Intel RST/RSTe Drivers (newest: v15.2.2.1030 WHQL/v4.5.6.1004 WHQL)

Fernando's Win-RAID Forum (Storage Drivers - BIOS Modding) � Important Drivers (AHCI/RAID, NVMe, USB etc.) � Specific: Intel AHCI/RAID Drivers � Intel RST/RSTe Drivers (newest: v15.2.2.1030 WHQL/v4.5.6.1004 WHQL)

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#1 | Intel RST/RSTe Drivers (newest: v15.2.2.1030 WHQL/v4.5.6.1004 WHQL) datum

Sat Apr 27, 2013 3:06 pm (Last edited: Thu Nov 17, 2016 11:43 pm)

@ all users with an Intel AHCI or RAID system:

Intel's RST/RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers

inclusive details about
a) their RST Console Software (>post #2) and
b) the different Intel SATA AHCI/RAID Controllers (>post #3)

(last updated: 11/17/2016)

Changelog:

updated: Intel RST(e) Drivers & Software Set from the v15.2 branch (now v15.2.2.1030 dated 11/04/2016)

History of Intel's Rapid Storage Technology
Since the beginning of 2009 the Company Intel worked on the development of a completely new AHCI and RAID drivers and software technology named "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" (IRST), which should replace the old Intel AHCI/RAID storage management named "Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager" (IMSM). The first fnal version of the IRST series was v9.5.0.1037. It has been compiled by Intel on 10/23/2009, got the WHQL stamp from Microsoft on 10/09/2009 and has been officially released by Intel on 01/16/2010.
In July 2011 Intel decided to change their IRST driver management and functionality by adding a separate SCSI filter driver named iaStorF.sys and renaming the AHCI/RAID driver from iaStor.sys to iaStorA.sys. The first IRST drivers series with the new 2-drivers-strategy were v11.5.0.1149 and released in March 2012. Due to the presence of the additional SCSI filter driver the behaviour of these new IRST(e) drivers from v11.5 up is considerably different to the "conventional" RST series using just 1 single driver named iaStor.sys (last version: v11.2.0.1006) and very similar to the special IRST "Enterprise Edition" (IRSTe) v3.x.x.xxxx drivers for X79 chipsets. To make these differences as clear as possible for the users, I have added an "e" in brackets to all IRST drivers from v11.5 up.

Function and (dis)advantages of the IRST/IRST(e) Software
The Software, which is part of all complete IRST packages and will be installed automaticly by running the installer, has the following main components:

the IRST Service (IAStorDataMgrSvc.exe), which is monitoring the IRST functions in the background as a special Win7/Win8 Service, and
the IRST Console (IAStorUI.exe), which gives the user some storage system informations and the opportunity to create a RAID array and to do some RAID settings from within the running OS.

Although the IRST Service and Console may be useful for Intel RAID or AHCI users, they are not really essential. The management of the Intel SATA AHCI and RAID Controllers is exclusively done by the IRST/IRST(e) drivers without the assistance of any IRST software component (except the "Write-back Caching" feature for RAID users). That is why it is possible to waive the IRST/IRST(e) Software completely and to just install the Intel AHCI/RAID drivers manually from within the Device Manager without risking any errors or malfunctions.

Advantages of the IRST Software installation:

Disadvantages of the IRST Software installation:

Tips:

AHCI users

RAID users

Important:

I. Newest/best Intel AHCI and RAID Drivers

Download Links:

A. "Classical" Intel RST Drivers and their RST Software:
(Note: These 32/64bit Intel RST driverpacks contain just 1 single driver named iaStor.sys and are designed for Intel systems with a Southbridge from ICH7R/M up except X79/X99.)
Intel RST drivers v10.1.0.1008:
>32bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID Driver v10.1.0.1008 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID Driver v10.1.0.1008 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v10.1.0.1008 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Note: These drivers are dated 11/05/2010 and suitable for AHCI/RAID systems from ESB2 up to 6-Series. They are the last official Intel AHCI/RAID drivers for Intel ICH8M-E/M and ESB2 Southbridges.
Best matching Intel RAID ROM: v10.1.0.1008
Latest/best Intel RST drivers:
>32bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID Driver v11.2.0.1006 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID Driver v11.2.0.1006 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v11.2.0.1006 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Note: These drivers are dated 05/30/2012 and suitable for AHCI/RAID systems from ICH7R/M up to 7-Series Chipsets, except X79 running in RSTe RAID mode (DEV_2826) and ICH8R/M+ICH9R in AHCI mode.
Best matching Intel RAID ROM: v11.2.0.1527

Remark: Additional download links to some "modified" versions of the previously mentioned Intel RST drivers and the related IRST Software can be found within >this< thread.

