@ all users with an Intel AHCI or RAID system:

• the IRST Service (IAStorDataMgrSvc.exe), which is monitoring the IRST functions in the background as a special Win7/Win8 Service, and
• the IRST Console (IAStorUI.exe), which gives the user some storage system informations and the opportunity to create a RAID array and to do some RAID settings from within the running OS.

1. AHCI and RAID: monitoring of some details regarding the drives, which are connected to the Intel SATA AHCI resp.RAID Controller
2. only RAID: creation, repairing and modification of a RAID array from within the OS
3. only RAID: enabling of the "Write-Back-Caching" feature (boost of the write performance in RAID mode)

1. extension of the boot time
2. additional demand of resources (the IRST Service usually runs permanantly in the background)
3. possible increase of system instability (some IRST Software versions have severe bugs)

AHCI users, who want a stable, performant system, should only load/install the IRST drivers and not the complete IRST package.

For RAID users I recommend to temporarily install the complete IRST/IRST(e) Drivers & Software Set just to get benefit of the "Write-Back-Caching" and the related write performance boost. After having enabled this feature, the "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" software can be uninstalled from within the Control Panel.
Important: Once the "Write-Back-Caching" is enabled, the OS will keep this setting even after an update of the in-use RAID driver- no further RST Console Software installation will be equired.

• A. "Classical" Intel RST Drivers and their RST Software:
  (Note: These 32/64bit Intel RST driverpacks contain just 1 single driver named iaStor.sys and are designed for Intel systems with a Southbridge from ICH7R/M up except X79/X99/X299.)
  
  
  • Intel RST drivers v10.1.0.1008:
    • >32bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID Driver v10.1.0.1008 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    • >64bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID Driver v10.1.0.1008 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    • >Intel RST AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v10.1.0.1008 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    Note: These drivers are dated 11/05/2010 and suitable for AHCI/RAID systems from ESB2 up to 6-Series. They are the last official Intel AHCI/RAID drivers for Intel ICH8M-E/M and ESB2 Southbridges.
    Best matching Intel RAID ROM: v10.1.0.1008
  • Latest/best Intel RST drivers:
    • >32bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID Driver v11.2.0.1006 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    • >64bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID Driver v11.2.0.1006 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    • >Intel RST AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v11.2.0.1006 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    Note: These drivers are dated 05/30/2012 and suitable for AHCI/RAID systems from ICH7R/M up to 7-Series Chipsets, except X79 running in RSTe RAID mode (DEV_2826) and ICH8R/M+ICH9R in AHCI mode.
    Best matching Intel RAID ROM: v11.2.0.1527
    
    Remark: Additional download links to some "modified" versions of the previously mentioned Intel RST drivers and the related IRST Software can be found within >this< thread.
• B. Intel RST(e) Drivers from v11.5 up and their RST(e) Software:
  (These Intel RST(e) driverpacks contain an AHCI/RAID driver named iaStorA.sys and additionally an SCSI filter driver named iaStorF.sys. They are designed for newer Intel chipsets except X79/X99 running in RSTe mode.)
  
