How to reinstall OS on system having msata SSD for caching facility - Recommended Steps

Note: Please do not dispatch parts if customer reports that during OS reinstallation the system is asking for msata drivers or drives are not detected.

Please try this on all systems where msata SSD is used as a Cache device.

Models that use Msata SSD

Inspiron SE Turbo Series, XPS 8500, AW Auroro R4, new XPS 14 and XPS 15, AW M18 MLK, AW M17X R4, Vostro 3360, Vostro 3460, Vostro 3560, XPS 2710

Start

1.    Ensure Sata mode is set to RAID in BIOS or in some systems Intel Smart Response Technology

2.    Go to RAID BIOS and disable accelerate option for SSD (Only if HDDs are not detected while OSRI) (Use Ctrl+I)

3.    Initiate OSRI

4.    Install all the drivers including Intel Rapid Storage Software

5.    Then follow the steps below:

Next

1. Run the Intel RST software through the All Programs menu or the task bar icon.
2. Click Enable acceleration under either the Status or Accelerate menu. 

1. Select the SSD to be used as a cache device.
2. Select the size from the SSD to be allocated for the cache memory.

Note Any remaining space on the SSD may be used for data storage using the simple data single-disk RAID 0 volume that is automatically created.

3. Select the drive (or RAID volume) to be accelerated. It is highly recommended to accelerate the system volume or system disk for maximum performance.
4. Select the acceleration mode. By default, Enhanced mode is selected.

Note Enhanced mode: Acceleration is optimized for data protection. Maximized mode: Acceleration is optimized for input/output performance.

1. Click OK. The page refreshes and reports the new acceleration configuration in the Acceleration View. Your system is now successfully configured with the Intel Smart Response Technology.

Once this is done the SDD drive will not be visible in windows.

Please provide feedback if this article helps.

Note: Please do not dispatch parts if customer reports that during OS reinstallation that the drives are not detected

Manual way of doing this:

KCS Article ID: 558071 - mSATA Solid State Drive (SSD) Crash or Removal From System Will Cause the Intel Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM Screen and System Can't Successfully Boot.