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[Righthooks]

Righthooks Guide To Lightning Fast SSD With Unlimited Storage

Welcome to another Righthooks tutorial. Throughout the course of this guide you will learn how to configure your Solid State Drives in TRUE 128k RAID 0 Stripe. In addition, you will learn how to manipulate a “high capacity” storage drive (HDD) into a primary installation array to maintain the read/write of your Solid States without bending capacity confinements. In other words, your Solid State’s capacity is only limited to the size of your Hard Drive. How cool is that! Let’s get started…

Items Required
• Two Identical Solid State Drives With “RAID 0” Support
• Participating Solid States Must Be Of The Same Firmware (see manufacturer for details on updating)
• Windows 7 Professional Or Higher With Both x86(32-bit) & 64-Bit OS Discs
• High Capacity HDD(s) For Storage
• Patience

Preparing Proper SATA Connection:
• Connect SSD drives to SATA 0 and SATA 1 Ports (Normally Highest Speed)
• Connect Large Storage HDD(s) to SATA 2
• Optical Drive(s) Can Be Placed SATA 3+ Or Greater Than The Existing HDD SATA Connection

NOTE: It is not required that the drives be blank, we will be clearing all the existing data regardless in upcoming procedures.

Getting Started:
First things first, if you have an existing RAID array configured, you will need to break up the alignment to separate the drives. After the drives are segregated again, enter BIOS upon reboot. Once in BIOS load default settings. After loading defaults, mark CD-ROM as first boot and disable other boot devices. Also, set SATA mode to IDE. Stay in BIOS and place your Windows 7 32-bit in your disc device, don’t worry we will be using 64-bit for the OS. Once the disc is in and the BIOS has been configured accordingly reboot and prepare to get started by entering the 32-bit splash screen (DO NOT PROCEED BEYOND SPLASH).

This post has been promoted to an article

[Righthooks]

Step 1: Clearing Data From 32-Bit OS Command Prompt
Once you arrive at the Windows 7 32-bit splash screen, click next once to bring up the next screen of options. From this point you want to click on “Repair your computer.” On the following screen click the top-most option “use recovery tools…” Click Next. After arriving at the next series of options click the bottom-most option to enter “Command Prompt.”

From Command Prompt Follow These Specific Instructions From X : \ Sources>
• Type diskpart
This will bring up the disk partition screen allowing you to safely remove all data from the existing drives.
• At DISKPART> type list disk
This will display all of the drives present through your SATA connection beginning with SATA 0 (Disk 0)
IMPORTANT: For the next step we will be permanently erasing all data from the drives restoring them to factory default. The following steps will be repeated for all participating storage devices.
• Type select disk 0
This indicates to the partition service which drive is to be erased via Command Prompt
• Type clean
This is for the first pass erasing partition data from the selected drive
• When DISKPART> appears again type clean all
This restores factory space consumption and clears disk of error sectors

After the first drive is completed close Command Prompt, and reopen it to where you return to X: \ Sources>
Once you have arrived back at X : \ Sources> continue by repeating the steps starting with diskpart for all respected drives according to their SATA location. Remember you will need to close and reopen Command Prompt for each of the related drives beginning with Disk 0 up to your HDD which we will be cleaning but ignoring until much later.

Once all the drives have been securely erased we will proceed with rebuilding a RAID 0 array in a TRUE 128k limitless stripe. When the data cleaning is completed, restart and enter BIOS. From BIOS reconfigure your SATA mode to RAID. Save the changes made and reboot. During the reboot process press Ctrl + I to enter your drive configuration screen; once you have arrived at the drive configuration screen you can recreate a RAID 0 Volume. When doing this make sure you only select the two Solid State drives to become members of the array. Name the volume Win7OS: also, you want to assure you select RAID 0 Stripe and set the 128k rate.
NOTE: This does not complete the array, so please do not proceed with any form of installation. We will get to that soon enough.

After you have securely erased the data and reconfigured your RAID 0 array, restart and reenter the Windows 7 splash screen, followed by Command Prompt as you did previously.

Step 2: Rebuilding The RAID 0 Array Properly From Command Prompt
Follow the given steps from Command Prompt X : \ Sources>
• Type diskpart
This will bring up the partition configuration option as before.
• From DISKPART> type list disk
Notice you will now have the RAID 0 volume as primary Disk 0
• When DISKPART> appears again type select disk 0
This next step is VERY important and will make the selected disk the PRIMARY array under 128k. You will first need to verify the partition is absent from the array (DOS requires this).
• With Disk 0 selected type list partition
You will be prompted that no partition exists. We are doing well, but this next step is extremely important.
• From DISKPART> you want to type the following command string:
create partition primary align=128
Now that the partition is successfully created, you will return to DISKPART>
• From here type list partition
You will see that the partition now exists successfully, but you are not done yet. Again from DISKPART> type the following
• active


This will have successfully locked-in 128k striping for your RAID 0 volume, as well as created the partition array for Windows 7 64-bit which we will be covering shortly. For now, you may type exit following DISKPART> to close the partition service. Reboot once this is done and enter BIOS. When in BIOS you can safely exchange the 32-bit OS we have been using to access command prompt for the 64-bit OS we will be installing to the newly built RAID 0 128k Array.