  
  • Latest/best Intel RST(e) drivers from the v11 platform:
    • >32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v11.7.4.1001 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    • >64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v11.7.4.1001 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    • >Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v11.7.4.1001 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    Note: These drivers are dated 03/05/2013 and suitable for AHCI systems from ICH9M up to 7-Series Chipsets and for RAID systems from ICH8R/M up except X79 running in RSTe RAID mode (DEV_2826).
    Best matching Intel RAID ROM: v11.6.0.1702
  • Latest/best Intel RST(e) drivers from the v12 platform:
    • >32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v12.9.4.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    • >64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v12.9.4.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    • >Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v12.9.4.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
    Note: These drivers are dated 04/07/2014 and WHQL certified. They are suitable for AHCI systems from 5-Series up and for RAID systems from ICH8R/M up except X79 running in RSTe RAID mode (DEV_2826). Supported are only Operating Systems from Windows 7 and Server 2008 up.
    Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v12.9.0.2006
  • Latest/best Intel RST(e) drivers from the v13 platform:
    • Latest/best RST(e) v13.1 Series drivers (credits go to station-drivers):
      • >32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.1.0.1058 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.1.0.1058 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v13.1.0.1058 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      Note: These drivers are dated 05/28/2014 (shown as being dated 05/02/2014) and WHQL certified. They are suitable for X79, X99, 7-Series Desktop systems and all 8-/9-Series Chipset systems running in AHCI mode, in "RST" RAID mode (DEV_2822) they can be used from ICH8R/M up. X79/X99 chipsets are not supported, if runnig in "RSTe mode" (DEV_2826). Supported are only Operating Systems from Windows 7 and Server 2008 up.
      Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v13.1.0.2126
    • Latest/best RST(e) v13.2 Series drivers (credits go to Station-Drivers):
      • >32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.2.8.1002 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v13.2.8.1002 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v13.2.8.1002 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      Notes: These drivers are dated 07/09/2015, WHQL certified and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel 8- and 9-Series Chipsets are natively fully supported by these drivers. Users with an older Intel chipset, who want to get them installed, may try the modded version I am offering >here<.
      Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v13.2.2.2224/v13.2.0.2134
  • Latest/best Intel RST(e) drivers from the v14 platform:
    • Latest/best RST(e) v14.8 Series drivers:
      • >32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v14.8.18.1066 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v14.8.18.1066 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v14.8.18.1066 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      Notes: These drivers are dated 09/06/2017, WHQL certified by Microsoft and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel Chipsets from 8-Series up (incl. X99) are supported. Thanks to Pacman resp. Station-Drivers for the source package.
      Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v14.8.2.2397
  • Latest/best Intel RST(e) drivers from the v15 platform:
    • Latest/best RST(e) v15.5 Series drivers:
      • >32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v15.5.2.1054 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v15.5.2.1054 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v15.5.2.1054 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
        Notes:
        1. These drivers are dated 04/24/2017, WHQL certified and usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel 100-Series/C230 Chipsets, 200-Series Chipsets and other Chipsets with an Intel Skylake or KabyLake CPU are natively supported by these drivers.
        2. These drivers additionally do support the "Intel(R) Optane(TM) Memory System Acceleration" and the "Intel(R) Smart Response Technology".
        3. Similar to the v15.2 series these RAID drivers natively do support the following Intel SATA RAID Controller DeviceIDs: DEV_2822, DEV_282A, DEV_9D07, DEV_A106, DEV_A107, DEV_A286 and DEV_A28E.
        4. Thanks to Pacman resp. Station-Drivers for the source packages.
        Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v15.5.1.3017
    • Latest RST(e) v15.9 Series drivers (refreshed on 05/02/2021):
      • >32bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v15.9.8.1050 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >64bit Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers v15.9.8.1050 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >Intel RST(e) AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v15.9.8.1051 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
        Notes: The drivers are v15.9.8.1050 dated 07/31/2019 and WHQL certified by Microsoft, whereas the RST Software is v15.9.8.1051 dated 12/24/2020. The drivers are usable with all Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up. Only Intel X299, 100- and 200-Series Chipsets are natively fully supported by these drivers.
      
      General notes:
      1. These drivers additionally do support the "Intel(R) Optane(TM) Memory System Acceleration" and the "Intel(R) Smart Response Technology".
      2. Similar to the previously mentioned v15 platform drivers these RAID drivers natively do support the following Intel SATA RAID Controller DeviceIDs: DEV_2822, DEV_282A, DEV_9D07, DEV_A106, DEV_A107, DEV_A286 and DEV_A28E.
      Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v15.9.3.3408
  • Latest/best Intel RST drivers from the v16 platform:
    • Latest RST v16.8 Series drivers:
      • >32bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID/NVMe Drivers v16.8.3.1003 (no WHQL)< (>MIRROR<)
      • >64bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID/NVMe Drivers v16.8.3.1003 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
      • >Intel RST AHCI/RAID/NVMe Drivers & Software Set v16.8.3.1003< (>MIRROR<)
      Notes: The included 32/64bit drivers are dated 07/15/2019, WHQL certified (only 64bit) and usable with Win8-10. Only modern Intel systems from 100-Series chipsets up and X299 chipsets are fully supported by these drivers.
      Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v16.7.0.3513
  • Latest/best Intel RST drivers from the v17 platform:
    • Latest RST v17.7 Series drivers:
      • >64bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID/NVMe Drivers v17.7.1.1010 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
        Notes: These Intel RST drivers are dated 03/02/2021, WHQL certified and usable with Win8-10 x64. Supported are all Intel systems from 100-Series and X99 chipsets up.
      • >Intel RST AHCI/RAID/NVMe Drivers & Software Set v17.7.1.1010< (>MIRROR<)
        Notes: This complete is dated 03/12/2021 and contains the above mentioned Intel RST drivers with the same version number.
      
