Information on this is sparse and i can't get clear answers so here goes: I'm currently using a Z77 board and I'm looking into adding a Z170-/Z270-system and setting up a software-RAID 5-array with an NVMe-cache to offset the write penalty. Please refrain from "educating" me on the downsides and risks of RAID 5, I'm not interested in discussing that. My question is, can any NVMe be used as a cache or does it have to be Intel Optane? The Z170 chipset doesn't even support Optane as per Intel, the Z270 does but I'm not really keen on buying Intels overpriced proprietary nonsense, I'd much rather get a decent Samsung M.2 for half the price..
So does anyone have concrete information on this? Again, my goal is to supplement a RAID 5-array, but anyone who is running a Z170 or Z270 board with some kind of NVMe cache would be welcome to share their info and experience.
Thanks in advance!
Edit: For now, I need to work with Windows 7 and I would prefer using Intel RST or another low-cost option.