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September 26th, 2019 09:00
XPS 8910, Raid 1 Array + Cache Drive
I have purchased a Dell XPS 8910 barebones. I want to install a SSD cache drive and then install 2 - Seagate 4 TB drives in Raid 1 mode. I have went through boards and it appears that when the SSD and a Normal HDD is set in RAID mode in Bios that the system configures the SSD as a cache drive. My question is;
Can I run in this mode and still use the 2 - 4 TB Seagates in Raid 1 mode?
Does the SSD cache drive have to be in the M2 slot or can it be just any conventional SSD drive?
Can the cache drive be partitioned to load OS and function as cache drive? I have a 512 GB SSD.
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Vic384
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September 28th, 2019 12:00
@I didnt do it My XPS 8910 also came with one 16GB memory module (16 GB Memory DDR4 2133MHz – SK Hynix HMA82GU6MFR8N-TF) operating in single channel mode. I paired it with a 16GB Crucial memory DDR4-2133 CT16G4DFD8213. Two 16GB modules paired gives me 32GB in dual channel mode.Memory modules are installed in slots DIMM1 and DIMM2 (with securing clips). The Service Manual is incorrect, it should not be installed in DIMM1 and DIMM3 because they are not paired slots. Also my 32GB configuration is not in the Dell's Memory Configuration Matrix that is in the Service Manual but it works fine. If I were you I would consider pairing your existing 16GB module and save some money. I assume you brought 4x8GB because that is the only 32GB configuration in Dell's matrix. I recommend crucial.com because they guarantee compatibility but 2133 MHz memory is getting old and I think they mostly sell 2666MHz now as a substitute.
I didnt do it
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October 6th, 2019 00:00
So I got all the parts this week. As a matter of fact I am writing this post on the New to me Dell XPS 8910. I was able to use the Corsair Vengeance 32GB Kit (4 X 8 GB) sticks with the memory running at 2400 MHZ. CPUID confirmed it is running at full speed. Last night I built the system with the 4 TB Raid 1 array and loaded WIndows 10 64 bit. So far so good. I downloaded Intel RST (16.8.3.1003) from Dell download site. I installed the Corsair M500 120 GB NVMe drive is the M.2 slot in front of the SATA ports on the motherboard. (Need to buy a hold down screw however). When I boot and look at Bios the new M.2 drive is recognized. I reboot and open Intel RST and it does not see the M.2 drive. I have verified that it is set to Raid but still no luck anybody have any ideas why I cant configure the M.2 drive with Intel RST?
I didnt do it
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October 6th, 2019 01:00
OK I think I may know what is going on with the SSD cache. I built the Raid 1 array with the CTRL I feature on boot up to enter Intel RST setting. The onboard ROM version of RST is 14.7.X.X. I downloaded the Intel RST software from Dell downloads after Windows was up it was 16.X.X.X version. I have read that Intel RST needs to be V15.x.x.x version or higher. I have flashed the Bios to latest as well as Intel motherboard drivers from Dell downloads but it appears the Intel RST ROM in Bios does not upgrade this way. Is there a way to force the Intel RST ROM version in Bios to upgrade to a newer version?
RoHe
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October 7th, 2019 10:00
The only way that ROM is going to get updated is if Intel releases a firmware update for it, assuming it can be flash updated. Since you've installed the latest version in Windows, does it matter?
You already built a RAID1 with 2 HDDs, so I don't think RST is going to allow you to add the SSD as a cache to the array. That's probably why it's not visible.
Still think you should install the OS on the SSD and use HDD1 for storage and HDD2 for backup with automated backup software. And/or get a paid cloud storage service and automatically store backups off-site.