What is Intel RST?

[nomeames]

Wondering what this process is for? I understand this is some Rapid storage technology by Intel. In my computer I have noticed this program to delay start-up. This does not happen everytime. When the start-up is normal, Intel RST works fine but whenever the startup takes long (~ 2-3 mins), I have found Intel RST not running. So I guess it is this process that delays the start-up time (sometimes).

My comp model - VPCEB1E0E

I have a NAS too that is configured to reconnect at logon, but this doesn't seem to be causing any issues in other laptops at home.

Please can anyonne let me know what this process does actually and whether it can be safely disabled from startup without causing any issues?

[Blencogo · Accepted solution]

Intel  RST is the modern replacement for Intel Matrix Storage Manager. 

It can  be disabled as it is not absolutely necessary but, when working  properly, does give speed benefits using SATA externally and allows configuration of RAID  arrays if you have more than one disc. 

There are some issues with not starting but these  are being addressed by new SATA drivers.  Personally, I would leave it active  and install the latest drivers from the Intel Download site.  It is possibvle that the new drivers are not yet digitally signed so you may choose to disable RST on startup until the new driver is signed.

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistarepair/thread/7a269721-f4af-40de-b4d4-e72c5db9...

[nomeames]

Thanks Blencogo. Are these types of updates offered through "vaio update" or needs updating manually from intel's website based on Chipset / OS ....?

[Blencogo]

I would try the Intel Driver Update Utility: -

http://www.intel.com/support/detect.htm

Or version 9.6.0.1014 is downloadable here: -

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18859〈=eng

[nomeames]

Many thanks Blencogo. Once again you helped me out. I just updated to the latest version. Lets see how it goes.