If read caching is enabled (RCD=0), then data written to the medium is retained in the cache to be made avail- able for future read cache hits. The same buffer space and segmentation is used as set up for read functions. The buffer segmentation scheme is set up or changed independently, having nothing to do with the state of RCD. When a write command is issued, if RCD=0, the cache is first checked to see if any logical blocks that are to be written are already stored in the cache from a previous read or write command. If there are, the respective cache segments are cleared. The new data is cached for subsequent Read commands.

If the number of write data logical blocks exceed the size of the segment being written into, when the end of the segment is reached, the data is written into the beginning of the same cache segment, overwriting the data that was written there at the beginning of the operation; however, the drive does not overwrite data that has not yet been written to the medium.

If write caching is enabled (WCE=1), then the drive may return Good status on a write command after the data has been transferred into the cache, but before the data has been written to the medium. If an error occurs while writing the data to the medium, and Good status has already been returned, a deferred error will be gen- erated.

The Synchronize Cache command may be used to force the drive to write all cached write data to the medium. Upon completion of a Synchronize Cache command, all data received from previous write commands will have been written to the medium.

Table 9.3.2.1 shows the mode default settings for the drive.

4.5.2Prefetch operation

If the Prefetch feature is enabled, data in contiguous logical blocks on the disk immediately beyond that which was requested by a Read command are retrieved and stored in the buffer for immediate transfer from the buf- fer to the host on subsequent Read commands that request those logical blocks (this is true even if cache operation is disabled). Though the prefetch operation uses the buffer as a cache, finding the requested data in the buffer is a prefetch hit, not a cache operation hit.

To enable Prefetch, use Mode Select page 08h, byte 12, bit 5 (Disable Read Ahead - DRA bit). DRA bit = 0 enables prefetch.

The drive does not use the Max Prefetch field (bytes 8 and 9) or the Prefetch Ceiling field (bytes 10 and 11).

When prefetch (read look-ahead) is enabled (enabled by DRA = 0), the drive enables prefetch of contiguous blocks from the disk when it senses that a prefetch hit will likely occur. The drive disables prefetch when it decides that a prefetch hit is not likely to occur.

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Seagate ST31000640SS, ST3750630SS, ST3500620SS manual Prefetch operation
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ST31000640SS, ST3500620SS, ST3750630SS specifications

Seagate has been a leading name in the storage industry for decades, and its range of enterprise-class hard drives showcases advanced technologies and robust performance. The Seagate ST3750630SS, ST3500620SS, and ST31000640SS are three notable models that cater to the demands of data centers and enterprises. Each model is designed with specific features that enhance reliability and efficiency, making them suitable for various applications.

The Seagate ST3750630SS is a 750GB 15K RPM Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) drive. It boasts a high-performance architecture that allows for fast data transfer rates, making it ideal for high-load environments such as transaction processing and video streaming. This drive features an MTBF of 1.6 million hours, ensuring minimal downtime due to failures. It also employs advanced error recovery and data protection mechanisms, including error correction codes (ECC), to maintain data integrity.

Meanwhile, the ST3500620SS offers a capacity of 500GB with a spinning speed of 15K RPM as well. This drive utilizes the SAS interface, providing users with improved bandwidth and connectivity compared to traditional SATA drives. The ST3500620SS is designed with a focus on high availability, featuring a robust design that supports multiple workloads simultaneously. Its quick access times enhance overall system performance, making it a preferred choice for high-performance computing applications.

The ST31000640SS is another enterprise-class offering, delivering 1TB of storage capacity. Like its counterparts, this drive operates at 15K RPM and utilizes the SAS interface, facilitating fast data processing and retrieval. It also incorporates a dual-port design which allows for redundancy and failover capabilities. This feature is critical in enterprise environments where data access and uptime are paramount. The drive's design is optimized for durability and longevity, best suited for environments that require 24/7 operation.

All three Seagate drives feature advanced technologies such as dual-stage actuators and thermal write technology, ensuring improved read and write performance, along with reduced power consumption. Additionally, they are built to endure the rigors of enterprise workloads, including heavy I/O operations and high access demands.

In summary, the Seagate ST3750630SS, ST3500620SS, and ST31000640SS are exemplary models that reflect the company’s commitment to quality and performance in enterprise storage solutions. With their high speeds, reliability, and extensive features, these drives are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern data-driven environments.
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