B. Intel RST(e) Drivers from v11.5 up and their RST(e) Software:
(These Intel RST(e) driverpacks contain an AHCI/RAID driver named iaStorA.sys and additionally an SCSI filter driver named iaStorF.sys. They are designed for newer Intel chipsets except X79/X99.)
Latest/best RST(e) drivers from the v11 line:
>32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v11.7.4.1001 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v11.7.4.1001 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v11.7.4.1001 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Note: These drivers are dated 03/05/2013 and suitable for AHCI systems from ICH9M up to 7-Series Chipsets and for RAID systems from ICH8R/M up except X79 running in RSTe RAID mode (DEV_2826).
Best matching Intel RAID ROM: v11.6.0.1702
Latest/best RST(e) drivers from the v12 line:
>32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v12.9.4.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v12.9.4.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v12.9.4.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Note: These drivers are dated 04/07/2014 and WHQL certified. They are suitable for AHCI systems from 5-Series up and for RAID systems from ICH8R/M up except X79 running in RSTe RAID mode (DEV_2826). Supported are only Operating Systems from Windows 7 and Server 2008 up.
Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v12.9.0.2006
Best RST(e) drivers from the v13 line:
Latest/best RST(e) v13.1 Series drivers (credits go to station-drivers):
>32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.1.0.1058 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.1.0.1058 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v13.1.0.1058 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Note: These drivers are dated 05/28/2014 (shown as being dated 05/02/2014) and WHQL certified. They are suitable for X79, X99, 7-Series Desktop systems and all 8-/9-Series Chipset systems running in AHCI mode, in "RST" RAID mode (DEV_2822) they can be used from ICH8R/M up. X79/X99 chipsets are not supported, if runnig in "RSTe mode" (DEV_2826). Supported are only Operating Systems from Windows 7 and Server 2008 up.
Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v13.1.0.2126
Latest/best RST(e) v13.2 Series drivers:
Latest Intel RST(e) drivers of the v13 line (credits go to Station-Drivers):
>32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.2.8.1002 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.2.8.1002 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v13.2.8.1002 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Notes: These drivers are dated 07/09/2015, WHQL certified and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel 8- and 9-Series Chipsets are natively fully supported by these drivers.
Best performant Intel RST(e) drivers of the v13 line (credits go to Pacman and Station-Drivers):
>32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.2.4.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.2.4.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v13.2.4.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Notes: These drivers are dated 07/25/2014, WHQL certified and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel 8- and 9-Series Chipsets are natively fully supported by these drivers. Users with an older Intel chipset, who want to get them installed, may try the modded version I am offering >here<.

Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules for both RAID driver versions: v13.2.2.2224/v13.2.0.2134
Newest Intel RST(e) drivers from the v14 line:
Latest/best RST(e) v14.6 Series drivers:
>32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v14.6.5.1036 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v14.6.5.1036 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v14.6.5.1036 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Notes: These drivers are dated 11/04/2015, WHQL certified by Microsoft and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel Chipsets from the 8-Series up (incl. X99) are supported by these drivers. Thanks to Station-Drivers for the source files.
Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v14.6.1.2340
Latest/best RST(e) v14.8 Series drivers:
>32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v14.8.12.1059 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v14.8.12.1059 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v14.8.12.1059 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Notes: These drivers are dated 08/23/2016, WHQL certified by Microsoft and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel Chipsets from 8-Series up (incl. X99) are supported by these new drivers. Thanks to Pacman resp. Station-Drivers for the source files.
Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v14.8.2.2397
Newest Intel RST(e) drivers from the v15 line:
Latest/best RST(e) v15.0 Series drivers:
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v15.0.3.1047 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
Notes: These drivers are dated 08/01/2016, WHQL certified by Microsoft and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel 100-Series/C230 Chipsets and Systems with an Intel Skylake CPU are natively supported by these drivers. Thanks to Station-Drivers for the source package. 32bit drivers and a complete Drivers & Software Set of this version are not yet available.
>32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v15.0.2.1044 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v15.0.2.1044 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v15.02.1044< (>MIRROR<)
Notes: These drivers are dated 06/24/2016, WHQL certified by Microsoft and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel 100-Series/C230 Chipsets and Systems with an Intel Skylake CPU are natively supported by these drivers. Thanks to Pacman resp. Station-Drivers for the source package.
Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v15.0.3.2675
Latest/best RST(e) v15.2 Series drivers:
>32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v15.2.2.1030 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v15.2.2.1030 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
>Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v15.2.2.1030< (>MIRROR<)
Notes: These drivers are dated 10/21/2016, WHQL certified and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel 100-Series/C230 Chipsets, 200-Series Chipsets and Systems with an Intel Skylake CPU are natively supported by these drivers. Thanks to Pacman resp. Station-Drivers for the source package.
Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v15.2.1.2771

