SSD as cache for HDD

[ReyazJunior]

For storage needs, I am getting a 256 GB for OS and Apps, and a 2TB HDD for games. I want to get a cheap 128GB SSD for configuring it as cache for the hard drive. How and is it good?

[Skanky Sylveon]

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/architecture-and-technology/smart-response-technology.html

 

From experience, it works like an SSHD, perhaps a little better.

It can help the load times in games, but for media consumption, it's worthless.

 

A Seagate FireCuda might be slightly cheaper, and the performance difference should be negligible. 

Although I have never used a FireCuda myself.

[ReyazJunior]

Just now, Cinnabar Sonar said:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/architecture-and-technology/smart-response-technology.html

 

From experience, it works like an SSHD, perhaps a little better.

It can help the load times in games, but for media consumption, it's worthless.

 

A Seagate FireCuda might be slightly cheaper, and the performance difference should be negligible. 

Although I have never used a FireCuda myself.

A Firecuda has very less SSD space, and having more SSD space means I can have 2 or even 3 games as opposed to 1 for fast loading.

[Skanky Sylveon]

Just now, ReyazJunior said:

A Firecuda has very less SSD space, and having more SSD space means I can have 2 or even 3 games as opposed to 1 for fast loading.

It doesn't cache the entire game, just parts of it.

 

If you want to go the Intel Smart Response Technology route, keep in mind that 64GB is the maximum allowed amount of space for caching.

I would recommend that you get a single larger boot SSD and then partition it.

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/product-briefs/setting-cache-partition-boot-ssd-cas-setup-guide.pdf

[ReyazJunior]

9 minutes ago, Cinnabar Sonar said:

It doesn't cache the entire game, just parts of it.

 

If you want to go the Intel Smart Response Technology route, keep in mind that 64GB is the maximum allowed amount of space for caching.

I would recommend that you get a single larger boot SSD and then partition it.

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/product-briefs/setting-cache-partition-boot-ssd-cas-setup-guide.pdf

Then I'd rather stick with 2TB Seagate Barracuda + 256 Samsung 850 Pro. No cache. Only separate drives.