What Is Intel Rapid Storage Technology? (Explained)

The world has seen a rapid increase in technological advancements over the past few years.

The central portion of these advancements is also based on data storage technology.

Data storage technology is described as the way a computer captures, retains, and archives digital data.

It is one of the core functions of a computer.

Among all others, one of the major ones is the Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

Let’s discuss its basics, features, and benefits in detail.

What Is Intel Rapid Storage Technology?

Intel Rapid Storage Technology is a program created by Intel to enhance different devices’ data storage capabilities and performance, especially personal computers.

It is a firmware based on RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) that combines multiple storage disk drives into a single line component.

Intel created and launched the technology to give personal computer users a better performance feature at budget-friendly prices.

The Intel Rapid Storage Technology works on the security of the users’ data files with a more holistic approach to technology.

It also contains a more intelligent system for data caching that can significantly benefit Windows users who have data storage problems.

Features Of Intel Rapid Storage Technology

Some of the modern features of Intel Rapid Storage Technology make it perfect for users who want optimized storage performance and fast speeds.

Let’s take a look at some of its features.

1. Intel Smart Response Technology

This is also known as Intel Rapid Response technology, which is a feature that installs the commonly used data to a fast-speed SSD.

This is used to optimize the disk’s speed and performance.

You will see a better version of the programs you commonly use.

The speed improvement is because the device transfers the data from the fast-performing SSD whenever you require something from that particular application or program.

The feature also reduces the lag time and increases the uptime of the program, which makes it an excellent technology for the Intel Smart Response Technology User.

2. Multiple Command Acceptability

The feature allows the disk to access more than one command at a time.

However, your command must use Native Command Queuing to access this feature.

It enables the device’s internal storage to optimize files whenever the user carries out multiple tasks at a time.

The feature plays an integral part in the improved performance of the disk space and eventually, the device.

3. RAID Technology

Intel Rapid Storage Technology is based on RAID firmware technology with enhanced features.

Therefore, it contains all the capabilities of a RAID-enabled device.

The RAID technology enables the data to be stored in multiple chipsets that enhance the device’s performance with immense speed improvement.

The Intel Rapid Storage Technology contains the following RAID levels.

RAID Level 0 (Stripping)
RAID Level 1 (Mirroring)
RAID Level 5 (Striping with parity)
RAID Level 10 (Stripping and mirroring)

4. Transactional Synchronous Serial ATA Disk Drives

The Transactional Synchronous Serial ATA feature combines the capabilities of Serial ATAs and Data Center SSDs, which brings the users a more enhanced storage performance.

This feature makes Intel Rapid Storage Technology faster and more precise in data recovery and error handling.

The feature combines software and intelligent hardware technologies to give users a more generous data storage and recovery feature.

5. Matrix RAID Technology

The technology enables the SATA disks to create an array capable of storing two independent volume spaces.

The array can have two to six SATA disks.

The device can use these disks to store data based on the requirement.

The technology enables the device to store the most commonly used files to the first portion of the volume space and the most minor used files to the second volume space.

Benefits Of Intel Rapid Storage Technology

The Intel Rapid Storage Technology brings some of the best benefits for the users making it worth the amount spent.

1. Improved Solid State Device Performance

The Intel Rapid Storage Devices supports the performance of the new electronic PCI devices, which increases the performance of the solid-state devices as well.

The drivers also contain the dynamic storage accelerator functions that play a significant role in the improved performance and boost the speed of the internal drive.

Once you install the Intel Rapid Storage Device, you will see improved performance of the local applications of your computer because of effective cache management.

2. Data Recovery Feature

The enhanced data recovery feature makes the technology the best fit for different users using multiple technologies, and those who fear data loss.

Intel Rapid Storage Technology automatically stores data to the internal memory so only the users who are looking to recover data can access it.

This makes it perfect for people who have accidentally lost their data and want to recover that data.

The add-on to the benefit is the improved speed.

The recovery of data is just a matter of a second if your device uses Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

Typically, it takes around an hour or two to recover more than 1 TB of data, which is excellent.

3. More Data Storage Capacity

With better data management and improved device performance, you will witness an increased data storage capacity with Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

This makes it perfect for users who have limited data storage features.

