Z4 G4 - are all Intel VROC keys functionally the same?

[wny2016]

Spent some time puzzling out the current status of VROC/NvMe drives on a Z4 G4. The only Intel RST drivers that will install/load/work are directly from Intel, not HP.

Intel Virtual RAID on CPU recognizes both of the NvMe drives connected to the motherboard slots. Oddly enough, when I installed these Intel drivers, and ran Intel Virtual RAID on CPU, it allows me to create a RAID volume with NO VROC hardware key installed. BUT, this is a TRIAL version of Intel Virtual RAID on CPU, with an 90-day expiration period, after which the software ceases to work and although your data is intact on the NvMe drives, you won't be able to access it until you buy a VROC key.

Hmm. In the software running under Windows 11, under Controller Properties, it shows "Manufacturer" as "8086" - which is Intel.

The different VROC license keys (hardware modules) are specified by HP as parts 3FJ80AA (Std) and 3FJ81AA (Premium). The Standard module is about $250 from the usual suspects.

 But, if you look around a bit, you will find this: Intel CC VROCSTANMOD Virtual RAID standard BD 5Module (VROCSTANMOD) which runs about $115.

Am I just crazy to assume that these HP and Intel branded VROC keys are actually the same thing? I am suspicious because in the Intel Virtual RAID software, it doesn't identify anything controller-wise as "HP."

Inquiring minds want to know!

[DGroves · Accepted solution]

first of all per HP:

VROC does not recognize devices on PCIe slots connected to the PCH.

VROC is available as an option starting with HP Workstations, Z8 G4, Z6 G4, and Z4 G4.

All VROC options except passthru require an optional VROC Upgrade Key module be installed on the motherboard.

HP systems support the following options:

1. Standard VROC Upgrade SKU: The Standard VROC upgrade key enables RAID 0, 1, & 10.
2. Premium VROC Upgrade SKU: The Premium VROC upgrade key enables RAID 0, 1, & 10 plus RAID 5

with write hole closure options of distributed partial parity logging (distributed among RAID members),

or journaling disk (requires a Journaling disk in addition to RAID member drives).
3. Pass-thru mode: No Intel® VROC Upgrade Key installed in the platform. In this case the Intel VROC drivers are
used in a pass-thru mode (non-RAID) instead of Microsoft inbox drivers. A user can start a 90-day trial of RAID
functionality by creating a RAID using the Intel® RSTe GUI. Trial mode should only be used for evaluation.

while it's remotely possible for HP to use their own specific vroc keys, i suspect that these HP systems will accept vroc keys for vroc options that HP has enabled in the bios's  of these workstation models

HP does have HP certified intel VROC drivers available on their support site for each workstation model here's the Z4 G4 win driver: sp143255  intel vroc v7.8.0.1031

Description:

This package contains the Intel Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC) Drivers and Graphical User Interface (GUI) and tools for Intel Serial ATA (SATA) and NVMe RAID controllers in supported workstation models that are running a supported Microsoft Windows Operating System.

the HP white paper link below may prove useful as it covers config/setup of vroc on HP systems

https://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA7-4483ENW

[wny2016]

Thank you for your help, as usual. We had some problems when initially trying to install the HP drivers. HP suggested using the Intel driver package, which installed as expected and seems fine thus far. I am going to get one of the VROCSTANMOD keys and see if it works. I will report back.

[wny2016]

Report from the field:

YES! The Intel branded VROCSTANMOD VROC key works perfectly in my Z4 G4. A per the Intel specs, it recognizes the pair of Samsung NvMe drives in the motherboard slots without any issues. The "trial" notice in the Intel RST app has gone away.

So for my purposes, the $108 Intel VROC key was a pretty good gamble. 

I do have one more question, though: Is the VROC RAID array likely to provide the fastest system performance vs the current RAID 1 array I currently have as boot volume: a pair of Samsung 870  SSDs running under a Adaptec 2100-4i4e RAID controller?

[DGroves]

the HP labeled adaptec 4x4 card you reference is considered a entry level raid card not a mid range or performance model

the speed/suitability of either of the above raid devices will depend greatly on just what use you will be using it for

for a simple raid 1 array using dual SSD's the overall performance between vroc/adaptec/motherboard configurations.. the  overall xfer speeds will be about the same

[wny2016]

Thank you!