[Righthooks]

Step 3: Preparing & Configuring Windows 7
At this point you are now ready to install the 64-bit operating system to your newly built RAID 0 128k Array. Follow the simple steps listed below and we will get started on the more complex configurations to create unlimited storage to the RAID 0 array via Windows 7 64-bit OS.

Once you arrive at the Windows 7 64-bit splash screen we can precede with the installation to the RAID 0 volume. From the main screen click next to arrive at the “Install Now” prompt.
• Click “Install Now”
• After you accept the agreement proceed to the next series of options
• Select Custom (advanced) IMPORTANT
• With Disk 0 Partition 1 Highlighted click Drive options (advanced)
• Next click on Format
NOTE: Disregard the second volume (do not touch) we will be using it later via Windows 7 64-bit OS.
• Click next to begin Windows 7 64-bit installation to your RAID 0 volume
IMPORTANT: When you first arrive in Windows DO NOT allow any installations to occur via Windows Update service. You may proceed with those following the configuration process.

Step 4: Configuration of SSD Operations For “Lightning Fast” Storage
First, we will begin by configuring the drives for optimum read/write speeds

From “Device Manager” select Disk Drives to access the Solid State Drives, and right-click to open the “properties” tab.
• Click the “Policies” tab
• Select the second option to disable Windows write-cache service
• Exit “Device Manager”
Now we will remove the “Indexing” service from the primary Solid State Array.
• Access My Computer to where it displays your drive labeled C:
• Right-click and open the “Properties” tab
• Under General uncheck the bottom-most option and apply to disable “Indexing.”
• Click “Continue” followed by “Ignore All” when prompted (this will take a moment to apply changes)
When the changes are completed remain in the same panel for the next operation which is EXTRMEMLY important.
• Click on the “Tools” tab
• Click “Defragment Now” (you will not be using this just accessing the options)
• Click “Configure Schedule” when it appears
• Uncheck the first selection to run on a schedule (this disables defragmenting)
Once this is finished we will alter the boot parameters to assure full CPU usage assistance to the SSDs. To do this click the “Start” button and click within the search box. Type: msconfig and open the program.
• Click the second tab labeled “Boot”
• Click “Advanced Boot”
• Under number of processors select which applies to your maximum CPU count (threading included), and click “OK” This will apply full usage of the CPU during stage operation.
• Before you fully close the “Boot” tab; under your “Timeout” selection change the value to 3.
• Apply, exit, and Restart when prompted

[Righthooks]

Step 5: Unlimited Storage While Maintaining SSD Speeds
Now the moment you have been waiting for! Now that we have given the SSDs their proper care, let us proceed to give that HDD some love. The following steps will create a mirrored volume that will allow near unlimited (capacity respectful) storage to your Solid State RAID 0 128k Array. Let’s get started!
• First Access your Computer’s “Program Files (x86)” directory
• Create a new file called “PC Games”
• Close the window once the folder is created
• Click the “Start” button, and search under “disk” select the option labeled “Create and format hard disk partitions”
• Right-click on the HDD
• Select the top-most option “New Simple Volume”
• Click “Next”
• You will now have the option to assign the storage capacity variable to the drive (I use the full volume)
• Once you have the numerical capacity placed click “next” to bring up the new series of options
• Click the option labeled “Mount in the following empty NTFS folder”
• Browse to locate the folder you created labeled “PC Games” within the “Program Files (x86)” directory.
• Click “OK” to bring you to a new series of options
• With the second option selected labeled “Format the volume with the following settings” type “PC Games” in the “Volume label” box.
• Click “Next” twice to complete this operation
When this is completed you can now choose to select the installation path for ALL programs not just games to the indicated “PC Games” directory. This consumes ZERO space on the Solid States while maintaining the read/write speeds in which they operate at. Example: You wish to install “Battlefield 3.” You would simply direct the installation path to letter value and destination folder labeled “PC Games.” This will install to the HDD’s capacity, but still allow the full access speeds of your Solid State RAID 0 Array when accessing the game files. Pretty freaking cool huh?

That concludes this tutorial, if you have any questions or comments please leave them accordingly. Good luck, and enjoy!