Important remarks regarding the use of the 32/64bit RST(e) Drivers or the complete RST(e) Drivers and Software Set:
The Intel RST/RST(e) Software may require .NET Framework v3.0 or v3.5 for a proper installation and function.
Note: None of the Windows Operating Systems (not even Win8 and Win8.1) have the needed .NET Framework version working after a clean OS install!
To prevent any problems and error message after having installed the complete Intel RST/RST(e) package the first time, it is a good idea to make sure, that the needed .NET Framework version is already running, and to install the required .NET Framework version, if it's not already done. Users, who forgot to install the needed .NET Framework version before they run the installer of the complete RST/RST(e) Set, will not be able to get access to the Intel RST Console, not even after having catched up the previously missed .NET installation.
Tip: This problem can be solved by just rerunning the installer of the RST(RST(e) Drivers & Software Set.
Because of the big structural and functional differences between the "classical" Intel RST driver (just using the iaStor.sys) and the newer Intel RST(e) drivers (using iaStorA.sys and additionally the SCSI driver iaStorF.sys), users should be very restrictive regarding the switch from one driver sort to the other. Extra dangerous is the "downgrade" from any RST(e) drivers (from v11.5 up) to any "classical" RST driver (latest: v11.2.0.1006). Before you are going to do that, a backup of the complete system partition is strongly recommended (in case that you are not able anymore to boot into the OS after the reboot).
RAID resp. AHCI users, who had installed the RST software, should uninstall it, before they are going to install any other Intel AHCI or RAID driver or another complete RST/RST(e) package.
Users, who want to install any of the Intel RST(e) drivers (from v11.5 up) the first time, should unplug all removable devices, before they start with driver installation. Otherwise it is possible, that these devices will not be recognized anymore by the OS with the consequence, that the related drivers and software have to be reinstalled as well. This is not a bug of Intel's RST(e) drivers or of the RST software, but a consequence of the completely new hardware detection procedure by the additional SCSI filter driver.
Due to the severe changes of the complete storage device system by adding the SCSI filter driver, the first installation of the Intel RST(e) drivers while running Win7 comes up in 2 steps. That means, that the installation will be completed not until the user has done a second reboot.
Only valid for Win7: After the successful installation of Intel's RST(e) drivers you will recognize some changes within the Device Manager. They are caused by the installed Intel RST(e) SCSI filter driver.
Example: The Intel(R) SATA AHCI Controller may not be listed anymore as "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller", but now as "Storage Controllers".
Note: The latest Windows Operating Systems from Win8 up neither need nor install the SCSI Filter driver named iaStorF.sys.
Warning: After having switched from any RST driver (iaStor.sys) to any of the RST(e) drivers (iaStorA.sys+iaStorF.sys) or vice versa you should never try to delete any of them from within the Windows\System32\Drivers folder (although they will not be in use anymore). If you do it nevertheless, you will get a BSOD during the next reboot. These drivers are needed by the OS.

Remark: Additional download links to some "modified" versions of the previously mentioned Intel RST(e) drivers and the related RST Software can be found within >this< thread.
C. Intel RSTe drivers v3.x/v4.x and their RSTe Software (only for C600/C600+/C220 Series Chipsets like X79 and X99):
(Note: These real "Enterprise Edition" RST Drivers contain an additional SCSI Filter Driver like the RST(e) ones, but are just designed for Socket LGA 2011/2011-3 systems.)
Latest/best Intel RSTe drivers from the v3.x line (for X79, X99 and other C600/C600+/C220 Series Chipsets):
>32bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL for Win7< (>MIRROR<)
>32bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL for Win8/8.1< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL for Win7 x64< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL for Win8/8.1 x64< (>MIRROR<)
>Complete Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v3.8.3.1016 for Win7/8/8.1< (>MIRROR<)

Notes: This package contains the Intel RSTe drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL dated 09/25/2013 and the Intel RSTe Software v3.8.3.1016 dated 08/25/2014. It is only suitable for Intel C600/C600+ Series Chipset AHCI/RAID systems like X79 and X99. Thanks to Station-Drivers for the source files.
Best matching Intel RSTe RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v3.8.0.1029
Intel RSTe drivers of the v4.x line (for X79, X99 and other C600/C600+/C220 Series Chipsets):
Latest Intel RSTe drivers from the v4.2 branch:
>32bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.2.0.1136 WHQL for Win7/W2k3< (>MIRROR<)
>32bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.2.0.1136 WHQL for Win8/8.1/W2k12< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.2.0.1136 WHQL for Win7/W2k3 x64< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.2.0.1136 WHQL for Win8/8.1/W2k12 x64< (>MIRROR<)
>Complete Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v4.2.0.1143 for Win7/8/8.1/W2k12< (>MIRROR<)

