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Intel recently introduced an SSD caching technology called Smart Response Technology (SRT) with its Z68 Express chipset to help improve system boot times and speed up application startup. But the problem with SRT is that despite being a software-based solution, it is tied to the Z68 chipset. Fortunately, Diskeeper has developed an alternative that is not encumbered by such artificial restrictions. Called ExpressCache, the technology was recently on show at Computex.
The two systems in the video are identical save for a trivial difference. The system on the left features an 8GB SanDisk SSD as a cache for its hard drive. The difference between the Windows boot times and application launch times on the two machines is quite significant. Needless to say, the one on the left is faster.
In an interview with Nikkei, Diskeeper's Modesto Rodriguez recommended 8GB SSDs as the perfect fit for ExpressCache: "Considering the balance between the prices and effects of current SSDs, 8-Gbyte capacity might be the best. It's not that the operating speeds increase in proportion to the capacity of SSD. So, we expect that PC makers decide the capacity in consideration of the prices of SSDs.
“ExpressCache has an advantage [when compared to Intel SRT] that it can be used with any types of SSDs and HDDs with any capacities and does not require any specific hardware configurations."
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johnybravo
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DiskeeperCorp
June 08, 2011 at 11:55am
While ExpressCache is OEM-only at present, we are listening to users... If we hear interest in ExpressCache for the aftermarket, we'll likely build it.
-Michael Materie, Director of Product Managment, Diskeeper Corp
Baer
June 08, 2011 at 10:02am
The express cache unit boots at about the same speed or perhaps even a little slower than my rig boots. I am using a Vertex II SSD for boot and OS so my question would be that if you are already using an SSD as your boot drive would this do you any good or is this a cheaper replacement for a boot SSD?
Neufeldt2002
June 08, 2011 at 10:16am
This to me seems like a solution for those that want the storage of a regular HDD without having to pay lots of money for a SSD. Thinking single HDD rather than multiple drives as this will likely be offered to manufacturers rather than consumers. If you follow my ramblings.
Baer
June 08, 2011 at 10:22am
Yes, that makes sense. As I use multiple drives (SSD for boot, Raid 0 Raptors for programs, RE3 HDD for data) it probibally would not do me much good, on the otherhand, it might be just the thing for a notebook. .... Interesting
DiskeeperCorp
June 08, 2011 at 12:51pm
One of the benefits of using the SSD as a cache is that, rather than having a dedicated SSD for boot, you could maintain a single volume and ensure your most important app/boot files are on the SSD. With multiple volumes, you have to manuallly decide where data goes. With ExpressCache you'd be able to use the SSD for apps too. ExpressCache also allows you to pin an app into the SSD, so it never gets evacuated. You can also carve out a part of the SSD for use as cache and format and assign a drive letter to the remaining part. For example, you could take a 120GB G3 drive and give 40GB to ExpressCache and use the remaining capacity as drive D:, or drive C: - if you still prefer to have a SSD-dedicated boot volume.
bling581
June 08, 2011 at 9:35am
Are the average PC's really that slow? Mine boots as fast or even a few seconds faster than the laptop with Diskeeper.
zepontiff
June 08, 2011 at 9:24am
Jesus I want this. This is a complete waste if I can't get it though. If its only going to PC makers.
bikerbub
June 08, 2011 at 6:18am
will this be usable with a dual boot setup?
it looks like it only affects windows, so it would make sense that that would be the case.
Brdn666
June 08, 2011 at 5:47am
I love how companies are coming up with ways to utilize the speed of SSD's and the cheap capacity of HDD.
Is it going to be possible to build this feature into a custom rig or must it be built in certain computers?
