GoKawiilSeagate launches FireCuda Forge external storage combining HDD and SSD
Seagate has released the FireCuda Forge, an external storage device that pairs a hard drive with a user-supplied NVMe SSD, using the company's new Alkemi platform to automatically shift frequently used files onto the faster drive. It's available now with an 8TB hard drive for $699 or a 20TB version for $899, though the SSD must be purchased separately. The device presents itself to a computer as a single drive while reaching read speeds up to 2,500MB/s and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s on Windows 11 or macOS 26.
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By offloading the SSD purchase to customers, Seagate's advertised prices understate the real cost, especially amid a current memory shortage that could push total spending well above the sticker price. The Alkemi system's machine-learning approach to shuffling data between drives differentiates it from simpler NAS caching setups, suggesting Seagate is positioning hybrid storage as a smarter, more adaptive alternative to buying pure SSD capacity.
- FireCuda Forge pairs a hard drive with a separately purchased NVMe SSD for hybrid performance.
- Seagate's Alkemi platform uses machine learning to move actively used files to the faster SSD.
- Base prices of $699 (8TB) and $899 (20TB) exclude the SSD, which could add significant cost during a memory shortage.
Seagate FireCuda Forge External Drive — If you're intrigued by Seagate's hybrid SSD/HDD approach, the FireCuda Forge lets you mix a high-capacity hard drive with your own NVMe SSD for a storage setup that adapts to how you actually use your files. It's a great option for creators and power users who want fast access to active projects without giving up affordable bulk storage.
See Seagate FireCuda Forge External Drive on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Andrew Liszewski, 2026-11-10
Published there as: “Seagate’s FireCuda Forge moves your data between a hard drive and SSD for better performance”
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