Intel Optane Storage: What is it and what are the benefits?
When it comes to the latest devices, Intel Optane is increasingly being talked about. But what exactly is it, and is it worth investing in this technology for individual users? In the following article, these questions and other important aspects will be discussed so that you can decide for yourself whether a purchase is worthwhile and whether Intel Optane will be an important feature for your next device purchase.
The Basics
Intel Optane is a non-volatile memory technology designed to replace traditional NAND flash memory. The technology was developed in collaboration between Intel and Micron Technology and was ultimately introduced in 2015 under the name 3D XPoint. The storage has a spatial grid structure, which sets it apart from other types of memory.
Compared to traditional NAND flash memory, Intel Optane is intended to reduce latency and provide high performance even at lower capacities such as 16 GB. Additionally, the storage is more resilient, allowing for more read and write operations. Overall, the focus is on system acceleration, responsiveness, and stability of the device.
What formats is Intel Optane storage available in?
The Intel Optane portfolio includes SSDs that are available in the same 2.5-inch format as before, as a PCI-Express card, or as an M.2 module. Additionally, there are the so-called Intel Optane DC memories, which can be inserted as DIMM modules in the corresponding slots on the motherboard. These memories are primarily intended for businesses, as they work with professional Xeon processors.
For laptops, PCs, and similar devices, Optane SSDs are interesting. You can combine an existing hard drive with an Optane Storage M10 to get the capacity of an HDD while achieving the performance of an SSD. The system automatically analyzes which contents are frequently used and should therefore be kept in non-volatile Optane storage.
However, Intel also offers SSDs that take advantage of the acceleration provided by Optane technology. In addition to the already known QLC 3D NAND data storage, Intel places Optane storage with low capacity to further improve performance in everyday life.
How can Intel Optane be used for acceleration?
If you rely on maximum data rates and want to fully utilize the possibilities of Intel Optane storage technology, there are some points to consider. The respective system must be compatible with Intel Optane primarily.
Therefore, check the manufacturer's specifications for the motherboard or even the complete system such as a laptop. Many devices are already sold with corresponding drives so that you do not have to do anything else.
If your device is not equipped with an Intel Optane storage, you can retrofit it in some cases. Make sure that your system is compatible and that you choose the right Intel Optane SSD. Installing the memory is usually easy and requires only a few steps.
Note that the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver and an operating system such as Windows 10 are required to use Intel Optane. If your system does not have the required driver or operating system, you may need to install them first.
What are the benefits of Intel Optane memory?
One of the biggest advantages of Intel Optane memory is the significant improvement in system performance and responsiveness. Compared to traditional NAND flash memory, Intel Optane offers higher speed and reduces latency, which is particularly beneficial for demanding applications such as gaming, video and image editing. Even with small storage capacities of only 16 GB, Intel Optane can deliver high performance. Additionally, the technology is particularly durable, allowing for a higher number of read and write operations.
Another advantage of Intel Optane is the flexibility in storage usage. With Optane SSDs, for example, you can combine an existing hard drive with an Optane Memory M10 to increase capacity while still taking advantage of the faster SSD speed. The system automatically analyzes which data is frequently used and should be stored in non-volatile Optane memory, resulting in optimized storage usage and faster access to frequently used data.
How can Intel Optane memory be best utilized?
To make the most of Intel Optane memory, it is important to ensure that your system is compatible with the technology. Therefore, check the manufacturer's compatibility information for the motherboard or your complete system, such as a notebook.
If your system is compatible with Intel Optane, you can use the technology either as a supplement to an existing SSD or as a replacement for a hard drive. However, note that the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver is required and only the Windows 10 operating system is supported. In addition, the SATA drive must be formatted with the GPT partition scheme.
In summary, Intel Optane memory provides a good way to improve system performance. However, it is only necessary if maximum data rates and low latencies are required. Traditional NAND flash SSDs are sufficient for conventional applications. Overall, Intel Optane is a promising technology that provides fast and reliable performance and can therefore be a worthwhile investment.
