uninstall the manufacturers drivers and then goes in registry to find the service "iaStor" key and delete that key, so it'll not retains any old parameters when reinstalling the drivers. Also deleting the driver iaStor.sys, if still there in System32/drivers

Reboot and reinstall all!

BTW you can't install Intel Matrix Storage Manager, then upgrade to Intel Rapid Storage Technologie

Thanks.

I tried reinstalling the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, this time the specific drivers from Lenovo, however strangely they didn't seem to "take" -- The installation software ends with "succesfully installed" (or a similar term), but there are no icons anywhere, and the software/drivers can't be found in the control panel's list of software available for uninstallation. Any experience with this?

Are you going through Device Manager to check for driver problems?

Driver selection for your Hardware devices.

Driver Install - Device Manager

You should have the Intel Matrix Storage Manager console in the programs list, but check if your manufacturer customized driver is set hidden or not in the specs of your machine on their website. If the driver loaded correctly and you feel it does work and driver is in place in system32/drivers, it should be Ok.

Maybe have a look also in C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\Intel Matrix Storage Manager...if that path does exist.

If yes, scroll into and find Shell.exe, right click on it and you should have the option to pin it in the start menu.