      Best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: 17.7.0.4404
    • Latest RST v17.11 Series drivers:
      • >64bit Intel RST AHCI/RAID/NVMe Driver v17.11.0.1000 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
        Notes: These Intel RST drivers are dated 09/30/2021, WHQL certified and only usable with Win10/11. Only modern Intel systems from 300-Series and X299 chipsets up are fully supported by these drivers.
      • >Intel RST AHCI/RAID/NVMe Drivers & Software Set v17.11.0.1000< (>MIRROR<)
        Notes: This complete Set is dated 10/13/2021 and contains the above mentioned Intel RST drivers.
      
      Currently best matching Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: 17.8.3.4687
  • Latest/best Intel RST drivers from the v18 platform:
    • Pure drivers:
      • >64bit Intel RST AHCI+RAID+NVMe drivers v18.36.4.1022 WHQL< (>MIRROR<)
        These drivers are dated 09/03/2021, WHQL certified and usable with Win10/11 x64 from v1703 up. Only the latest Intel SATA AHCI/RAID Controllers, but all Intel NVMe Controllers are supported by these drivers. Thanks to westlake for the source package.
      • >64bit Intel RST VMD driver v18.6.5.1025 WHQL for Win10-11 x64< (>MIRROR<)
        This driver is dated 11/03/2021, WHQL certified and usable with Win10/11 x64 from v1703 up.
    • Complete Drivers & Software Sets:
      • >Intel RST Drivers & Software Set v18.6.4.1022.1 for Win10-11 x64< (>MIRROR<)
        This Set is dated 09/16/2021 and installs the Intel RST drivers v18.36.4.1022. Thanks to Station-Drivers for the source package.
      
      Best matching Intel RAID EFI BIOS module: 18.31.1.5256
  • Latest/best Intel RST drivers from the v19 platform:
    • Pure drivers:
      • >64bit Intel RST VMD driver v19.1.0.1001 WHQL for Win10/11 x64< (>MIRROR<)
        This driver is dated 09/17/2021, WHQL certified and usable with Win10 x64 from v1703 up. Supported are the DeviceIDs DEV_9A0B, DEV_09AB and DEV_467F. Thanks to Station-Drivers for the source package.
    • Complete Drivers & Software Sets:
      • >Intel RST Drivers & Software Set v19.1.0.1001.4 for Win10-11 x64< (>MIRROR<)
        This Set is dated 10/13/2021 and installs the Intel RST VMD and Hsa drivers v19.1.0.1001 WHQL. Thanks to Station-Drivers for the source package.
  
  
  Important remarks regarding the usage of the 32/64bit RST(e) Drivers or the complete RST(e) Drivers and Software Set:
  1. The Intel RST/RST(e) Software may require .NET Framework v3.0 or v3.5 for a proper installation and function.
     Note: None of the Windows Operating Systems (not even Win8 and Win8.1) have the needed .NET Framework version working after a clean OS install!
     To prevent any problems and error message after having installed the complete Intel RST/RST(e) package the first time, it is a good idea to make sure, that the needed .NET Framework version is already running, and to install the required .NET Framework version, if it's not already done. Users, who forgot to install the needed .NET Framework version before they run the installer of the complete RST/RST(e) Set, will not be able to get access to the Intel RST Console, not even after having catched up the previously missed .NET installation.
     Tip: This problem can be solved by just rerunning the installer of the RST(RST(e) Drivers & Software Set.
  2. Because of the big structural and functional differences between the "classical" Intel RST driver (just using the iaStor.sys) and the newer Intel RST(e) drivers (using iaStorA.sys and additionally the SCSI driver iaStorF.sys), users should be very restrictive regarding the switch from one driver sort to the other. Extra dangerous is the "downgrade" from any RST(e) drivers (from v11.5 up) to any "classical" RST driver (latest: v11.2.0.1006). Before you are going to do that, a backup of the complete system partition is strongly recommended (in case that you are not able anymore to boot into the OS after the reboot).
  3. RAID resp. AHCI users, who had installed the RST software, should uninstall it, before they are going to install any other Intel AHCI or RAID driver or another complete RST/RST(e) package.
  4. Warning: According to the reports from our Forum members 100PIER and Frames the v17 and v18 platform Intel RST drivers may completely overtake the management of all existing Intel SATA/NVMe RAID arrays and additionally of all M.2/PCIe connected not RAIDed NVMe SSDs. To be able to recover the previously used different storage drivers, it is strictly recommended to set a "Restore Point" before starting the installation of these drivers.
  5. Users, who want to install any of the Intel RST(e) drivers (from v11.5 up) the first time, should unplug all removable devices, before they start with driver installation. Otherwise it is possible, that these devices will not be recognized anymore by the OS with the consequence, that the related drivers and software have to be reinstalled as well. This is not a bug of Intel's RST(e) drivers or of the RST software, but a consequence of the completely new hardware detection procedure by the additional SCSI filter driver.
  6. Due to the severe changes of the complete storage device system by adding the SCSI filter driver, the first installation of the Intel RST(e) drivers while running Win7 comes up in 2 steps. That means, that the installation will be completed not until the user has done a second reboot.
  7. Only valid for Win7: After the successful installation of Intel's RST(e) drivers you will recognize some changes within the Device Manager. They are caused by the installed Intel RST(e) SCSI filter driver.
     Example: The Intel(R) SATA AHCI Controller may not be listed anymore as "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller", but now as "Storage Controllers".
     Note: The latest Windows Operating Systems from Win8 up neither need nor install the SCSI Filter driver named iaStorF.sys.
  8. Warning: After having switched from any RST driver (iaStor.sys) to any of the RST(e) drivers (iaStorA.sys+iaStorF.sys) or vice versa you should never try to delete any of them from within the Windows\System32\Drivers folder (although they will not be in use anymore). If you do it nevertheless, you will get a BSOD during the next reboot. These drivers are needed by the OS.
  