The technology manages the cache data of the critical applications and programs by creating internal spaces on the disk.

It also removes the cache of less-used applications, which automatically gives you full device storage capability.

4. Enhanced Security

Security is one of the essential benefits that Intel Rapid Storage Technology brings.

It automatically protects your device’s disk storage from unauthorized users by asking for a password.

The technology also makes it necessary for the user to set a security password when they sign up.

This protects the disk from any data loss or malware attacks.

5. More Reliable

Since Intel Rapid Storage Technology gives you the combined performance and features of HDD and SSDs, it is much more reliable than other technologies.

Intel Rapid Storage Technology uses one of the most advanced technologies available in the world to make the data storage process hassle-free for the user, making it the most sustainable technology in the market.

Is It Necessary To Install Intel Rapid Scale Technology?

It is unnecessary to install the Intel Rapid Scale Technology drivers, but you should install them considering the modern technologies and advanced features.

The driver helps in the system’s overall improvement, and you will realize the results immediately.

Almost all the updated devices come with this technology already installed.

However, if you are using an outdated appliance or the technology is not pre-installed, you should consider installing it.

Here are some of the requirements for the device installing the Intel Rapid Scale Technology driver.

Internal Storage/Hard Drive: More than 2.2 TB

Windows: 7 or above

Intel Processor: i7 and i5 (3rd Generation and above) or G9650 Processor

How To Install Intel Rapid Storage Technology: Step-By-Step Guide

Most high-end computers come with Intel Rapid Storage Technology installed with Windows.

If it is not already installed, you can get it done in just a few steps.

Before you begin the process, though, it is vital to make sure your system meets the system requirement criteria for driver installation.

The installation process can be a hassle if you are a non-techie and have no driver installation experience.

However, if you follow the steps correctly, you will successfully configure the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver on your computer.

Step 1: Install The Operating System

This step includes the installation of all the drivers required for a computer to get started.

Install the operating system.
Reboot the system and finish the Windows installation.

Step 2: In BIOS Setup, Enable Intel Rapid Start Technology

After completing this step, you will access the Intel Rapid Start Technology to install files from Intel—an external source, since you will be using Windows.

Take the following steps if you have an Intel Visual BIOS.

Reboot the computer.
Press the F2 Key during the Reboot.
Click Advanced Setup from the menu that appears.
Tap the Power option from the new menu.
Scroll down to find Intel Rapid Start Technology and check the box to enable it.
Set the Hibernation Timer to Immediately. (This will allow the Intel Rapid Start Technology immediately.)
Press the F10 key to save the settings.
Exit the BIOS Setup by pressing the Exit option at the top of the screen.
Reboot the computer.

Take the following steps if you don’t have an Intel Non-Visual BIOS.

Reboot the computer.
Press the F2 Key during the reboot.
Scroll down to click the Power option.
Find out the Settings option and tap it.
Scroll down to locate the Intel Rapid Start Technology option and check it.
Set the option of Hibernation to Immediately.
Turn off the setting.
Reboot the computer.

Step 3: Create A Hibernation Partition On The SSD

The next step is to separate the disk space and break it into small storage spaces.

Access the Windows search bar and type cmd.exe.
Simply right-click the option appearing in the search result and click Run as Administrator. (This will open a single command line.)
Type command diskpart.exe in the command line and press Enter.
Scroll down to view the Diskpart command and enter the following prompts in order.

DISKPART> select disk X (X is the disk where you want to create the partition.)

DISKPART> create partition primary size=YYYY (Y refers to the hibernation partition file size in megabytes.)

DISKPART> detail disk.

DISKPART> select volume Z (Z refers to the volume you want to create partitions for.)

DISKPART> set id=84 override

DISKPART> exit

After inserting all the commands, simply exit by typing Exit on the prompt.

Step 4: Verify The Hibernation Partition

Now that you have successfully separated the partition, verifying before installing is crucial.

Access the Control Panel by searching in the Windows or My Computer.
Locate the System and Security and enter the menu.
Click Administrative Tools from the menu.
Tap Computer Management from the drop-down.
Select Disk Management from the submenu.
Verify the Hibernation by double-checking for the file sizes you have created.
Reboot the computer. (This will make the BIOS identify the partitions you have made in your disk space.)

