Solved Is Intel Rapid Storage Technology Software needed?

[gregrocker]

I generally avoid HD bloatware during reinstalls or while cleaning up bloatware unless they have a specific function (SMART monitoring) that the user wants running.

However it's recently been brought up that Intel Rapid Storage Technology software should be running when it's controller is selected.

I'm asking opinions if there are specfic reasons this software needs to be installed and running in addition to the iastor.sys driver.

Thanks for your input.

 

[marsmimar]

Good question, Greg.

http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware...intel-rapid-storage-technology-do-i-need.html

From Intel:

Whether using one or multiple hard drives, users can take advantage of enhanced performance and lower power consumption. When using more than one drive, the user can have added protection against data loss in the event of a hard drive failure.

Source

 

[theveterans]

I would say that if you are only using an SSD for caching, you need to install it. Otherwise, for RAID setup of multiple hard drives, use your BIOS. There's no need for Intel RST software aside from SSD caching.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I thought I've read on here that installing the software is a quick and easy way to ensure the Intel AHCI drivers are being used, which makes a difference in SSD performance.

 

[Layback Bear]

Greg great question. Many people have a problem with it. I have Intel System with AHCI SSD and I can't find IRST on my computer. If some one could tell me how to check if I got it I'm willing to look again. Things just might work without it.

 

[DeaconFrost]

If some one could tell me how to check if I got it I'm willing to look again.

It's an installed program. It would show up in your Start Menu and your list of installed programs in the Control Panel. If you have it, it's because you would have installed it.

 

[Layback Bear]

Thanks Deacon Frost. I have looked as you suggested and I don't have it and things work just fine. I don't use raid. I hope that helps Greg. SSD C: operating system and a hard drive with 2 partitions E and F.

 

[Dave76]

The RST accompanying software, Intel Control Center and Intel Rapid Storage (programs), are definitely optional. They can be un-installed from the control panel.

There are other software from Intel that may be required like, Intel® Smart Response Technology, which may be required for mSATA connected SSDs to be used as a caching device. You'll see more of these, they are on new Ivy Bridge motherboards and laptops.
This is new hardware functionality and I'm not 100% sure if the software is required. I would assume there are other ways to turn on/off the required services.

All OEMs using Intel CPUs have the Intel RST drivers on their driver/support sites, some of them may include the programs.
Custom built systems will usually have the default Windows msachi driver. You will find Intel RST drivers listed on the motherboard driver/support site.
The RST drivers can also be used for non-RAID systems.

 

[gregrocker]

Thanks guys for the great information.

This is proving again why it's best in Win7 to stick with the drivers delivered by the Win7 installer and quickly updated via optional Windows Updates - unless there are performance problems which can be traced to a driver.

 

[Layback Bear]

Just for you Greg.

 

[Dave76]

I have seen reviews and tests from both the msachi and RST drivers, both have claimed to be faster. I guess it depends on the system and settings.
Both are good, there's no clear cut margin of performance that has been verified, so as with most things it's an individual preference.
Some SSD performance threads that I have read tend to have more RST drivers but, that doesn't mean much at the end of the day.

You can install the RST/msachi drivers at any time, the only problem comes when your BIOS is set to IDE and you install the RST/msachi drivers, then your system will crash.
You can change from IDE to AHCI/RAID in BIOS and install the corresponding drivers without re-installing the OS.
It will work on some systems by installing the AHCI/RAID drivers, reboot into BIOS and change the setting from IDE to AHCI/RAID, reboot. If this doesn't work there is a registry setting you can change.
Here's a tutorial: AHCI: Enable in Windows 7 after OS install

You should make a restore point and/or image backup before trying these methods.

@ Layback Bear, that's your SSD driver.
The controller driver in Device Manager is under 'IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers', usually the first listing.

 

[Arc]

I have a question, about another storage driver. nvstor.sys.

In this situation, a crash is caused by nvidia storage driver. What should be done? Uninstall, or update? If update, how?

 

[GeneO]

Greg,

No you don't need them, but the Intel RST drivers perform significantly better than the Microsoft AHCI drivers on Intel chipsets, particularly with SSD drives - even if you don't use RAID. I have been running Intel RST for years and have never had any issue. The RST install also includes a disk manager which includes a couple of services that are not necessary, which I just disable.