  Remark: Additional download links to some "modified" versions of the previously mentioned Intel RST(e) drivers and the related RST Software can be found within >this< thread.[/spoiler]
• C. Intel RSTe drivers v3.x/v4.x/v5.x/v6.x/v7.x/v8.x and their RSTe Software (only for C600/C600+/C220 Series Chipsets like X79, X99 or X299):
  (Note: These real "Enterprise Edition" RST Drivers contain an additional SCSI Filter Driver like the RST(e) ones, but are just designed for Socket LGA 2011/2011-3 systems running in RSTe mode.)
  
  
  • Latest/best Intel RSTe drivers from the v3.x platform:
    (for X79, X99 and other C600/C600+/C220/C220+ Series Chipsets)
    • >32bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL for Win7< (>MIRROR<)
    • >32bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL for Win8/8.1< (>MIRROR<)
    • >64bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL for Win7 x64< (>MIRROR<)
    • >64bit Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL for Win8/8.1 x64< (>MIRROR<)
    • >Complete Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v3.8.3.1016 for Win7/8/8.1< (>MIRROR<)
      Notes: This package contains the Intel RSTe drivers v3.8.1.1006 WHQL dated 09/25/2013 and the Intel RSTe Software v3.8.3.1016 dated 08/25/2014. It is only suitable for Intel C600/C600+ Series Chipset AHCI/RAID systems like X79 and X99. Thanks to Station-Drivers for the source files.
      Best matching Intel RSTe RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v3.8.0.1029
  • Latest/best Intel RSTe drivers of the v4.x platform:
    (for X79, X99 and other C600/C600+/C220 Series Chipsets)
    • >32bit Intel RSTe SATA/sSATA AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.7.0.1098 WHQL for Win7 x86< (>MIRROR<)
    • >32bit Intel RSTe SATA/sSATA AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.7.0.1098 WHQL for Win8-10 x86< (>MIRROR<)
    • >64bit Intel RSTe SATA/sSATA AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.7.0.1098 WHQL for Win7 x64< (>MIRROR<)
    • >64bit Intel RSTe SATA/sSATA AHCI/RAID Drivers v4.7.0.1098 WHQL for Win8-10 x64< (>MIRROR<)
    • >Complete Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID Drivers & Software Set v4.7.0.1117 for Win7-10< (>MIRROR<)
      Notes: This package contains all above listed Intel RSTe AHCI/RAID drivers v4.7.0.1098 WHQL and the Intel RSTe Console Software v4.7.0.2072, all dated 11/24/2017. It is only suitable for Intel C600/C600+/C220/C220+ Series Chipset AHCI/RAID systems like X79 and X99. All Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up to Win10 are supported. Thanks to lfb6 for the info and the link to the source package.
      Best matching Intel RSTe SATA RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v4.7.0.1017
  • Latest Intel RSTe drivers from the v5.x platform:
    (designed for Intel C600/C600+/C220+ Series Chipsets from X79 up)
    • >"pure" 64bit Intel RSTe SATA and sSATA AHCI/RAID Drivers v5.5.4.1036 WHQL for Win8-10< (>MIRROR<)
    • >compl. Intel RSTe Storage Drivers & Software Set v5.5.4.1036 for Win7-10< (>MIRROR<)
      Notes: The voluminous Intel RSTe Storage Drivers & Software Set is dated 04/24/2019 and contains the Intel RSTe SATA and sSATA drivers v5.5.4.1036 dated 04/09/2019, the Intel RSTe VROC drivers v5.5.0.2006 dated 11/21/2018 and the Intel RSTe NVMe drivers v5.5.0.1360 dated 08/27/2018. They all are WHQL certified and designed for Intel C600/C600+/C220/C220+ Series Chipset systems like X79, X99 and X299. Only Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up to Win10 with a 64bit architecture are supported. Thanks to Station-Drivers for the source package.
