I got a new XPS 8900 with a 2TB HD + 32GB M.2 SSD Cache and I want to use a Samsung 250GB 840 EVO SSD I already had as the system drive. I would also put programs and files I use frequently in the 250GB SDD. The 2TB hard drive would store user files, music, photos and videos.
After reading in different forums, it seems to me that if I want to use the 32GB SSD as a cache, I would need to set the SATA controller to RAID. On the other hand, Samsung recommends using AHCI for optimum performance of the 250GB SSD drive and the RAPID mode available with Samsung Magician only works with AHCI.
I also read that RAID offers similar performance as AHCI for a single drive and that it can improve performance when using two drives as RAID 0.
I have 3 options:
1- Select AHCI, use the 250GB SSD in RAPID mode and leave the 2TB hard drive as a regular HD. The 32GB SSD would not be useful, it is too small as a standalone drive. This may be the simpler option.
2- Select RAID, use the 250GB SSD without the RAPID mode and use the 2TB hard drive as a RAID 0 with the 32GB SSD so that it works as a cache. This could have the advantage of speeding up the 2TB HD but I am worried it could slow down the system drive as compared to option 1.
3- Select RAID, use the 250GB SSD as a RAID 0 with the 32GB SSD and use the 2TB hard drive as a hard drive. The system drive could be faster than in option 1.
Can anyone tell me what option would be best?
