Tag Archives: Optane Memory

What is Optane Memory?

Optane is a revolutionary class of memory from Intel creating a bridge between dynamic RAM and storage for delivering an intelligent and amazingly responsive computing experience. For instance, Intel claims an increase of 28% in overall system performance, 14 times faster hard drive access, and two times increase in responsiveness in everyday tasks.

However, this revolution is not for everyone. It works only on the 7th generation Intel Core processor based systems that affordably maintain their capacity in mega-storage. For those using the above processor-based system, Intel promises Optane will deliver shorter boot times, faster application launching, extraordinarily fast gaming experience, and responsive browsing. However, there is a farther catch; you need to be running the latest Windows 10 operating system to take full advantage of Optane.

According to Intel, Windows 10 users on the 7th gen Intel Core processing systems can expect their computers to boot up twice as fast as earlier, with web browsers launching five times faster, and games launching up to 67% faster. Intel claims their Optane memory to be an adaptable system accelerator adjusting the tasks of the computer on which it is installed to run them more easily, smoothly, and faster. Intel provides an intelligent software for automatically learning the computing behavior and thereby accelerating frequent tasks and customizing the computer experience.

Intel’s new system acceleration solution places the new memory media module between the controller and other SATA-based storage devices that are slower. This includes SSHD, HDD, or SATA SSD. Based on 3D XPoint memory media, the module format stores commonly used programs and data close to the processor. This allows the processor to access information more quickly and thereby, improves the responsiveness of the overall system.

However, the Intel Optane memory module is not a replacement for the system Dynamic RAM. For instance, if a game requires X GB of DRAM, it cannot be divided between DRAM and Optane memory to meet the game requirements. Regular PC functioning will continue to require the necessary amount of DRAM.

For those who already have installed a solid-state disk or SSD in their computer systems can also install the Intel Optane memory for additional speed benefits. As such, the Intel Optane memory can extend acceleration to any type of SATA SSDs. However, the performance benefits are observed to be greater when the Intel Optane memory is used on slower magnetic HDDs, rather than when installed in systems with faster SSD-SATA.

Although other caching solutions exist, such as those using NAND technology, Intel’s Optane memory is entirely different. This new technology is a high performance, high endurance solution with low latency and quality of service or QoS. Optane uses the revolutionary new 3D XPoint memory media that performs well not only in low capacities, but also has the necessary endurance for withstanding multiple reading and writing cycles to the module.

In addition, Intel’s new Rapid Storage Technology driver, with its leading-edge algorithm, creates a compelling high-performance solution for a user-friendly, intuitive installation with easy to use setup process that automates the configuration to match the needs of the user.