The OCZ Synapse Series is optimized for caching applications to dynamically manage the Synapse SSD in conjunction with standard hard disk drives (HDDs), to provide users with SSD-level performance across the entire capacity of the HDD. The OCZ Synapse Series leverages the latest and most advanced hardware and software technology to deliver superior storage performance without sacrificing HDD capacity. For users craving the performance advantages of SSDs combined with the high capacities associated with HDDs, OCZ offers the first no-compromise approach to enabling high-performance and high-capacity storage for virtually any PC platform.

The OCZ Synapse Series integrates Dataplex™ caching software to dynamically manage the use of both SSD and HDD for superior overall storage performance. This combination creates an environment where the most frequently used "hot" data stays on the ultra-fast SSD, while the "cold" data remains on the larger capacity HDD (sold separately). Advanced caching algorithms learn user behavior and adapt storage policies to ensure optimal performance for each individual user, maximizing productivity for the most demanded programs and applications:

Specifications

1. Maximum sequential speeds are determined using ATTO
2. Small file I/O performance is measured using Iometer 2010, Queue Depth 64, 4KB Aligned; Logical Block Address (LBA) range: 8GB
3. Incompressible data performance is measured using AS-SSD; 64 thread for 4K specs

PERFORMANCE	64GB	128GB
Max Read1	550MB/s	550MB/s
Max Write1	490MB/s	510MB/s
Max 4k Random Read2	10,000 IOPS	19,000 IOPS
Max 4k Random Write2	75,000 IOPS	80,000 IOPS
Sequential Read AS-SSD3	200MB/s	200MB/s
Sequential Write AS-SSD3	70MB/s	130MB/s
4k Random Read AS-SSD3	13,000 IOPS	24,000 IOPS
4k Random Write AS-SSD3	18,000 IOPS	33,000 IOPS

PHYSICAL
Usable Capacities (IDEMA)	64GB, 128GB
NAND Components	25nm Multi-Level Cell (MLC)
Interface	SATA 3 6Gb/s (Backwards compatible with SATA II 3Gb/s)
Form Factor	2.5 Inch
NAND Controller	SandForce® 2281
Dimension (L x W x H)	98 x 69.9 x 9.1mm
Weight	79g (may vary slightly due to capacity)

RELIABILITY / PROTECTION
MTBF	2 million hours
ECC Recovery	Up to 55 bits correctable per 512-byte sector (BCH)
Data Encryption	128-bit AES-compliant
Product Health Monitoring	Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) support

ENVIRONMENTAL
Power Consumption	Idle: 1.5W, Active: 2.7W
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Storage Temperature	-45°C ~ 85°C
Shock Resistance	1500G
Certifications	RoHS, CE, FCC

COMPATABILITY
Serial ATA (SATA)	Fully compliant with Serial ATA International Organization: Serial ATA Revision 3.0. Fully compliant with ATA/ATAPI-8 Standard Native Command Queuing (NCQ)
Operating System	Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit
Power Requirement	Standard SATA Power Connector
Included Accessories	Bundled with a 3.5" desktop adapter

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Performance Optimization	TRIM (requires OS support), Drivers
Software	Dataplex™ Caching Software
Service & Support	3-Year Warranty, Toll-Free Tech Support, 24 Hour Forum Support, Firmware Updates

