X230T: mSATA SSD only for cache?

[crg7]

Page 17 of HMM states

If the computer is equipped with both a hard disk drive and an mSATA solid-state drive, do not use the mSATA solid-state drive as a bootable device. The mSATA solid-state drive is designed and developed for “cache” function purpose only.

and on page 18

If the computer is shipped with both an mSATA solid-state drive and a hard disk drive, the mSATA solid-state drive is used for the “cache” function and to support the Intel Rapid Start Technology. We recommend that users do not replace the mSATA solid-state drive by themselves. Otherwise, the “cache” function will not work and the Intel Rapid Start Technology cannot be used any more.

My new X230T shipped with a 500GB HDD and no mSATA drive.

Plan is to install a 180+GB mSATA SSD as the main drive and reserve the regular HDD space for future needs.

The above claim is giving me second thoughts.

Any comments, clarifications, suggestions?

[ajkula66]

Well, most of these mSATA drives were 32GB or less, hence the disclaimer about not using them as bootable drives.

Throw in a nice, 128GB + mSATA SSD and call it a day.

One thing to bear in mind: mSATA is limited to SATA II (3.0) speeds in these machines, while an SSD in the main bay could run at SATA III (6.0) speeds.

[FelixHall]

http://www.bestsellingreviews.com/Compu ... ate-Drive/
Cool! I really appreciate you for giving info about ssd guys. I am also looking answer for the same question.

[murak]

I can´t really add anything new but I can confirm that the msata in x230 runs @ sata2 speed. A decent msata ssd will however be snappier than the regular hdd so if you want to use the msata as boot and 2,5" hdd as storage please do. To get the most out of the laptop a proper 2,5" ssd as boot is the way to go though, but I totally understand if cost/storage space is a factor.

GL!