Notes: This package contains the Intel RSTe drivers v4.2.0.1136 WHQL dated 02/12/2015 and the Intel RSTe Console Software v4.2.0.1143 dated 03/04/2015. It is only suitabe for Intel C600/C600+ Series Chipset AHCI/RAID systems like X79 and X99. All Windows Operating Systems since Windows Server 2003 seem to be supported. Thanks to Station-Drivers for the source files.
Best matching Intel RSTe RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v4.2.0.1036
Latest/best Intel RSTe drivers of the v4.3 branch:
>32bit Intel RSTe RAID driver v4.3.1.1152 WHQL for Win7<
>32bit Intel RSTe RAID driver v4.3.1.1152 WHQL for Win8-10<
>64bit Intel RSTe RAID driver v4.3.1.1152 WHQL for Win7<
>64bit Intel RSTe RAID driver v4.3.1.1152 WHQL for Win8-10<
>Complete Intel RSTe RAID Drivers 4.3.1.1152 & Software Set v4.3.0.1644<

Notes: These Intel RSTe drivers are dated 07/14/2015, WHQL certified and do only support X79 and X99 RAID systems running in RSTe mode (DEV_2826 and DEV_2827). AHCI systems are not supported at all.
Best matching Intel RSTe RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v4.3.5.1000
Latest Intel RSTe drivers from the v4.5 branch:
>32bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.5.0.1234 WHQL for Win7< (>MIRROR<)
>32bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.5.6.1004 WHQL for Win8-10< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.5.0.1234 WHQL for Win7 x64< (>MIRROR<)
>64bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.5.6.1004 WHQL for Win8-10 x64< (>MIRROR<)
>Complete Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v4.5.6.1007 for Win7-10< (>MIRROR<)

Notes: This package contains the Intel Win7 RSTe drivers v4.5.0.1234 WHQL dated 11/20/2015 (digitally signed at 12/29/2015), the Intel Win8-10 RSTe drivers v4.5.6.1004 WHQL dated 09/22/2016 and the Intel RSTe Console Software v4.5.6.1007 dated 09/28/2016. It is only suitabe for Intel C600/C600+/C220 Series Chipset AHCI/RAID systems like X79 and X99. All Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up to Win10 are supported. Thanks to Pacman resp. Station-Drivers for the source files.

Best matching Intel RSTe RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v4.5.0.1012

Contrary to the previously released Intel RSTe drivers until v3.6 the v3.8 and v4.x series drivers do fully support TRIM in RAID0, RAID1 and RAID10 (look >here<).

Note: All uploaded files are packed with the tool WinRAR v5.xx and have to be unzipped before being usable.

Supported Operating Systems and Intel Southbridges:

Operating Systems: All listed Intel RST/RST(e)/RSTe Drivers do support Vista, Win7 and Win8. Windows XP is only supported by the Intel RST Drivers (first section).
Southbridges: As mentioned above, there are some restrictions regarding the supported Intel SATA AHCI/RAID Controllers. Nevertheless it is possible to get nearly all Intel AHCI/RAID drivers installed onto officially not supported Southbridges, if you are using any of my "modded" drivers (look >here<).

Integration of Intel RST/RST(e) drivers into a Win7/Win8 image:
All Intel RST/RST(e)/RSTe drivers can be integrated into the image of the OS (look >here<), but usually the Win7/Win8 Setup will detect automaticly the HDDs/SSDs running in AHCI or RAID mode. Only exception is the "clean" UEFI mode OS installation onto a RAID array by using an actual EFI RAID SataDriver module. In this case you should either integrate a suitable up-to-date 32/64bit Intel RAID driver into the OS image or prepare a separate USB flash drive with such driver.

Informations for SSD users regarding TRIM support:

All 32/64 Intel AHCI Drivers since v9.6.1014 do fully support TRIM. That means, that the related cells of the SSD/SDDs will be cleaned and reusable directly after having deleted their content of data.
According to Intel all recently released Intel RAID Drivers do support TRIM as well for SSDs, which are running in RAID mode (only exception: SSDs, which are members of a RAID array).
For Intel 7-Series Chipsets the actual Intel RAID drivers from v11 up (except v12.5.0.1066) natively do support TRIM even within an Intel RAID0 array (only in combination with an Intel RAID ROM v11 or v12). Users with an Intel P55/P67/Z69/X79 Chipset are able to get the "TRIM in RAID0" feature as well, if they are using a BIOS with an especially modified Intel RAID ROM or EFI RAID "SataDriver" module. For details please look into >this< thread.

Additional informations regarding the newest Intel RST/RST(e) drivers:

Relevance of the Intel RAID ROM resp. EFI "RaidDriver" version (= modules of the mainboard BIOS)
Important: This chapter is only relevant for RAID users. As long as the Intel SATA Controller is running in AHCI mode, the presence and the version of the related Intel RAID BIOS modules don't matter, because they will not be used by the AHCI system.