      Best matching Intel RSTe RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v5.5.5.1005
  • Latest Intel RSTe drivers from the v6.x platform:
    (designed for Intel C600/C600+/C220+ Series Chipsets from X299 up)
    • >"pure" 64bit Intel RSTe SATA/sSATA AHCI/RAID drivers v6.3.0.1022 WHQL for Win8-10 x64< (>MIRROR<)
    • >"pure" 64bit Intel RSTe VROC NVMe RAID drivers v6.3.0.1022 WHQL for Win8-10 x64< (>MIRROR<)
    Note: These drivers are dated 01/13/2020 and WHQL certified.
    • >Intel RSTe Storage Drivers & Software Set v6.3.0.1031 for Win7-10 x64< (>MIRROR<)
      Notes: The package is dated 02/13/2020 and installs the above listed 64bit Intel RSTe SATA/sSATA and VROC NVMe RAID drivers v6.3.0.1022 for Win8-10 x64 dated 01/13/2020. and v5.6.0.1006 for Win7 x64 dated 01/25/2019.
      Additionally the Set contains
      a) 64bit Intel RSTe SATA/sSATA drivers v5.6.0.1006 dated 01/25/2019 for Win7 x64,
      b) 64bit Intel RSTe VROC NVMe RAID drivers v5.6.0.1016 dated 05/07/2019 for Win7 x64 and
      c) 64bit Intel RSTe NVMe drivers v6.3.0.1022 dated 01/13/2020 for Win8-10 x64 and v5.6.0.1006 dated 01/25/2019 for Win7 x64.
      They all are WHQL certified by MS and designed for Intel C600/C600+/C220/C220+ Series Chipset SATA/sSATA AHCI and RAID systems like X99 or X299 All 64bit Windows Operating Systems from Win7 up are supported. Thanks to lfb6 for the source package.
      Best matching Intel RSTe RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v6.3.0.1005
  • Latest Intel RSTe drivers from the v7.x platform:
    (designed for Intel C600/C600+/C220+ Series Chipsets from X299 up)
    • >"pure" 64bit Intel RSTe SATA+sSATA VROC RAID drivers v7.5.12.1012 WHQL for Win8-10 x64< (>MIRROR<)
      Note: These drivers are dated 08/03/2021 and WHQL certified.
    • >"pure" 64bit Intel RSTe SATA+sSATA VROC RAID drivers v7.6.0.1020 WHQL for Win8-10 x64< >MIRROR<)
      Note: These drivers are date 03/31/2021 and WHQL certified.
    • >Intel VROC+NVMe+RAID Drivers & Software Set v7.6.0.1023 for Win8-10 x64< (>MIRROR<)
      Notes: The Installer Software is dated 04/21/2021 and will install the Intel RSTe Storage drivers v7.6.0.1020 WHQL dated 03/31/2021.
      Best matching Intel RSTe RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v7.5.0.1152 resp. v7.6.0.1012
  • First Intel RSTe drivers from the v8.x platform:
    (designed for the newest Intel C600/C600+/C220+ Series Chipsets, thanks to Station-Drivers for having offered them)
    • >"pure" 64bit Intel RSTe VROC SATA+sSATA RAID drivers v8.0.0.2592 for Win8-11 x64< (>MIRROR<)
      Note: These drivers are dated 09/03/2021 and digitally signed by Intel.
    • >"pure" 64bit Intel RSTe VROC NVMe RAID drivers v8.0.0.2592 for Win8-11 x64< >MIRROR<)
      Note: These drivers are dated 09/03/2021 and digitally signed by Intel.
    • >Intel RSTe VROC Drivers & Software Set v8.0.0.2592 for Win8-11 x64< (>MIRROR<)
      Notes: The Installer Software is dated 09/06/2021 and will install the Intel RSTe VROC RAID drivers v8.0.0.2592.
      Best matching Intel RSTe RAID ROM/EFI BIOS modules: v7.5.0.1152 resp. v7.6.0.1012
  
  Contrary to the previously released Intel RSTe drivers until v3.6 the Intel RSTe RAID drivers from v3.8 up do fully support TRIM in RAID0, RAID1 and RAID10 (look >here<).

