In this article, we will delve into the details of how to avoid the “Assuming drive cache: write through” message during system restart. This message is often encountered by users when the kernel cannot determine the drive caching characteristics. While it may not necessarily indicate a major problem, it can be a cause for concern for some users. Let’s explore some potential solutions to this issue.
To avoid the "Assuming drive cache: write through" message during system restart, you can try updating the PCI and USB ID databases, checking and modifying the device’s caching characteristics, updating firmware and drivers, and contacting the manufacturer or consulting the device’s documentation.
Understanding the Message
Before we delve into the solutions, it’s important to understand what this message means. The “Assuming drive cache: write through” message is emitted by the Linux kernel when it cannot determine the caching characteristics of a drive. This means that the kernel is assuming a ‘write through’ cache policy for the drive, which is a conservative strategy that prioritizes data integrity over performance.
Solution 1: Update PCI and USB IDs
The first potential solution involves updating the PCI and USB ID databases. This can be done using the following command:
sudo update-pciids && sudo update-usbidsThe update-pciids command fetches the current version of the PCI ID list from the Internet and installs it. This list is used to display a human-readable name instead of a numeric code for each device. The update-usbids command does the same for USB devices. By updating these databases, you ensure that your system has the most accurate information about your devices.
Solution 2: Check and Modify Device’s Caching Characteristics
Another solution is to check the caching characteristics of your device. This can be done using tools like hdparm or lsblk.
For instance, to check the write-caching setting of a drive with hdparm, you can use the following command:
sudo hdparm -W /dev/sdaIn this command, -W is used to get or set the drive’s write-caching feature, and /dev/sda is the device file for the first SATA or SCSI drive in the system. If necessary, you can modify the caching settings using the appropriate commands for your device.
Solution 3: Update Firmware and Drivers
Ensuring that you have the latest firmware and drivers installed for your storage device is another potential solution. Check the manufacturer’s website for any available updates or patches that address this issue.
Solution 4: Contact Manufacturer or Consult Documentation
If the issue persists, it may be worth reaching out to the manufacturer for support or consulting the device’s documentation for any specific recommendations or known issues.
Conclusion
While the “Assuming drive cache: write through” message may be concerning, it’s important to remember that it is not necessarily indicative of a major problem. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can potentially avoid seeing this message during system restart. As always, it’s recommended to regularly update your system and keep all drivers and firmware up to date to ensure the smooth operation of your devices.
The "Assuming drive cache: write through" message is emitted by the Linux kernel when it cannot determine the caching characteristics of a drive. It means that the kernel is assuming a ‘write through’ cache policy for the drive, prioritizing data integrity over performance.
To update the PCI and USB ID databases, you can use the following command in the terminal: sudo update-pciids && sudo update-usbids. This command fetches the current version of the databases from the Internet and installs them on your system.
You can use tools like hdparm or lsblk to check the caching characteristics of your device. For example, to check the write-caching setting of a drive with hdparm, you can use the command sudo hdparm -W /dev/sda. This command retrieves the write-caching feature of the specified drive.
To modify the caching settings of your device, you need to use the appropriate commands for your specific device. For example, with hdparm, you can use the -W flag followed by the desired setting. However, it is important to note that modifying caching settings should be done with caution, as it can impact data integrity and performance.
If the issue persists, it is recommended to reach out to the manufacturer of your storage device for support. They may have specific recommendations or updates to address the issue. Additionally, consulting the documentation of your device may provide further insights into the problem or potential solutions.
