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OCZ Synapse Cache SSD Solid State Drive Unboxing & First Look Linus Tech Tips

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips91.5K viewsDec 21, 20114:27
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CA: ncix.com US: us.ncix.com I've actually already tested it out between unboxing it and uploading this and I'm very impressed. It performs pretty much like Intel SRT (though it seems to learn a little faster) and works on any chipset platform. Great value!

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OCZ Synapse Cache SSD unboxing and first-look video provides a detailed overview of the Synapse Cache SSD, a 64 GB flash drive intended to act as a cache for a larger hard drive rather than as a standalone OS drive. The presenter clarifies that the device is designed to be used with OCZ Dataplex software and not with Intel SRT, offering an alternative caching solution for systems that lack a Z68 motherboard or SRT support. The unboxing shows the drive’s packaging, included adapters, mounting screws, and the Dataplex license, followed by an explanation of the drive’s internal design: OCZ overprovisions half of a 64 GB SSD to create wear-leveled durability, effectively presenting the OS with a 32 GB cache drive while preserving long-term reliability. The showcase then outlines practical experiments planned by Linus to compare Intel SRT on a WD Black boot drive versus Dataplex caching, with a stated goal to evaluate which solution learns faster and yields better overall system performance. The host emphasizes the target use case forDataplex, including scenarios where SRT is unavailable or undesirable, and promises future follow-up in NCIX channel videos. Viewers are left with a clear understanding of what the Synapse Cache SSD does, how it achieves durability, and how it fits into a caching strategy alongside various motherboard platforms and software options.

Topics · technology · hardware · storage · unboxing · ssd · dataplex · cache · linus-tech-tips

Questions answered

What is the OCZ Synapse Cache SSD intended for and how does it work in a system?
It is a cache SSD intended to accelerate a hard drive by storing frequently accessed data on an SSD via caching software, specifically OCZ Dataplex, rather than serving as the OS drive.
How does OCZ ensure durability given the limited write cycles of SSDs?
OCZ overprovisions half of the 64 GB SSD, effectively presenting a 32 GB usable cache while reserving the other half to wear-level and sustain long-term writes.
Can the Synapse Cache SSD be used with Intel SRT or only with Dataplex?
The device is not intended for Intel SRT; it is designed to work with OCZ Dataplex software as an alternative caching solution for systems that do not support SRT.