GoKawiilSeagate's FireCuda Forge revives hybrid drives, requires user-supplied SSD cache
Seagate has launched the FireCuda Forge, an external desktop hard drive with an empty M.2 slot for a user-supplied SSD that acts as a fast cache, capped at 1TB. The drives come in 8TB ($699) and 20TB ($899) capacities and use new Seagate software called Alkemi, which runs on an FPGA chip with embedded Linux to monitor file usage and copy frequently accessed data to the SSD cache.
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By presenting the HDD and SSD as a single volume to the operating system, Seagate simplifies setup for gamers seeking faster load times, but this also means a failure in either component could jeopardize the whole drive, unlike separate storage devices. The requirement to buy a separate SSD adds to the already high price, suggesting Seagate is betting on enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for near-NVMe speeds without full SSD costs.
- FireCuda Forge pairs a large HDD with a user-installed SSD cache, capped at 1TB.
- Seagate's Alkemi technology uses an FPGA and embedded Linux to manage caching, claiming a 90% cache hit rate in gaming tests.
- The drive appears as a single unit to the OS, simplifying use but adding reliability risk if either component fails.
Seagate FireCuda Forge External HDD — If you're intrigued by Seagate's revived hybrid drive concept, the FireCuda Forge lets you pair a large-capacity external HDD with your own M.2 SSD for a speed boost on frequently accessed files. It's a great pick for creators needing massive storage with a performance cache option, directly tied to the tech discussed in this article.
See Seagate FireCuda Forge External HDD 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: techspot.com — Alfonso Maruccia, 2026-11-11
Published there as: “Seagate is bringing back the hybrid drive, but you have to supply the SSD”
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