The LSI Fastpath software key is an allusive feature. ServeTheHome and ServeThe.Biz Forums. The CacheCade software has a read performance advantage over HDDs. Utilizing a small solid state drive (SSD) investment as a front-side flash cache for the much larger disk array, MegaRAID® CacheCade® Pro 2.0 software dynamically keeps the “hottest” data in flash memory.

Adding 2x SSD's makes no difference in scores Making the 2x SSD's a RAID0 array makes no difference in score Setting 'SSD caching' to on (for Cachecade association) makes no difference to score Making 2x SSD's RAID0 CacheCade Array First time run: 2nd time run Subsequent test yield pretty well the same results. SSD caching is doing a great job at small files and being able to dish them out quickly from the much faster SSD access times.

But I'm still confused what Fastpath is. The above was achieved using CacheCade array setup. Is fastpath just the software part of the cachecade array?

Now looking at post 4 scores and comparing with Post 5 scores. Setting the HDD array to Fastpath specs (disable the spindles to use the cache) reaps very large 4k performance. 7/3 simplified. Basically the OS is shown the spindle drive but has to go through the Cachecade array (hidden) where Fastpath does its trickery The small file speed gain is quite exceptional, and ideal for a database server or the likes.

But if you have a server with lots of large reads and writes then a non Fastpath and non Cachecade (ie just a controller with cache) setup is a much better solution. Cachecade does not favour sequential reads. Fastpath = brilliant for small files read and written, huge boost.

I would think the faster the SSD the better the results. I hope this goes to explain what Fastpath is, I've learned a lot from writing it.

When IT pushes hard disk drives (HDD) arrays to reach their I/O potential, data “hot spots” become inevitable. Utilizing a small solid state drive (SSD) investment as a front-side flash cache for the much larger disk array, MegaRAID® CacheCade® Pro 2.0 software dynamically keeps the “hottest” data in flash memory. This can dramatically improve read/write speeds and drop latency. • Unlock substantial performance gains from HDD arrays with minimal SSD investment • Assign and manage the SSD pool with intuitive management software • Eliminate or reduce wasted capacity caused by short-stroking hard disk drives • Extend HDD longevity by reducing wear from the most commonly accessed data.