Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects

Difference Between AHCI and RAID

sata-diskAHCI vs RAID

AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) is a mode of operation that was defined by Intel for the SATA interface. It does not affect the speed of the SATA interface in any way but allows the usage of more advanced features inherent in SATA. On the other hand, RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) is a much older technology that predates even the SATA technology. It is a method of improving the performance or the reliability by using additional hard drives. Since AHCI was created by Intel, this functionality is used by their chipsets only and computers that do not use the Intel chipset are unable to use AHCI, unlike RAID which has been pretty standardized and can be obtained and used by a wide variety of manufacturers.

RAID is a very old technology and is much older to AHCI and even SATA. There are configuration definitions that indicate how the RAID array is meant to work. RAID 0 improves the read/write speeds by striping the data into several drives so that it only takes a fraction of the time to write or read data. RAID 1 duplicates the content of one drive to another so that in case one fails, data is still retained in the other drive. There are several more configurations defined that either improves performance, reliability or both.

RAID has also become an operating mode in SATA along with AHCI and IDE. In terms of features, it basically exposes the same feature set that is available in AHCI making them identical in single disk applications. RAID truly shines when you go into multi disk configurations where you can utilize its more advanced features because AHCI is unable to operate in this mode. But using RAID can become very expensive once you start adding more disks into your array.

Summary:
1.AHCI is  more of an operation for SATA drives while RAID is an advanced mechanism that provides performance enhancements by using multiple hard drives in different configurations.
2.RAID is a much older technology compared to AHCI.
3.AHCI is pretty much exclusive to computers with Intel chipsets while RAID functionality is offered by a wide variety of vendors.
4.RAID mode in SATA also exposes the same functionality that AHCI does.
5.RAID is more advantageous for people compared to AHCI if they are willing to spend extra cash on additional hard drives.

Sharing is caring!


Search DifferenceBetween.net :




Email This Post Email This Post : If you like this article or our site. Please spread the word. Share it with your friends/family.


6 Comments

  1. I have an AMD motherboard and it supports AHCI…

  2. I’ve bought 2 Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB drives and have them running in RAID 0. The performance is phenomanol. I also have an ssd and it reports as supporting NCQ and Hot Swap. Therefore, I assume that RAID still allows for native AHCI functionality on SATA drives. Of course, drives do cost a bit, and the SB710 chip on my AMD motherboard takes a while to scan the disks when booting up.

  3. I HATE Websites like this that can’t even date the articles. It gives out-dated info to people seeking CURRENT problems. SO, it’s no longer accurate and VERY misleading….

  4. So much wrong with this article that I don’t know where to begin…

  5. Is There Any Relation With OS Installation. Like Windows XP?

Trackbacks

  1. Difference Between Hardware RAID and Software RAID | Difference Between | Hardware RAID vs Software RAID

Leave a Response

Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.

Articles on DifferenceBetween.net are general information, and are not intended to substitute for professional advice. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages.


See more about : ,
Protected by Copyscape Plagiarism Finder