Generally the functionality and the performance of all SATA RAID Controllers depends on
- a) the in-use RAID driver(s) and
- b) the related Intel SATA RAID Controller "Firmware" modules, which are part of the mainboard BIOS (here: Intel's RAID ROM resp. EFI "SataDriver" modules).
RAID users will get the best results, if the RAID driver version and the RAID Controller "Firmware" match to each other, that means belong to the same development branch (example: RST v11.2.x.xxxx or RST(e) v12.6.x.xxxx).
Due to the relationship between the in-use Intel RAID driver and the related Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS module versions the Intel RAID functions and features are limited by the oldest component of them. Users may even not be able to get the newest Intel RAID drivers installed as long as the BIOS contains an absolutely outdated Intel RAID ROM module version.
As a consequence of the mentioned dependency between the Intel RAID driver and OROM module version it is a good idea to check the "Firmware" (OROM) version of the Intel SATA RAID Controller and to compare it with the version of the actually available RAID ROM modules. RAID users will see the currently working RAID ROM version of their system very quick as popup while booting (unless they have disabled the OROM popup within the BIOS). Alternatively they can enter the "Intel RAID Configuration Utility" by hitting CTRL+I at startup, which will show the Intel RAID ROM version very clearly. Users, who are currently running their system drive in "AHCI" mode, should change temporarily the SATA Cotroller mode to "RAID", if they want to see the Intel RAID ROM (don't forget to undo the BIOS setting after the test).
RAID users, who verify, that the Intel RAID ROM/EFI "RaidDriver" version is outdated and doesn't match the actually running or desired Intel AHCI/RAID driver version, should look into the support pages of their mainboard/system manufacturer and search for a newer BIOS with an updated Intel RAID ROM/"RaidDriver" module. If they don't find it, but want it nevertheless, they may update the related BIOS module of their mainboard BIOS themself (only recommended for experienced users, who know about the risks and do the needed precaution actions). They will find a detailed guide about how to do it within >this< Forum section.

Switching from Intel RST to RST(e) drivers and vice versa
Generally all users with an Intel AHCI or RAID system and a Southbridge from ICH7R/M up are free to decide, if they want to use either
- a) one of the "classical" Intel RST drivers (latest: v11.2, using just 1 single driver named iaStor.sys)
- b) any of the newest Intel RST(e) drivers (from v11.5 up, using the AHCI/RAID driver named iaStorA.sys and additionally an SCSI filter driver named iaStorF.sys).
According to my experiences actual Intel AHCI and RAID Controllers are working fine with both types of the Intel AHCI/RAID drivers. Nevertheless there are some noticeable differences, which depend on the specific hardware configuration and the preferences of the users (for details you may look into >this< thread). That is why I recommend to test it out yourself, which Intel AHCI/RAID drivers series (RST or RST(e)) and which driver version is the best for you and your system.
Usually the "update" or "downgrade" of the in-use Intel AHCI/RAID driver version will not induce any problems, but the users should be aware of the fundamental differences between the RST and the RST(e) drivers. That is why I strictly recommend to uninstall the previously used RST software from within the "Control Panel" and to reboot after having done that, before any other Intel RST or RST(e) package should be installed.
Attention: If possible, you should avoid a "downgrade" from any of the Intel RST(e) drivers to one of the "classical" Intel RST versions. This procedure may even end up with endless BSODs while rebooting and the necessity to do a fresh install of the OS.
Additionally there seems to be a bug regarding the uninstall procedure of some Intel RST(e) driver versions, with the result, that the SCSI filter driver named iaStorF.sys may be still active in the background and lowers the performance of the system permanently. This issue is caused by some RST(e) registry entries, which obviously are not deleted by the uninstall commands. Further informations regarding this issue and a guide how to solve this problem can be found >here<.
Tips:
1. The previously running "Intel(R) Rapid Storage" software should be uninstalled before you are going to install any other Intel AHCI/RAID driver package.
2. If you want to compare different Intel RST and RST(e) drivers, it will be a good idea to start the tests with an RST driver, because the later "upgrade" to any of the RST(e) drivers will be safe (contrary to the vice versa direction).

Note: Due to the limited place and for a better overview I have moved the informations about the Intel RST Console Software and the related screenshots into the second post of this thread.

Good luck with Intel's RST resp. RST(e) drivers!
Fernando

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#2 | Intel RST Console Options for AHCI and RAID Users datum

Tue May 14, 2013 11:44 pm (Last edited: Fri May 29, 2015 7:24 pm)

II. Intel RST Console Options
for AHCI and RAID Users

Finally I want to give you some informations about the appearance and the main options of the Intel(R) RST Console software, which will automaticly be installed, if you you run the installer of the complete RST resp. RST(e) package.
Furthermore I want to show you the differences between an Intel AHCI and RAID system, when the related users are running the various options of the Intel RST Console Software.

Procedure details:

All screenshots were taken in February 2015 on my Z97 system running Win8.1 x64, but with a different Intel SATA (AHCI/RAID0) configuration
The used "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" Console Software was the currently newest v14.0.0.1081.

