Intel Matrix Storage Manager User's Manual

Intel® Matrix Storage Manager Feature Overview

2.7.1 Native Command Queuing

Native Command Queuing (NCQ) is a feature supported by AHCI that allows Serial ATA hard

drives to accept more than one command at a time. NCQ, when used in conjunction with one or

more hard drives that support NCQ, increases storage performance on random workloads by

allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands.

Note: To take advantage of NCQ, you need the following:

x A chipset that supports AHCI

x Intel® Matrix Storage Manager

x One or more Serial ATA hard drives which support NCQ

2.7.2 Hot Plug

Hot plug, also referred to as hot swap, is a feature supported by AHCI that allows Serial ATA

hard drives to be removed or inserted while the system is powered on and running. As an

example, hot plug may be used to replace a failed hard drive that is in an externally-accessible

drive enclosure.

Note: To take advantage of hot plug, you need the following:

x A chipset that supports AHCI

x Intel® Matrix Storage Manager

x Hot plug capability correctly enabled in the system BIOS by the OEM/motherboard

manufacturer

12 User's Manual