ORDERING INFORMATION	PART NUMBER	UPC
64GB	SYN-25SAT3-64G	842024028796
128GB	SYN-25SAT3-128G	842024028802

Synapse Cache FAQ

1. What makes Synapse unique to other SSDs?
   • The OCZ Synapse Series is optimized for caching applications to dynamically manage the Synapse SSD in conjunction with standard hard disk drives (HDDs), to provide users with SSD-level performance across the entire capacity of the HDD with Dataplex caching software.
2. What are the benefits of Synapse when used with the Dataplex Software?
   • DataplexTM caching software dynamically manages the use of both SSD and HDD, and creates an environment where the most frequently used "hot" data stays on the SSD, while the "cold" data remains on your existing HDD. Advanced caching algorithms learn user behavior at both block/file levels, and adapt storage policies to ensure optimal performance for each individual user, resulting in higher performance after just a few runs of your frequently used applications and programs.
3. How do I access the Dataplex Software file after purchasing my Synapse?
   • Your Synapse packaging will include a product key for your Dataplex Software License. After locating the product key, enter your information in the online form located on the product page, then click the "Submit and Download" button at the bottom of the page. The software file will save and you can install as usual. This software can be used only with OCZ’s cache series of drives.
4. How do I install the Dataplex software?
5. Do I need a Z68 chipset to use the caching feature? How does Dataplex compare to SRT (Smart Response Technology)?
   • Both Dataplex and SRT are host-based, write-cache solutions, but you do not need to own a Z68 chipset to use the caching feature of the Synapse SSD. Synapse Cache SSDs are compatible with virtually any PC platform you already own, with no need for expensive upgrades to the latest motherboard to get the benefits of caching. The Synapse SSD has the additional benefit of speeding up your entire system since it accelerates the full capacity of your HDD. Whereas built-in chipset caching features mainly target enthusiasts that have the latest motherboard technology, Synapse is also ideal even for the home or office user on a budget wanting to make the most of their existing system. To reach the maximum stated specs for drive performance you will need to use a chipset with native SATA 3.0 (6Gbps).
6. What cache size do I need?
   • Your personal user profile and daily usage pattern should give an idea of the cache size needed, which is why we offer different options for cache capacities and speed. For the average home desktop or office user the smaller Synapse drive capacity is perfect, while for gaming and entertainment enthusiasts the large Synapse drive capacity is most suitable. A professional power user or content creator should be looking at our RevoDrive Hybrid cache solution to maximize cache capacity and speed. A good rule of thumb is if you are getting SSD speeds 80-90% of the time, the cache size is right for your usage. If you are getting less, then you may need a larger cache.
7. Who are the target users that will benefit from Synapse?
   • Synapse SSDs will provide the most benefit to desktop and even notebook users with multiple drive bays, who already have one or more high-capacity HDDs as their primary drive but want the speed benefits of an SSD without sacrificing their terabytes of storage. The advantage of Synapse is that you can purchase a relatively small capacity SSD to accelerate your entire storage subsystem, vs. purchasing a similar capacity SSD as a boot drive and only put a limited amount of files/programs on it.
8. Will Synapse be able to cache from both my existing SSD and HDD storage drives?
   • In the latest software update, Synapse SSDs can cache from an existing system boot drive or from a secondary drive.
9. Is my data secure with Synapse?
   • When used in conjunction with the Dataplex software, your frequently/recently used data is secure on the Synapse in the event of power loss or hardware failure. Since the "hot" data is a direct copy from your main storage on the HDD, you will not lose any data that has been recently accessed by Synapse.
10. Does Synapse work in a RAID configuration?
    • Synapse SSD can be installed as a cache for RAID configurations. Fault tolerance for the RAID array will be the same as before the use of the caching software. If the RAID array is configured as RAID1 or better, then you should not encounter any data loss if one or more HDDs fail.
11. Why is only half the Synapse capacity accessible?
    • The 50% NAND overprovisioning used on all Synapse models (translating into 32GB and 64GB cache capacities) is maintained as a performance feature to increase the lifespan of the drive, and specifically accommodate the writing of "hot" user data. Since the Synapse acts as a cache for file/program copies vs. typical data storage, the "free" capacity will be sufficient to deliver the full benefits of Synapse for any personal usage pattern.
12. Can Synapse be used as a "regular" SSD?
    • It is recommended to use the Synapse in conjunction with the Dataplex software for the full performance benefits of the product, but if the software is not installed then Synapse will act as a typical storage drive for files, OS, and applications within the available storage space. Even without the software installed, the Synapse will maintain 50% NAND flash overprovisioning built-in for performance optimization.
13. Can the Synapse become "full" of data after prolonged used?
    • 50% NAND overprovisioning ensures that the Synapse SSD will never be completely filled. Using the intelligent caching software, the Synapse SSD is self-maintaining and initiates a background cleaning process to remove infrequently used or older data from its cache. Synapse also features traditional TRIM support to work in conjunction with Windows 7.
14. Why is my Dataplex licensing key no longer recognized by my computer?
    • The licensing code looks at the following “soft” components to identify a PC:
      
      1) Ethernet card
      2) Memory
      3) OS
      4) Primary/boot Drive
      5) CPU ID
      6) BIOS
      
      If two or more components change, it is considered a “different” machine. If only one component changes, Dataplex automatically revalidates the license without issues, as long as the user is connected to the internet when the PC is rebooted after the change. Prior to changing two or more components, the user should uninstall Dataplex to release the license. Licenses cannot be released after the system is no longer valid. In this case, you can reset your key or obtain additional support.