SSD Boot OS + mSATA SSD Cache on Regular HDD

[KeeshP]

Hi all,

So I've scoured the forum for a similar question but all were a bit different than my scenario. So here it is:

1. I've got a 30gb mSATA SSD. In the past this was used to cache off of a regular 2TB 7200rpm drive. The regular drive had my OS/files/everything on it of course.

2. However, I've now got a 250gb Samsung Evo SSD. So of course I will use this to put the OS/all main apps on etc. This will obviously be better than using a measly 30gb cache. I will still pair this with a 2TB 7200rpm drive which will be used simply for storage.

3. But I've still got that 30gb mSATA just sitting around. Either I can totally ignore it and not use at all, OR.... This is the actual question I have-

Can I continue to use this to cache BUT obviously not cache off the 250gb SSD, but use it to cache the regular storage HDD? I hope that makes sense. Is it possible? Is it worth doing? I would continue to use the Intel SRT which is how I did the cache before. But I'm thinking the cache can only work on the boot HD. Otherwise, this small mSATA drive literally has no use and I might as well as just remove it.

Also please correct me if any of my points are incorrect as well. Thank you all.

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Welcome, KeeshP!

Since you are already booting from the SSD and it has more than enough storage for your OS and most demanding applications/software, I'm afraid you won't be able to experience any performance boost if you use mSATA for cache on the secondary storage drive (HDD). The benefits of SSD caching is to use the HDD that it's paired with as a boot drive. (However it won't be as fast as the OS-dedicated solid-state drive) The cache drive usually holds the most frequently used data on the HDD which is what gives you quicker access to the mechanical drive.
It is possible to do this configuration of yours, however, there are some settings you need to take into consideration first. Moreover, it might require you reinstall Windows from scratch. If you do that, make sure you backup all your data somewhere off-site before proceeding.

Hope this was helpful. Let me know if you have more questions!
SuperSoph_WD