Question : SATA Operation settiing in BIOS and Intel Rapid Storage Technology

Hello

I have re-installed Win 7 on my Dell laptop and while re-installing drivers and applications, I came a across a point I am not clear:

- Should I really install the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver and utility?
Is it necessary if I am just using the Internal laptop drive and some external USB & eSATA units?

Installig the drive seems to make the boot time slightly faster though. But I am not sure of its Pros & Cons and real usage scenarios.

- Also in the BIOS there is a section called SATA Operation where it is possible to select: Disabled, ATA, AHCI, or RAID On
I am not actually clear which option is best suited and when.

I would very much apprecite any light on this matter.

Kindest Regards,

Answer : SATA Operation settiing in BIOS and Intel Rapid Storage Technology

It's my understanding that Intel RST is the new name for Matrix Storage Technology, if you want the best performance install the driver but you won't need the Utility software.
If you want to read abit more about Matrix Storage Technology you can check the link below.
http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/matrixstorage_sb.htm

AHCI is just a newer SATA Operation Tech, if you were using Windows XP you would be unable to install it on AHCI (without adding a specific driver to the install) and would have to pick ATA (on other systems it's called legacy)
You won't be using raid in a laptop but as you will read below you can choose the Raid On option for the most flexibility as if you install Windows 7 under ATA operation and then change to AHCI you will not be able to boot the operating system anymore.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Host_Controller_Interface

So in summary, yes install the Intell RST Driver and as you have already installed Windows 7 don't change the Sata Operation as it will stop your OS from loading.
ACHI or Raid On are best for Windows 7 but the difference is small.