1. Operating Systems: All listed Intel RST/RST(e)/RSTe Drivers do support Vista, Win7 and Win8. Windows XP is only supported by the Intel RST Drivers (first section).
2. Southbridges: As mentioned above, there are some restrictions regarding the supported Intel SATA AHCI/RAID Controllers. Nevertheless it is possible to get nearly all Intel AHCI/RAID drivers installed onto officially not supported Southbridges, if you are using any of my "modded" drivers (look >here<).

1. All 32/64 Intel AHCI Drivers since v9.6.1014 do fully support TRIM. That means, that the related cells of the SSD/SDDs will be cleaned and reusable directly after having deleted their content of data.
2. According to Intel all recently released Intel RAID Drivers do support TRIM as well for SSDs, which are running in RAID mode (only exception: SSDs, which are members of a RAID array).
3. For Intel 7-Series Chipsets the actual Intel RAID drivers from v11 up (except v12.5.0.1066) natively do support TRIM even within an Intel RAID0 array (only in combination with an Intel RAID ROM v11 or v12). Users with an Intel P55/P67/Z69/X79 Chipset are able to get the "TRIM in RAID0" feature as well, if they are using a BIOS with an especially modified Intel RAID ROM or EFI RAID "SataDriver" module. For details please look into >this< thread.

• Relevance of the Intel RAID ROM resp. EFI "RaidDriver" version (= modules of the mainboard BIOS)
  Important: This chapter is only relevant for RAID users. As long as the Intel SATA Controller is running in AHCI mode, the presence and the version of the related Intel RAID BIOS modules don't matter, because they will not be used by the AHCI system.
  
  Generally the functionality and the performance of all SATA RAID Controllers depends on
  • a) the in-use RAID driver(s) and
  • b) the related Intel SATA RAID Controller "Firmware" modules, which are part of the mainboard BIOS (here: Intel's RAID ROM resp. EFI "SataDriver" modules).
  RAID users will get the best results, if the RAID driver version and the RAID Controller "Firmware" match to each other, that means belong to the same development branch (example: RST v11.2.x.xxxx or RST(e) v12.6.x.xxxx).
  Due to the relationship between the in-use Intel RAID driver and the related Intel RAID ROM/EFI BIOS module versions the Intel RAID functions and features are limited by the oldest component of them. Users may even not be able to get the newest Intel RAID drivers installed as long as the BIOS contains an absolutely outdated Intel RAID ROM module version.
  As a consequence of the mentioned dependency between the Intel RAID driver and OROM module version it is a good idea to check the "Firmware" (OROM) version of the Intel SATA RAID Controller and to compare it with the version of the actually available RAID ROM modules. RAID users will see the currently working RAID ROM version of their system very quick as popup while booting (unless they have disabled the OROM popup within the BIOS). Alternatively they can enter the "Intel RAID Configuration Utility" by hitting CTRL+I at startup, which will show the Intel RAID ROM version very clearly. Users, who are currently running their system drive in "AHCI" mode, should change temporarily the SATA Cotroller mode to "RAID", if they want to see the Intel RAID ROM (don't forget to undo the BIOS setting after the test).
  RAID users, who verify, that the Intel RAID ROM/EFI "RaidDriver" version is outdated and doesn't match the actually running or desired Intel AHCI/RAID driver version, should look into the support pages of their mainboard/system manufacturer and search for a newer BIOS with an updated Intel RAID ROM/"RaidDriver" module. If they don't find it, but want it nevertheless, they may update the related BIOS module of their mainboard BIOS themself (only recommended for experienced users, who know about the risks and do the needed precaution actions). They will find a detailed guide about how to do it within >this< Forum section.