-Hooks

[slixx]

Shame about needing both 32bit and 64bit os,I currently have the samsung spinpoint f3's in raiod-0 and would love to try this out with low priced ssd's but would the read/write really be that great ? i could fill an ssd in no time at all so it's not cost effective for me in other words i don't have bags of cash do you have any screen shots of the speed being maintained even when the ssd's are full ? Great guide btw enjoyed reading it ty

[Righthooks]

slixx, on 19 October 2011 - 04:23 PM, said:

Shame about needing both 32bit and 64bit os,I currently have the samsung spinpoint f3's in raiod-0 and would love to try this out with low priced ssd's but would the read/write really be that great ? i could fill an ssd in no time at all so it's not cost effective for me in other words i don't have bags of cash do you have any screen shots of the speed being maintained even when the ssd's are full ? Great guide btw enjoyed reading it ty

SSD capacity is unchanged past the OS, unless you determine the installation path to a directory located specifically on the SSD. The created directory/drive(HDD) is essentially strictly to the HDD path, thus no occupation of "Said" SSD Array is compromised.

Thank you for taking the time to read through it. I have tested almost a full year for stability and safety prior to publishing. So I can assure no damage or compromise following this method of expansion through mirroring capacity.

-Hooks

[Righthooks]

I wanted to add a clarification Q & A to this thread.

Q: What Size SSD is required for this to work?

A: Provided it meets the capacity (which most do) of the Windows 7 Operating System virtually any SSD storage device will work provided it supports native RAID 0.

Q: Will this harm the operation of the Windows 7 operating system?

A: No, the Windows 7 operating system and its related registries remain unaffected.

Q: If you are using an HDD through the Solid States why does the read/write when accessing programs remain unaffected?

A: Installation of programs to the HDD will become accelerated as the SSD is essentially bridging the information to the device. Thereafter, all programs installed will be accessed at the full potential of the SSD read/write.

Q: What is the benefit to this lengthy configuration?

A: The largest compliant or downfall of the Solid State drive is cost vs. capacity. In short, this eliminates the necessity to pay in great expense for capacity of the Solid State Drives. By utilizing a mirror to a larger drive area, the space is literally only limited by the HDD capacity.

Q: Can I still use my Solid State array for storage if I do this?

A: Yes, this has no impact of the integrity of the Solid Sate array. You can use both if you desire.

Q: Is this safe?

A: Yes, I have been operating with this configuration for almost a year. Since which time no decline in either performance, or the appearance of disk errors have occurred.

I wanted to post these as a point of reference, as some of these questions arrived shortly after publication. If you have further questions please ask.

-Hooks

Edited by Righthooks, 19 October 2011 - 08:17 PM.

[duelistgamer]

Hooks you need to add screenshots. Especially the rates of your config.

Also, aren't more read/write cycles being used by doing this? That would shorten the lifespan of both the SSDs and HDD.

[Righthooks]

duelistgamer, on 19 October 2011 - 11:42 PM, said:

Hooks you need to add screenshots. Especially the rates of your config.

Also, aren't more read/write cycles being used by doing this? That would shorten the lifespan of both the SSDs and HDD.

4.60 HD Tune Pro was used for this assessment.

Off to a little of a rough start following a cold boot, but still not terrible marks.



EDIT: Again, sorry 2560x1600 is terrible for desktop captures that are forum regulated. The marks are: 479 Minimal, 536 High, and 526 Average. With "access time" of .072ms

To answer your question, no, no additional strain is placed on the drives that would contribute to a shorter lifespan.

-Hooks

Edited by Righthooks, 20 October 2011 - 12:37 AM.

[duelistgamer]

In principle it seems to work like a hybrid disk drive.

Are those with vertex 2 or 3? That is on reading/writing data to your HDD via the folder right?

Could a similar thing also be done with a single SSD and HDD (i.e. no RAID)?

Edited by duelistgamer, 20 October 2011 - 12:42 AM.

[xXDeltaXx]

Could you, if you so wanted, set it up with the following combination? 4x SSD in RAID 1+0 with 4x HDDs in RAID 1+0??? - or indeed any form of RAID on the HDD?

[Righthooks]

duelistgamer, on 20 October 2011 - 12:38 AM, said:

In principle it seems to work like a hybrid disk drive.

Are those with vertex 2 or 3? That is on reading/writing data to your HDD via the folder right?

Could a similar thing also be done with a single SSD and HDD (i.e. no RAID)?

Yes, that is HDD to SSD times RAID 0 Vertex 3 via SATA II as the Classified 3-way 760 is only SATA II. So, technically they aren't at their full potential and reaching a choke-point. Nevertheless, I am extremely satisfied with the performance, stability, and extra headroom.

