Expresscache on NP700Z5C-S01UB

I just checked the easy settings tool and noticed that the express cache feature was only using 1.46GB of the total SSD partition (8GB). I then checked the hard drive information and saw that 6GB of the SSD partition are unallocated while the 1.46GB is active with healthy partition in parenthesis. Is there anyway to have express cache use all of the 8GB?

 

I wonder if the remaining part of the cache is reserved for the hibernation file. Is Intel Rapid Start Technology offered as a download by SW Update? Do you have a folder called "C:\Program Files (x86)\Samsung\Fast Flash Sleep Resume\"? If so, what is in the file called "ModelEnvironment.ini"?

John

 

John beat me to it: Exactly my thought -- Intel Rapid Start was (or still is) installed. The only other explanation I can think of is an actual defect on the iSSD preventing more than 2GB from being used. I doubt that, though.

If you know for sure that Intel Rapid Start is NOT currently installed on this PC (whether it has been in the past or not) here is what I would do to fix the problem:

1) Uninstall ExpressCache (using Windows Programs and Features Control Panel).

2) Delete the ExpressCache partition AND any other partitions that might be on the iSSD (using Windows Disk Manager). Do not create new partitions or otherwise make changes on the iSSD.

3) Reboot

4) Install ExpressCache (downloaded from samsung.com or using SW Update).

5) Reboot

6) Run bootopt.bat in the ExpressCache folder to pre-populate the cache. ( C:\Program Files\Condusiv Technologies\ExpressCache or C:\Program Files\Diskeeper Corporation\ExpressCache depending on the version of ExpressCache). It takes a few minutes, let it run.

7) Use Easy Settings to verify that ExpressCache has the right size and is being used.

No guarantees, of course, but I've re-build my ExpressCache countless times this way when testing and playing with installations.

Check the thread linked below for more discussion on fixing ExpressCache issues:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...ache-i-want-my-expresscache-back-edition.html

 

Thanks for the input guys.

John:

Is Intel Rapid Start Technology offered as a download by SW Update? No

Do you have a folder called "C:\Program Files (x86)\Samsung\Fast Flash Sleep Resume\"? No

If so, what is in the file called "ModelEnvironment.ini"? See Above

Dannemand: Rapid start is not installed, see my attachment. Also the hard drive should not be a problem as I had it replaced by Samsung about a month ago and they confirmed a new drive and motherboard was installed.

Both: I will await further input before I move on but I think a re-install and re-configuration of the ExpressCache software is in order using Dannemand's information.

 

I would proceed with Dannemand's advice.

John

 

ExpressCache is currently rebuilding the SSD. I checked disk management and now the entire partition is being used. Would you guys recommend I download and install Intel's Rapid start suite?

See the link: How to Speed Up Your Computer: Intel® Responsiveness Technologies

 

I wouldn't install it if not offered by Samsung. It works at a very low level and can be challenging to get working correctly even on those notebooks designed to use it.

John

 

Thanks John, I will avoid it then. The rebuild of the SSD is still on going, I have an office meeting in a few minutes that should last about 30 minutes so I will let it run during that time.

 

As John says, don't install Intel Rapid Start unless offered by Samsung SW Update. To be honest, I don't know if it actually might work, but beyond the configuration issue, that 8GB iSSD is better used just for ExpressCache.

And yes, that optimizer can take awhile

I wonder if the original problem stems from Samsung's replacing of the motherboard and a 2GB partition already existed on the iSSD when they put it in. We'll probably never know, and hopefully it won't matter because it will now work perfectly using the full 8GB cache

 

Thanks guys, I didnt install anything else besides express cache, it took about 20 minutes to optimize the SSD but at the end it did use the entire partition. Thanks for all the help again.

 

That's great, good job. Thanks for the update