Installation of the Intel RST Software:

Don't install any Intel RST Software version on top of another one. If you have already an Intel RST Software running, uninstall it and reboot, before you install another RST Software version.
A proper function of the Intel RST Software requires the presence of .NET Framework v3.5.
Consequence: Before you start with the installation of the Intel RST Software, you should make sure, that Microsoft's .NET Framework 3.5 has been already installed (open the "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features" > "Turn Windows Features on or off"). The option ".NET Framework 3.5" has to be ckecked. After having turned this "Windows Feature" on, a reboot is required.
The Intel RST Software can be installed either by running the SetupRST.exe file as part of a complete "RST Drivers & Software Set" or by executing the RST_x32.msi (for a 32bit OS) or RST_x64.msi (for a 64bit OS). The latter option will install just the RST Software and no drivers.
After having finished the installation of the RST Software, you have to reboot.
Now you will see the "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" within the Start Menu or as an "App" of your Windows OS.
Be aware, that some RST Services are automaticly running in the background (unless you disable them manually) and may drop your system performance.

Informations about the RST Console options in AHCI and RAID mode

After having hit onto the "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" link you will see the RST Console with the following tabs:

Tab "Status":
This is what you see in AHCI mode (left pic) resp. in RAID mode (right pic):

The "Status" tab gives you an overview about your current "Manage" and "Performance" settings and shows the storage devices (HDDs/SSDs/Optical Drives), which are managed by the Intel(R) RST Software.

Tab "Manage":
These are the differences between systems running in AHCI mode (left pic) or RAID mode (right pic):

Within the "Manage" section RAID users are able to change their RAID settings (upper red marked area) and to change the important "Write-Back Caching" settings (below red marked area). AHCI users can only see their current "Disk Settings", but are not able to change any of them at this place.

Tab "Performance" (new since v12):
The appearance of the RST Console "Performance" section is very different depending on the Intel SATA mode BIOS setting.
AHCI users are only able to enble or disable the "Link Power Management":

RAID users will see much more setting options:

The tab "Performance" allows to boost the performance by changing the "Dynamic Storage Accelerator" (only for RAID users) and some "Power & Performance" settings (very limited for AHCI users).

Tab "Preferences":
This RST Console section looks very similar for AHCI (left pic) and RAID users (right pic). The only difference is the "Verify and Repair Scheduler" for RAID systems:

Whithin the "Preferences" section the user can choose, which notification icons they want to see within the RST notification area.

Tab "Help":

After having hit the "Help" tab, you will see a new Console area with the tabs "Contents", "Index", "Search", "System Report", "Online Support" and "About".

Tab "About":

This tab shows the RST Software version.

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#3 | List of the Intel AHCI and RAID Controllers datum

Mon May 20, 2013 6:56 pm (Last edited: Wed May 18, 2016 11:43 pm)

III. Intel AHCI and RAID Controllers
and their DeviceIDs

Many users of an Intel Chipset system have problems, when they are going to install/update or to load/integrate the appropriate Intel AHCI or RAID driver, because they don't know the exact model of their currently working Intel SATA Controller. Some of them do not even know, with which mode (IDE/AHCI/RAID) their Intel SATA Controller is running. The names of the various Intel SATA AHCI and RAID Controllers, which are shown within the Device Manager, were given by Intel and are not always helpful, because Intel has changed them very often without any comprehensible logic.
To make it easier for all these users, I have create a list, which contains
a) all Southbridges/Chipsets, which ever have been manufactured by Intel since 2007, and
b) the DeviceIDs of the various Intel SATA Controllers while running in AHCI and RAID mode.

A. List of the Intel RST/RST(e) SATA AHCI and RAID Controllers:

Intel Southbridge resp. Chipset	for	AHCI Controller DeviceID (specific)	RAID Controller DeviceID (external, not specific)
ICH6R	Desktops	DEV_2652	???
ICH6M	Mobiles	DEV_2653	no RAID option
ESB2	Desktops	DEV_2681	DEV_2682
ICH7R	Desktops	DEV_27C1	DEV_27C3
ICH7M	Mobiles	DEV_27C5	no RAID option
ICH8R	Desktops	DEV_2821	DEV_2822
ICH8M	Desktops	DEV_2829	no RAID option
ICH8	Mobiles (natively not supported by Intel)	DEV_2824	no RAID option
ICH9R	Desktops	DEV_2922	DEV_2822
ICH9M	Mobiles	DEV_2929	no RAID option
ICH10R	Desktops	DEV_3A22	DEV_2822
ICH10D/DO	???	DEV_3A02	no RAID option?
ICH10 (Type A)	Mobiles (natively not supported by Intel)	DEV_3A03	no RAID option
ICH10 (Type B)	Mobiles (natively not supported by Intel)	DEV_3A23	no RAID option
5-Series / 3400	Desktops	DEV_3B22	DEV_2822
5-Series 4-Port	Mobiles?	DEV_3B29	no RAID option?
5-Series 6-Port	Mobiles?	DEV_3B2F	no RAID option?
6-Series Express	Desktops	DEV_1C02	DEV_2822
6-Series Express	Mobiles	DEV_1C03	no RAID option
7-Series / C216	Desktops	DEV_1E02	DEV_2822
7-Series	Mobiles	DEV_1E03	no RAID option
8-Series /C220 (Type A)	Desktops	DEV_8C02	DEV_2822
8-Series (Type A)	Mobiles	DEV_8C03	no RAID option
8-Series / C220 (Type B)	Desktops	DEV_9C02	DEV_2822
8-Series (Type B)	Mobiles	DEV_9C03	no RAID option
9-Series (Type A)	Desktops	DEV_8C82	DEV_2822
9-Series (Type A)	Mobiles	DEV_8C83	no RAID option
9-Series (Type B)	Desktops	DEV_9C82	DEV_2822
9-Series (Type B)	Mobiles	DEV_9C83	no RAID option
Baytrail systems	Mobiles (natively not supported by Intel)	DEV_0F23	no RAID option
Skylake systems (6th Generation CPUs)	Desktops	DEV_9D03	DEV_2822
100-Series / C230	Desktops	DEV_A102	DEV_2822
100-Series / C230	Mobiles?	DEV_A103	no RAID option?

