Setting up SSD for OS/boot and 4xHDD in RAID 10 for storage

[THQ]

Hi, I have a Samsung 512 gb 850 PRO SSD I would like to setup Win7 (64HP) on, whilst having 4x 3tb WD red HDD's as multimedia storage. MB is Asus X99 Pro.

How is the best way to go about this, as I have read conflicting information on the net. Is there a way to run my SSD in AHCI whilst the others in RAID 10?

I have read things like
1. Connect all drives and change BIOS to RAID, then setup Win.
2. Connect only SSD, set up Windows in AHCI, then convert to RAID in BIOS and connect HDDs.
3. As above, but convert to RAID by doing something to Windows registry?

Also, I am a bit worried about losing SSD TRIM function in RAID and shortening the MTBF, as it obviously contains all the system files.

Thank you.

 

[Okedokey]

Not difficult at all.

Let me take you through it.

From your post, I assume you want your SSD to have WIndows (not in any RAID array) and your 4 x WD HDDs to be in a RAID 10, correct?

The best way to do this is as follows:

Connect the 850 pro SSD to the SATA port (black) on the motherboard shown in the picture below in blue. Don't connect anything else yet.
Enter the BIOS and select RAID for the SATA devices. Also enable Intel IRST.
Install Windows, activate, set up, and completely install all drivers etc.
In particular, make sure you update the

BIOS http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA2011/X99-PRO/X99-PRO-ASUS-1203.zip

and chip-set software

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/misc/utils/Intel_Chipset_Win7-8-8-1_V10020.zip
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/misc/utils/MEI-Win7-8-8-1_VER10001204.zip

Install Intel IRST and other chip-set drivers contained.

Shutdown
Connect the WD Reds to the 4 x Grey SATA Ports (shown in Red)
Start the computer, enter bios and enable RAID on the intel grey ports and IRST.
Boot into Windows and allow the RAID to be built. Then copy your contents across.

The SSD Trim function will operate separately.

 

[THQ]

Wow, thanks Okeydokey! That's very helpful. You've really gone above and beyond to help me. I assume IRST is enabled in the BIOS somewhere? I'll find it when I set it up.
Very much appreciated. Is there a way to rep you? I'm getting my case tomorrow/Wednesday and hopefully everything goes well!

 

[Okedokey]

No need to rep me mate. Just stick around and help others as I have helped you.

IRST is an option in the bios, review your manual.