• Switching from Intel RST to RST(e) drivers and vice versa
  Generally all users with an Intel AHCI or RAID system and a Southbridge from ICH7R/M up are free to decide, if they want to use either
  • a) one of the "classical" Intel RST drivers (latest: v11.2, using just 1 single driver named iaStor.sys)
  or
  • b) any of the newest Intel RST(e) drivers (from v11.5 up, using the AHCI/RAID driver named iaStorA.sys and additionally an SCSI filter driver named iaStorF.sys).
  According to my experiences actual Intel AHCI and RAID Controllers are working fine with both types of the Intel AHCI/RAID drivers. Nevertheless there are some noticeable differences, which depend on the specific hardware configuration and the preferences of the users (for details you may look into >this< thread). That is why I recommend to test it out yourself, which Intel AHCI/RAID drivers series (RST or RST(e)) and which driver version is the best for you and your system.
  Usually the "update" or "downgrade" of the in-use Intel AHCI/RAID driver version will not induce any problems, but the users should be aware of the fundamental differences between the RST and the RST(e) drivers. That is why I strictly recommend to uninstall the previously used RST software from within the "Control Panel" and to reboot after having done that, before any other Intel RST or RST(e) package should be installed.
  Attention: If possible, you should avoid a "downgrade" from any of the Intel RST(e) drivers to one of the "classical" Intel RST versions. This procedure may even end up with endless BSODs while rebooting and the necessity to do a fresh install of the OS.
  Additionally there seems to be a bug regarding the uninstall procedure of some Intel RST(e) driver versions, with the result, that the SCSI filter driver named iaStorF.sys may be still active in the background and lowers the performance of the system permanently. This issue is caused by some RST(e) registry entries, which obviously are not deleted by the uninstall commands. Further informations regarding this issue and a guide how to solve this problem can be found >here<.
  Tips:
  1. The previously running "Intel(R) Rapid Storage" software should be uninstalled before you are going to install any other Intel AHCI/RAID driver package.
  2. If you want to compare different Intel RST and RST(e) drivers, it will be a good idea to start the tests with an RST driver, because the later "upgrade" to any of the RST(e) drivers will be safe (contrary to the vice versa direction).

• All screenshots were taken in February 2015 on my Z97 system running Win8.1 x64, but with a different Intel SATA (AHCI/RAID0) configuration
• The used "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" Console Software was the currently newest v14.0.0.1081.

• Don't install any Intel RST Software version on top of another one. If you have already an Intel RST Software running, uninstall it and reboot, before you install another RST Software version.
• A proper function of the Intel RST Software requires the presence of .NET Framework v3.5.
  Consequence: Before you start with the installation of the Intel RST Software, you should make sure, that Microsoft's .NET Framework 3.5 has been already installed (open the "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features" > "Turn Windows Features on or off"). The option ".NET Framework 3.5" has to be ckecked. After having turned this "Windows Feature" on, a reboot is required.
• The Intel RST Software can be installed either by running the SetupRST.exe file as part of a complete "RST Drivers & Software Set" or by executing the RST_x32.msi (for a 32bit OS) or RST_x64.msi (for a 64bit OS). The latter option will install just the RST Software and no drivers.
• After having finished the installation of the RST Software, you have to reboot.
• Now you will see the "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" within the Start Menu or as an "App" of your Windows OS.
• Be aware, that some RST Services are automaticly running in the background (unless you disable them manually) and may drop your system performance.

1. Tab "Status":
   This is what you see in AHCI mode (left pic) resp. in RAID mode (right pic):
   
   The "Status" tab gives you an overview about your current "Manage" and "Performance" settings and shows the storage devices (HDDs/SSDs/Optical Drives), which are managed by the Intel(R) RST Software.


2. Tab "Manage":
   These are the differences between systems running in AHCI mode (left pic) or RAID mode (right pic):
   
   Within the "Manage" section RAID users are able to change their RAID settings (upper red marked area) and to change the important "Write-Back Caching" settings (below red marked area). AHCI users can only see their current "Disk Settings", but are not able to change any of them at this place.


3. Tab "Performance" (new since v12):
   The appearance of the RST Console "Performance" section is very different depending on the Intel SATA mode BIOS setting.
   AHCI users are only able to enble or disable the "Link Power Management":
   
   RAID users will see much more setting options:
   
   The tab "Performance" allows to boost the performance by changing the "Dynamic Storage Accelerator" (only for RAID users) and some "Power & Performance" settings (very limited for AHCI users).


4. Tab "Preferences":
   This RST Console section looks very similar for AHCI (left pic) and RAID users (right pic). The only difference is the "Verify and Repair Scheduler" for RAID systems:
   
   Whithin the "Preferences" section the user can choose, which notification icons they want to see within the RST notification area.


5. Tab "Help":
   
   After having hit the "Help" tab, you will see a new Console area with the tabs "Contents", "Index", "Search", "System Report", "Online Support" and "About".


6. Tab "About":
   
   This tab shows the RST Software version.

Today Station-Drivers has published new inofficial Intel RST(e) drivers v12.0.7.1002 WHQL dated 04/05/2013 (look >here<).