B. List of the "Enterprise Edition" Intel RST(e) SATA AHCI and RAID Controllers:

Intel Chipset Series	for	AHCI Controller DeviceID (specific)	RAID Controller DeviceID (just external, not specific)
C600 Series (X79 etc.)	Desktops	DEV_1D02	DEV_2826 (RSTe mode) resp. DEV_2822 (RST mode)
C600+ / C220+ Series (X99 etc.)	Desktops	DEV_1F22	DEV_2826 (RSTe mode) resp. DEV_2822 (RST mode)

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#4 | RE: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.0.7.1002 WHQL available datum

Tue May 21, 2013 10:47 pm (Last edited: Sat Jun 08, 2013 11:41 am)

Today Station-Drivers has published new inofficial Intel RST(e) drivers v12.0.7.1002 WHQL dated 04/05/2013 (look >here<).

Update of the thread opener:
Since these Intel RST(e) drivers are the newest within the v12.0 series, I have put the download links into the start post and replaced the older Intel RST(e) drivers v12.0.4.1001 WHQL by them.

Have fun with these new Intel RST(e) drivers!
Fernando

EDIT:
These drivers show better benchmark results with my Z77 RAID0 system than the Intel RST(e) drivers v12.6.0.1033 WHQL.
Here are the ASSD results with the Intel RST(e) drivers v12.0.7.1002 WHQL:

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#5 | RE: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.0.7.1002 WHQL available datum

Wed May 22, 2013 9:24 am (Last edited: Sat Jun 08, 2013 11:41 am)

Hi Fernando,

Can you educate me on Intel's driver naming convention? At first glance, it seems 12.6.0.1033 is newer than 12.0.7.1002.

Thank you...

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#6 | RE: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.0.7.1002 WHQL available datum

Wed May 22, 2013 11:28 am (Last edited: Sat Jun 08, 2013 11:40 am)

Zitat von h3llRaiz3r im Beitrag #6
Can you educate me on Intel's driver naming convention? At first glance, it seems 12.6.0.1033 is newer than 12.0.7.1002.

Obviously the Intel RST driver development stuff actually is simultaneously working on the following Intel RSTe driver version branches:

v3.7.x.xxxx (latest version: 3.7.0.1092 dated 03/20/2013)
Note: This Intel RSTe driver branch is only designed for Intel's C600/C220 Series chipsets like X79 and maybe the upcoming X89 (unsure regarding the name).
v11.7.x.xxxx (latest version: v11.7.4.1001 dated 03/05/2013)
Note: This is the latest Intel RST/RST(e) driver branch, which officialy does support some Intel 4-Series chipsets (ICH9M and ICH10R)
v12.0.x.xxxx (latest version: v12.0.7.0.1002 dated 04/05/2013)
Note: This RST(e) driver branch has been designed for the upcoming Intel 8-Series chipsets. The AHCI/RAID drivers of this series do support all Intel chipsets from 5-Series up as well, but these older chipsets will not be able to use all built-in features.
v12.6.x.xxxx (latest version: v12.6.0.1033 dated 04/22/2013)
Note: This is the newest RST(e) driver branch for the upcoming Intel 8-Series chipsets with additional features. Although the drivers seem to be backwards compatible with all Intel chipsets from 5-Series up, I doubt, that they are really optimized for all of them.

So the driver dates of the different driver series branches should not be compared with each other.
The user has to decide, which of the listed driver series may be the "best" for his system and then should look for the newest driver of that series

Hoping, that this answers your question
Fernando

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#7 | RE: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.0.7.1002 WHQL available datum

Tue Jun 04, 2013 3:51 am (Last edited: Sat Jun 08, 2013 11:39 am)

Hey Fern; I love what you've done. I was just stopping to tell you about the 12.7 rom, but you beat me.

Now I just need some time to read all your posts.

