Detection of SSDs by Win8/8.1 and the use of the Optimizer (former Defrag Tool)

I placed the link above so I could go back & reference it at any point! I also I will be making the changes to the RAID as you suggested when I get the Power Supply & the Win 8.1 Disk tomorrow evening. I tore it down last night, cleaned all the fans & removed the power supply & am reconfiguring the fan controller for optimal use vs using the on-board fan link software. My Z68 is set up to allow the user to run the fans vs the motherboard to control them & it seems the fans have a better speed when not regulated to what the on-board controller can support. I also am going to set the sound card. Video cards & make sure they are seated in the PCIe slots correctly so there is NO mistakes made when I go to start the system up. I read thru the link & the Win 8.1 you provided from above & fully intend to follow each of your suggestion.
So here is what I have planned thus far:
NOTE: To enter the RAID set-up screen press (tap) contol+I
( a ) Re-Configure the settings to the RAID
* Re-name to OCZ 256
* Check to see both SSD's are selected as the drives
* Re-set the stripe size to 64 KB Setting this to 64 KB <-- Is gaming considered big sized data
* Take some pictures to share

After the OS has been installed:
( a ) Do I update the drivers PRIOR to updating the Windows
( b ) install the drivers after
( c ) In what order should I install the drivers

Suggestions noted, Thank You!
Not being familiar with Windows 8.1 this is going to be rather a slow process via utilizing references to learn the New OS. I'm now going to go & re-configure the Fan controller therefore if you have further suggestions, I will check back in a bit later! THANK YOU AGAIN

Does it matter if I use the top three slots for the ( X 3 ) GTX 670 4GB & the last slot for a Sound Card I need to know if it matters at all which slot I place the Sound Card into, I'm not sure if I have a SLI Bridge to set it up any differently!

I'm stuck in a rut per say as I am unable to completly remove the previous RAID stripe & install the new one simply to get away for the ASMedia controller. I have tried almost every avenue to completly remove the strip but so far no go. If I were to re-set the c-mos after deleting the RAID is the only step thus far left & I'm not sure even that will remove any traces. I even went as far as contacting ASUS support, that was a joke to say the least! I'm not the smartest cookie but the tech support guy I spoke to didn't know $hit about RAID removal & re-installation! ARRRRR

I have the system running & will screen shot & send you all items you wish to review.
It seems to run slowly in my opinion!

These are the following drivers I selected last night to completly start over the RAID set-up & installation:

MAXIMUS V EXTREME BIOS 1903 = COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY
OCZ VERTEX 4 Frimware v1.5 = COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY

#1- I guess the question is DO I HAVE THE CORRECT RAID CONTROLLER installed
#2- If NOT the correct one do I have to complete the clear c-mos to break the RAID then go back & start over to obtain the correct one This seems like the only way to remove it from the BIOS but I'm open to your expertise!

I have completed the settings as you instructed! THANK YOU VERY MUCH
When installing the drivers I have selcted the following in this SPECIFIC ORDER if wrong please advise:

COMPLETED DURING THE WINDOWS INSTALLATION
( A ) Intel AHCI/RAID Driver Path for Windows Win8.1 32bit & Win8.1 64bit.
Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver software V12.8.0.1016 for Windows Win8.1 64bit---(WHQL).
Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver software V12.8.0.1016 for Windows Win8.1 32bit---(WHQL).
* ( RESTARTED AFTER ) *

COMPLETED AFTER WINDOWS INSTALLED
( 1 ) Intel Chipset Driver V9.4.0.1026 for Windows Win8.1 32bit & Win8.1 64bit---(WHQL).
* ( RESTARTED AFTER) *
then I followed a specific order to finish the driver installs.

I got it up & running turned off the defrag & completed the winsat to set the trim according to what I've read now that that is completed & it's running finally what would you like to see that could improve the performance. I checked all the drivers & verified they are up to date, installed Kasperski & updated both Windows & it. Get back with me & tell me what your thoughts are. Thank You

I felt it only necessary to provide others following this thread to obtain the information given which applies to the success of the completion of the re-format to 8.1 & setting up the SSD's. This information is vital in regard to both the SSD's as well as the Windows 8.1 OS, please review the following: Detection of SSDs by Win8/8.1 and the use of the Optimizer (former Defrag Tool)

I would also like to take this moment in Thanking YOU, Fernando for posting this information as it is not only VITAL yet very INFORMATIVE!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH