Smart Response Technology (SRT) is a caching mechanism introduced by Intel in 2011 for its Z68 chipset. It uses solid-state drives (SSDs) as a cache for hard disk drives (HDDs) to enhance overall system performance.
How does SRT work?
SRT is managed by Intel Rapid Storage Technology software and is implemented in both the device driver and Z68 motherboard firmware. It uses RAID 0 striping style to cache data at the Logical Block Addressing (LBA) level instead of file level. Users can choose between a write-back (maximized mode) or write-through (enhanced mode) caching strategy. The maximum cache size available on SSD is 64 GB.
Is SRT still supported?
As of 2014, TRIM garbage collection for SRT caching devices is no longer supported by Intel, and SSD performance is maintained solely by its own firmware.
What is the Intel 311 (Larson Creek)?
Shortly before announcing the new chipset, Intel also announced the Intel 311 (Larson Creek). This is a 20GB single-level cell (SLC) solid-state drive marketed as caching capable.
Smart Response Technology (SRT) uses SSDs as a cache for HDDs to enhance overall system performance. Users can choose between a write-back or write-through caching strategy, and the maximum cache size available on SSD is 64 GB.
FAQ
- What is SLC? Single-level cell (SLC) is a type of NAND flash memory that stores one bit of data per memory cell, providing higher performance, endurance, and reliability than multi-level cell (MLC) or triple-level cell (TLC) flash memory.
- What is TRIM? TRIM is a command in the ATA interface that enables an operating system to inform an SSD which data blocks are no longer in use and can be erased to free up space.
In conclusion, Smart Response Technology (SRT) is a caching mechanism that uses SSDs to boost the performance of HDDs. While Intel no longer supports TRIM garbage collection for SRT caching devices, the SSD performance is maintained through its own firmware. With SRT, users can choose between a write-back or write-through caching strategy, and the maximum cache size available on SSD is 64 GB.
