OCZ Releases Synapse SSD for Caching
by Kristian Vättö on September 21, 2011 9:43 AM ESTOCZ has released a new series of SSDs called Synapse Cache today. This announcement is a bit different from normal SSD announcements since OCZ will be bundling Dataplex caching software with these SSDs, hence the "Cache" in the series name. As for the other specs, you are pretty much looking at yet another 2.5" SF-2281 based SSD.
| OCZ Synapse Cache Series | ||
| Raw Capacity | 64GB | 128GB |
| Available capacity | 32GB | 64GB |
| Read Speed | 550MB/s | 550MB/s |
| Write Speed | 490MB/s | 510MB/s |
| 4KB Random Read | 10,000 IOPS | 19,000 IOPS |
| 4KB Random Write | 75,000 IOPS | 80,000 IOPS |
Capacities are limited to 64GB and 128GB, but there is 50% overprovision, meaning that only 32GB and 64GB will be usabe. It wouldn't make much sense to use a bigger SSD for caching though, and Intel is limiting their Smart Response Technology (our review) to 64GB as well. To briefly summarize the idea of caching; the software analyzes your usage and moves the most frequently accessed files to the SSD, while keeping the less frequently used files in the HD. Especially with smaller SSDs like 64GB, caching can be very useful because it can be hard to decide what goes to the SSD and what doesn't - now software does that for you.
As a whole, SSD caching with OCZ Synapse might be a good option for people without Intel Z68 chipset. Which is more effective, remains to be seen though. Pricing is unfortunately unknown, so it's hard to say how attractive Synapse really is. Keeping the price close to regular SSDs is important because most people probably won't be ready to pay tons of extra for caching software. OCZ is claiming immediate availability but none of the biggest retailers have Synapse listed as of today.
Source: OCZ
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josephjpeters - Wednesday, September 21, 2011 - link
Here's a presentation by Nvelo who writes the DataPlex software used in the Synapse.Looks as though Synapse is in fact noticeably faster then Intel's SRT technology.
See Slide 13.
http://www.flashmemorysummit.com/English/Collatera...
groovermover - Thursday, September 22, 2011 - link
I understand that Dataplex only supports Win7. Does it also support Mac OS? I've been looking for the new drive on Newegg and haven't seen it yet. I'm ready to buy for my home user setup to run a DAW. Will AnandTech be testing? I'm finalizing the shopping list for a late October or early November new build. The positive for me, besides the added speed of a SSD, is not having to setup the additional Hdd with such extreme care about which files live on which drive. I'm on a tighter budget than some, so if a 64mb drive will do the trick for me at home, then I'll spend the extra cash on more equipment for my home studio. I keep a lot of tracks open with virtual instruments and time based software effects (delays, compressors, expanders, etc) and in some cases have had to mix a midi file to an audio file to keep the processor from hanging up. Although the new build will include a significant higher number of CPU cores and nearly triple the Ram, faster read times are also a plus since the number of tracks you can use and the number of effects you can have open at one time are only limited by processing power. Lower latency is always the goal. This looks like an excellent alternative when dealing with a DAW that is extremely particular about where its virtual instruments or sound sets are stored.applestooranges - Thursday, September 22, 2011 - link
I only saw support for Win7, but we'll know more when it actually gets released for sale (when? where?) I could see alot of applejacks going for this too though...dfghdfshhh - Friday, September 23, 2011 - link
Come go and see, will not regret it Oh lookhttp://www。benzlogo。com
SIR-Blade - Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - link
Bought this product last week, the 128Gb version. Can't recommend this baby enough.Reduced my Win7 64Bit boot time from 2Min 34Secs to 1Min 20Secs, and COD load up/map load from 1Min 2Secs to just 20 seconds.
Been looking out for a while for an SSD cache, to work with my X58 Mboard, and my 5*1TB Samsung SpinPoints in a Raid1+0 array.
Works a charm.
I've already sent emails to OCZ/Nvello asking if they will pair the Dataplex software with the new Revo Drives. That would be just such an awesome combination.
Best thing since sliced bread, and I'm a hard man to please.
JimmiG - Tuesday, November 22, 2011 - link
Just bought the 64GB version and so far I'm very impressed. It remains to be seen how it adapts to my usage pattern, but it has already cut my boot time from 4.5 minutes to under 30 seconds and all applications I frequently use start almost instantly. Very easy to set up, too. Just plug the drive in, install the software, reboot, and you get an instant speed bost. Not bad for a $129 upgrade.Will there be a full review of this product here at AT?
tester1 - Tuesday, November 29, 2011 - link
Hello,I am planing to use 64GB version on a latop as a 2nd drive. The issue is that I use Win Pro 7 64-bit with MCafee Endpoint Encryption, which will cause the Synapse SSD to be fully encrypted just like the boot HDD.
Please let me know if anyone has experience using Dataplex/Synapse with Full Disk Encryption software.
Thanks