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#8 | News: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.7.0.1018 Beta available datum

Sat Jun 08, 2013 11:38 am (Last edited: Sat Jun 08, 2013 11:38 am)

Last night our member Pacman has published >here< the link to Intel's first RST(e) drivers of the v12.7 branch.
These brandnew drivers v12.7.0.1018 were compiled and digitally signed by Intel on 05/05/2013.
Since these drivers seem to run fine with actual Intel chipsets, I have updated the start post of this thread.
For further details and some test results you may look into the linked thread, which has been opened by Pacman.

Have fun with the new Intel RST(e) drivers v12.7.0.1018!

Regards
Fernando

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#9 | RE: News: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.7.0.1018 Beta available datum

Fri Jun 14, 2013 1:21 pm

Intel is removed Intel RST(e) drivers v12.6.0.1033 WHQL from download page.

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#10 | RE: News: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.7.0.1018 Beta available datum

Fri Jun 14, 2013 1:39 pm (Last edited: Fri Jun 14, 2013 2:25 pm)

Hello ex58,
welcome at Win-RAID Forum! It is fine to see you here.

Zitat von ex58 im Beitrag #10
Intel is removed Intel RST(e) drivers v12.6.0.1033 WHQL from download page.

Yes, they have already been pulled on 30th of May, but we haven't yet seen any information regarding the reason.

Regards
Fernando

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#11 | Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.6.3.1000 WHQL available datum

Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:46 pm

Today Station-Drivers has published the successor of the Intel RST(e) drivers v12.6.0.1033 WHQL, which have been pulled by Intel from their Download Center on 05/30/2013.
The new RST(e) drivers are v12.6.3.1000 WHQL dated 05/30/2013, the related RST Software obviously is v12.6.3.1001.
Further details about this new RST(e) Drivers & Software Set can be found >here<.

Have fun with the AHCI and RAID drivers!
Fernando

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#12 | Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.7.0.1022 available datum

Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:26 pm (Last edited: Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:30 pm)

As you may have already seen within the start post, there are new Intel RST(e) drivers v12.7.0.1022 available. They are dated 06/12/2013 and digitally signed by Intel (not yet WHQL certified, but easily to install even under Win8). These new drivers have been published by asder00 on 18th of June at Station-Drivers - a big thankyou goes to him.
Meanwhile I have some experience with these new RAID drivers v12.7.0.1022, which I am using since yesterday in combination with the Intel EFI "SataDriver" BIOS module v12.7.0.1936. After having done 24 hours of work and some benchmarks I am very satisfied with these new Intel RST(e) drivers. Everything runs very smoothly, the boot time is very short, TRIM in RAID0 works as it should.
My impression: These are very stable and performant drivers for my Z77 RAID0 system.

Here are the benchmark results with my actual Intel RST(e) combo 12.7.0.1022/12.7.0.1936:

If you compare these scores with those I have posted within the second post of this thread, you will realize, that the RST(e) drivers v12.7.0.1022 are the best performing Intel RAID drivers for my system since the last "conventional" Intel RST driver v11.2.0.1006.

Have fun with these brandnew Intel RST(e) drivers!
Fernando

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#13 | RE: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.7.0.1022 available datum

Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:04 pm

Hi Fernando,
Here is the benchmark result on my P8Z77-V DELUXE combo 12.7.0.1022/11.0.0.1339:
However i have a recurrent problem when shutdowning the PC after a more or less long period of inactivity.
When clicking on Stop the PC does not stop and is setting in hybernation than reboot automatically !!
i don't know why ?

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#14 | RE: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.7.0.1022 available datum

Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:14 pm (Last edited: Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:14 pm)

Zitat von 100PIER im Beitrag #14
Here is the benchmark result on my P8Z77-V DELUXE combo 12.7.0.1022/11.0.0.1339:

Unfortunately I cannot see them. How did you try it, by uploading it to any picture hoster or by attaching it to your post?

Zitat von 100PIER
However i have a recurrent problem when shutdowning the PC after a more or less long period of inactivity.
When clicking on Stop the PC does not stop and is setting in hybernation than reboot automatically !!
i don't know why ?

Neither do I. I have recognized the same shutdown behaviour as you.

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#15 | RE: Intel RST(e) Drivers v12.7.0.1022 available datum

Sat Jul 06, 2013 3:28 pm

i have tried to send 2 files by attaching and i get "uploading ..." message a very very long time with apparently no progress, nothing happening,..
then i do 'submit'.
how can i include in the text the bench results .png format ?

did you observed at least once a shutdown problem ? you have to wait at least 10 or 15 mn more to get the problem.
the shutdown screen appears, then a hdd seems to restart, then the black screen occurs, then the pc reboot as if i had requested a restart and not a shutdown..
i have checked iRST parameters and specifically power link management is well deactivate, i have set also in bios all peripherals 'hotplug' active as it is recommended with RAID 0.

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Performance of the Intel RST/RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers � � Modded Intel AHCI and RAID Drivers (digitally signed)

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