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    How do you configure Intel Rapid Storage Technology on XPS 15 9550

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by IntelVEVO, Mar 22, 2017.

  1. IntelVEVO

    IntelVEVO Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a dell XPS 15 9550 with an i5 6300hq and a 1TB hdd + 32GB SSD. Recently had to reinstall windows on it and have managed to get it working on the HDD, but when I try to install the intel RST drivers so I can use the 32gb ssd as cache like it was before, windows stops booting.

    I have looked online but I cannot find clear instructions on how to get it working. Would appreciate any help
     
    IntelVEVO, Mar 22, 2017
    #1
  2. GoNz0

    GoNz0 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I would try removing the 1tb and performing the secure erase on the SSD as it may have leftover indexes messing things up.
    It is under maintenance in the BIOS under erase data or something that will make sense. When you do the secure erase make note what options you click as it tries to trick you to exit without doing it as a bit of a failsafe by reversing the second option.
     
    GoNz0, Mar 22, 2017
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  3. IntelVEVO

    IntelVEVO Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the reply. I have managed to get windows booting by doing what you suggested. I installed the OS on the 1TB HDD with the SSD disconnected and the BIOS set to AHCI (Windows wouldn't install otherwise), and once windows finished installing I put the SSD back into the system then downloaded and installed the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver and Management Console straight from Dell's Website. After it asked me to reboot to finish installation, windows stopped booting.
    Now that I have managed to get it to boot, I am in the application and I see the two drives but don;t see any options that let me enable the intel smart response disk caching
     
    IntelVEVO, Mar 22, 2017
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  4. GoNz0

    GoNz0 Notebook Virtuoso

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    It wont work in AHCI mode, it is a RAID only feature.
     
    GoNz0, Mar 22, 2017
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  5. pressing

    pressing Notebook Deity

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    That 32GB cache drive is absolute garbage.

    Replace it with a cheap m2 stick and enjoy much snappier response...
     
    pressing, Mar 22, 2017
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  6. IntelVEVO

    IntelVEVO Notebook Enthusiast

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    This solution is for the meantime (better than only using the HDD). I am planning to replace it with a 512gb m.2 and upgrade the battery to the 84WHr model in the future.
     
    IntelVEVO, Mar 22, 2017
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  7. GoNz0

    GoNz0 Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can google how to change into raid mode, you have to be in safe mode, before during and after the bios change to prevent a BSOD, you should also be installing with legacy off secure boot on.
     
    GoNz0, Mar 22, 2017
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  8. IntelVEVO

    IntelVEVO Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks, I got it to work fine by changing to RAID.
     
    IntelVEVO, Mar 22, 2017
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    GoNz0 likes this.