Intel Storage Tool SSD Optimizer

[iceblade2097]

Tried reaching out to Intel and the rep wasn't very helpful.  In the "Intel Memory and Storage Tool"  there is an option for SSD optimizer and performance booster.  From what I can tell on the manual all the SSD optimizer does is start a TRIM command.  My understanding is that Windows 10 by default has the TRIM function enabled if the drive supports it.  My questions are as follows:

 

1)Is there any difference between how the storage tool does TRIM vs Windows 10?

2)On the performance booster it mentions that it clears the internal cache of the drive.  How does this boost the performance?  I thought the cache is what it used to learn which programs need to be in the SLC nan flash for speed and that over time it learns and adjust accordingly?

[Kilrah]

The cache is only for writing.

[porina]

36 minutes ago, iceblade2097 said:

1)Is there any difference between how the storage tool does TRIM vs Windows 10?

Windows does two types of TRIM:

1, in normal use, it'll send the command after a file operation like delete or move. This can get skipped if the drive is too busy.

2, as a periodic force trim (re-issues the TRIM command on free space), via the Defrag program. This catches any space that isn't TRIM'd by #1 above.

 

I suspect the Intel tool does the same as #2 above.

[iceblade2097]

On 12/11/2020 at 5:15 PM, porina said:

Windows does two types of TRIM:

1, in normal use, it'll send the command after a file operation like delete or move. This can get skipped if the drive is too busy.

2, as a periodic force trim (re-issues the TRIM command on free space), via the Defrag program. This catches any space that isn't TRIM'd by #1 above.

 

I suspect the Intel tool does the same as #2 above.

Finally got some confirmation from Intel.  Below is an excerpt from the email.

 

1-On the other part of my question on the SSD optimizer built into the Intel memory and storage tool in the manual it mentions that it uses the TRIM function.  Is this TRIM function that the tool uses any different than the built-in TRIM function in Windows 10?

-In fact, they are both the same, they both will run the same "TRIM" built-in command in Windows.

2-If it is different how often does Intel recommend it be run?

Since they both are the same, this optimizer will run the window "defrag"command to optimize drives which determined to be done once per week by Windows as its default.