A system includes a storage subsystem, a storage controller, and a cache associated with the storage controller. A file system logic receives a direct I/O request for a first data portion stored in the storage subsystem. The file system logic performs a read-ahead operation in response to the direct I/O request to request at least one other data portion stored in the storage subsystem. The cache associated with the storage controller stores the at least one other data portion requested by the read-ahead operation.