Update of the thread opener:
Since these Intel RST(e) drivers are the newest within the v12.0 series, I have put the download links into the start post and replaced the older Intel RST(e) drivers v12.0.4.1001 WHQL by them.

Have fun with these new Intel RST(e) drivers!
Fernando

EDIT:
These drivers show better benchmark results with my Z77 RAID0 system than the Intel RST(e) drivers v12.6.0.1033 WHQL.
Here are the ASSD results with the Intel RST(e) drivers v12.0.7.1002 WHQL:

Zitat von h3llRaiz3r im Beitrag #6

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Can you educate me on Intel's driver naming convention? At first glance, it seems 12.6.0.1033 is newer than 12.0.7.1002.

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1. v3.7.x.xxxx (latest version: 3.7.0.1092 dated 03/20/2013)
   Note: This Intel RSTe driver branch is only designed for Intel's C600/C220 Series chipsets like X79 and maybe the upcoming X89 (unsure regarding the name).
2. v11.7.x.xxxx (latest version: v11.7.4.1001 dated 03/05/2013)
   Note: This is the latest Intel RST/RST(e) driver branch, which officialy does support some Intel 4-Series chipsets (ICH9M and ICH10R)
3. v12.0.x.xxxx (latest version: v12.0.7.0.1002 dated 04/05/2013)
   Note: This RST(e) driver branch has been designed for the upcoming Intel 8-Series chipsets. The AHCI/RAID drivers of this series do support all Intel chipsets from 5-Series up as well, but these older chipsets will not be able to use all built-in features.
4. v12.6.x.xxxx (latest version: v12.6.0.1033 dated 04/22/2013)
   Note: This is the newest RST(e) driver branch for the upcoming Intel 8-Series chipsets with additional features. Although the drivers seem to be backwards compatible with all Intel chipsets from 5-Series up, I doubt, that they are really optimized for all of them.

Last night our member Pacman has published >here< the link to Intel's first RST(e) drivers of the v12.7 branch.
These brandnew drivers v12.7.0.1018 were compiled and digitally signed by Intel on 05/05/2013.
Since these drivers seem to run fine with actual Intel chipsets, I have updated the start post of this thread.
For further details and some test results you may look into the linked thread, which has been opened by Pacman.

Have fun with the new Intel RST(e) drivers v12.7.0.1018!

Regards
Fernando

Hello ex58,
welcome at Win-RAID Forum! It is fine to see you here.

Zitat von ex58 im Beitrag #10

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Intel is removed Intel RST(e) drivers v12.6.0.1033 WHQL from download page.

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Today Station-Drivers has published the successor of the Intel RST(e) drivers v12.6.0.1033 WHQL, which have been pulled by Intel from their Download Center on 05/30/2013.
The new RST(e) drivers are v12.6.3.1000 WHQL dated 05/30/2013, the related RST Software obviously is v12.6.3.1001.
Further details about this new RST(e) Drivers & Software Set can be found >here<.

Have fun with the AHCI and RAID drivers!
Fernando

As you may have already seen within the start post, there are new Intel RST(e) drivers v12.7.0.1022 available. They are dated 06/12/2013 and digitally signed by Intel (not yet WHQL certified, but easily to install even under Win8). These new drivers have been published by asder00 on 18th of June at Station-Drivers - a big thankyou goes to him.
Meanwhile I have some experience with these new RAID drivers v12.7.0.1022, which I am using since yesterday in combination with the Intel EFI "SataDriver" BIOS module v12.7.0.1936. After having done 24 hours of work and some benchmarks I am very satisfied with these new Intel RST(e) drivers. Everything runs very smoothly, the boot time is very short, TRIM in RAID0 works as it should.
My impression: These are very stable and performant drivers for my Z77 RAID0 system.

Here are the benchmark results with my actual Intel RST(e) combo 12.7.0.1022/12.7.0.1936:

If you compare these scores with those I have posted within the second post of this thread, you will realize, that the RST(e) drivers v12.7.0.1022 are the best performing Intel RAID drivers for my system since the last "conventional" Intel RST driver v11.2.0.1006.

Have fun with these brandnew Intel RST(e) drivers!
Fernando

Zitat von 100PIER im Beitrag #14

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Here is the benchmark result on my P8Z77-V DELUXE combo 12.7.0.1022/11.0.0.1339:

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Zitat von 100PIER

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However i have a recurrent problem when shutdowning the PC after a more or less long period of inactivity.
When clicking on Stop the PC does not stop and is setting in hybernation than reboot automatically !!
i don't know why ?

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Neither do I. I have recognized the same shutdown behaviour as you.