Theoretically you could do the same thing without a RAID array yes, but that may compromise the write speed. I would have to verify.

xXDeltaXx, on 20 October 2011 - 12:40 AM, said:

Could you, if you so wanted, set it up with the following combination? 4x SSD in RAID 1+0 with 4x HDDs in RAID 1+0??? - or indeed any form of RAID on the HDD?

You could have dual RAID configurations yes. It would be insanely "over-the-top," but hey have at it.

-Hooks

[duelistgamer]

Can the Hdd and Ssds be on different sata controllers (the two ssds in one and the HDD in another)

[Righthooks]

duelistgamer, on 20 October 2011 - 12:53 AM, said:

Can the Hdd and Ssds be on different sata controllers (the two ssds in one and the HDD in another)

Good question. Provided your primary RAID array is under the same controller for both SATA cables than yes. You would never want to split same performance drives unnecessarily.

-Hooks

[duelistgamer]

Lol, the question of the SSDs being on separate controllers is not valid. How would you RAID them then (not referring to software RAID, only Hardware RAID)?

[utengineer]

Hooks...

This is an excellent tutorial which clearly demonstrates best practices when installing your OS on the SSD, alignment, RAID setups, and CPU Affinity for improved boot times. I would like to position this to the staff and have it added to our Tutorials sections. The problem I am having is Step 5. Please explain, more so, how Mounting the HDD to a file on the SSD is going to improve read/write access to the HDD. I could have read your Tut wrong(going on 4 hours of sleep) as I don't see the point of mounting the HDD. Essentially mounting a drive to a file is simply a mapping Pointer. The latencies, bitrate, and overhead associated with the HDD still exist in your setup anytime a file on the HDD is called/written, right?

[jaafaman]

duelistgamer, on 20 October 2011 - 04:40 AM, said:

Lol, the question of the SSDs being on separate controllers is not valid. How would you RAID them then (not referring to software RAID, only Hardware RAID)?

It used to be very common to establish the RAID on the primary channels of seperate controllers. Working two seperate controllers in tandem was thought to be much quicker than using two halves of the same controller as they were less likely to queue...

[Righthooks]

utengineer, on 20 October 2011 - 05:06 AM, said:

Hooks...

This is an excellent tutorial which clearly demonstrates best practices when installing your OS on the SSD, alignment, RAID setups, and CPU Affinity for improved boot times. I would like to position this to the staff and have it added to our Tutorials sections. The problem I am having is Step 5. Please explain, more so, how Mounting the HDD to a file on the SSD is going to improve read/write access to the HDD. I could have read your Tut wrong(going on 4 hours of sleep) as I don't see the point of mounting the HDD. Essentially mounting a drive to a file is simply a mapping Pointer. The latencies, bitrate, and overhead associated with the HDD still exist in your setup anytime a file on the HDD is called/written, right?

First, thank you for the compliment. Second, where would you like the clarification? It seems the HDD area of the article is a growing interest among those that have had an interest in the material. I would like to make the tutorial as clear and concise as possible, therefore anything that the staff or yourself finds unclear or unpolished please notify me, and I will clarify. I simply didn't want to hack the existing content to pieces as "EG" had used the material prior with my permission. Let me know what I can do for you, and where you would like it. Thank you.

-Hooks

[duelistgamer]

jaafaman, on 20 October 2011 - 08:45 AM, said:

It used to be very common to establish the RAID on the primary channels of seperate controllers. Working two seperate controllers in tandem was thought to be much quicker than using two halves of the same controller as they were less likely to queue...

lemme guess, that reduced performance? (more latency)

[ExtremeGrandpa]

utengineer, on 20 October 2011 - 05:06 AM, said:

Hooks...

This is an excellent tutorial which clearly demonstrates best practices when installing your OS on the SSD, alignment, RAID setups, and CPU Affinity for improved boot times. I would like to position this to the staff and have it added to our Tutorials sections. The problem I am having is Step 5. Please explain, more so, how Mounting the HDD to a file on the SSD is going to improve read/write access to the HDD. I could have read your Tut wrong(going on 4 hours of sleep) as I don't see the point of mounting the HDD. Essentially mounting a drive to a file is simply a mapping Pointer. The latencies, bitrate, and overhead associated with the HDD still exist in your setup anytime a file on the HDD is called/written, right?

The tutorial section is a member only section that gets little views, hence the reason this was left in the regular forum structure like this. I think maybe we need to rethink how tutorials and guides are handled in the future. But I do know its set so they have to be approved first and no guests can view that area. But challengers the one to chat up about that.


Great tutorial Hooks.