Step 5: Download The Drivers

Once you have successfully configured your system, the next step is to download the files and install them.

Download the driver from the official site of Intel. (Download Link)
Follow the installer steps to Install the setup. (You need to unzip the downloaded file to access the installer.)
After the installation is complete, restart the computer.
Go to the Taskbar and search for the Intel Rapid Storage Technology icon.
Tap Launch The Tool from the Task Manager.
Set the Status to On and Timer to Zero.

After taking these steps, you will successfully install and configure the Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

After completing the steps, you can verify the successful installation by checking out the reboot time computer takes.

Should I Uninstall Rapid Storage Technology?

No, you should not uninstall rapid storage technology once you have successfully configured it because of the benefits it brings.

One of the best things about the driver is its auto-update feature that allows the computer to keep the driver updated.

You simply need to run an upgrade whenever it is available without completely reinstalling it from scratch.

However, if your system does not use RAID technology, you should consider uninstalling the Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

There is no point in installing these drivers if you are not using the relevant technology because they will remain useless and have no additional benefits.

How To Use Intel Rapid Storage Technology

The Intel Rapid Storage Technology is a computer driver that installs on the SSD and helps in improving the performance of the system.

As a user, you need to install the driver, but you won’t be using the technology yourself.

Which Intel Processors Support Intel Rapid Storage Technology?

Almost all the latest Intel Processors support the Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

However, if you are using a system manufactured a decade ago, the technology might not work on that processor.

Here is the list of processors that are entirely compatible with the Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

Intel core processor (Q87, Z87, H87, B85, X77, Z75)
Intel chipset based computers H77
Intel core processor LGA 1155

How To Upgrade Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver

The Intel Rapid Storage Driver has a built-in auto-update feature, which allows the computer to automatically upgrade to the latest version of the driver available on the internet.

However, this functionality does not work for all computers.

If you have a low-end module that fails to deliver the auto-update feature, you should consider using the Windows auto-update feature instead of completely reinstalling the application.

Search for Device Manager in your computer’s taskbar.
From the categories, select Firmware since the IRST driver is a RAID-based firmware.
Right-click on the menu and select Update Driver.

Windows will search for the updates.

However, if it fails to update, you will have to reinstall the driver.

Is It Necessary To Have Intel Rapid Storage Technology Installed For SSD?

No, installing a Rapid Storage Technology driver is not necessary to run SSDs as they are generally built on several chips with the latest technologies that give them a fast speed.

However, if you want to run the IRST driver on a computer, SSD is a must-have.

The latest versions of the driver won’t run on the older hard drives, which means you won’t be able to enjoy its perks no matter how strong a motherboard you have.

Are Intel Rapid Storage Technology Faster Than Microsoft Drivers?

Yes, Intel Rapid Storage Technology is almost ten times faster than Microsoft Drivers since it is based on the data storage array.

It uses the latest microchip technology and works on both the software and the hardware.

The primary purpose of this driver is to give a better and improved storage experience to the users.

On the other hand, the Microsoft storage drivers do not use the latest technology and only work on the software.

Also, the drivers serve more of a general purpose to the users and are not restricted to improving the data storage experience of the user.

Should I Use Intel Rapid Storage Technology Without RAID?

No, you should not use Intel Rapid Storage Technology if you don’t have the RAID technology configured for your computer.

Intel Rapid Storage Technology is an improved version of the RAID technology.

In fact, it serves as a combination of multiple RAID network chips at a time, which makes it significantly dependent on the previous technology.

For this reason, you should avoid using the Intel Rapid Storage Technology and stick to the Windows driver.

RAID Vs. Intel Rapid Storage Technology

The Intel Rapid Storage Technology generally works on the caching storage technology that can lead to better storage performance of the computer.

On the other hand, the RAID technology is a combination of multiple data arrays that work on the overall data storage function of the storage devices.

The Intel Rapid Storage Technology heavily depends on the RAID functionality and cannot function without the RAID.

However, RAID can work individually and give the user better performance.

Conclusion

Intel Rapid Storage Technology has gained fame over the past few years, and most high-end computers use the technology to improve their storage capabilities.

The software and the hardware’s combined feature makes it the most budget-friendly and latest technology in the market.