Optane memory is a type of low-latency, persistent computer memory developed by Intel. It was first released in March 2017.

Benefits

Optane is not as fast as RAM, but has greater storage capacity for the equivalent cost. Unlike RAM, Optane memory is non-volatile (its data persists when its power source is disconnected).

  • Benefits
  • How and why Optane is used
  • Requirements
  • Optane DC
  • Optane SSD
  • Related information

Compared to traditional storage devices, such as a hard drive or SSD, Optane offers smaller capacity, but at much faster speeds. Its operational latency (the delay when accessing data) is as low as 10 microseconds.

How and why Optane is used

Optane memory connects to the motherboard as an M.2 module.

Optane uses a technology called 3D XPoint, where memory cells are stacked in a multi-planar configuration. It is used primarily in servers, or in machine learning computing clusters, which benefit from high-speed access to massive data sets too large to store in conventional RAM.

As of April 2019, Optane modules are available in capacities ranging from 16 GB to 512 GB.

Requirements

Using optane memory modules requires a motherboard that uses a 7th generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor (7xxx series).

Optane DC

In 2018, Intel also announced new Optane DC Persistent Memory, a type of memory that connects to a motherboard using a DRAM slot. While similar to RAM in its motherboard connections and the memory module sizes, it differs from RAM in how it retains data. RAM temporarily stores data and loses the data when the computer is turned off, but Optane DC Persistent Memory retains data when the computer is powered down. However, it has a higher latency than RAM, so it’s not yet a replacement for RAM.

Intel has designed the Optane DC Persistent Memory to be used with the next generation of their Xeon processors and compatible motherboards.

Optane SSD

Intel also offers “Optane SSD” modules, which combine 3D XPoint and NAND flash for a blend of speed, efficiency, and higher capacity.

Cache, DRAM, Hardware terms, Memory terms, Motherboard, Xeon

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