What is optane memory, and how does it work? This article can help you in getting complete information about every minute aspect related to optane memory.
SSD’s are quite a reasonable option to go with but fall short for all storage requirements. Intel optane memory is the right option to connect the pace of solid-state drive and space you get with a hard drive. Getting complete knowhow on what is optane memory, it’s functioning, possible disadvantages, and the pros can help in making the right purchase!
Table of Contents
What is optane memory?
Optane memory is just a kind of disc caching. The prime ideology behind it is to enable users to enjoy the data speed of SSDs and high-end storage capacity of HDDs. You can also combine any SSD and octane memory for usage. When you opt for Optane memory, the critical data is copied to M.2 Optane memory storage. And the unimportant information is transferred to the hard drive.
I am working on what is optane memory?
LRU (Least recently used) approach helps octane memory in deriving the data about storage inside the fast cache. You will find that the raw data is retrieved from slow HDD storage, and then it is copied to the cache. Any written information is first transferred to the supply, and from there, it goes to HDD.
Every time a piece of data is recited or captured, even its access time is being noted. As and when the data enters the cache, old ones are eliminated. However, the only information that is unused for quite a long gets evicted. The size and storage capacity of your stock is vital. It determines the overall data storage and beholds the fuss of storing data in slow-speed HDDs.
Now you must be wondering what optane memory is and how to determine the size of the cache? After all, you never want any vital information to get exhausted. In the start, Intel released optane memory with 16GB and 32GB options, but later on, they added a 64GB option to it. Another alternative is to go with 800p Intel optane memory that sums up to 118GB cache storage for you.
Such more extensive data storage options help better collection of details. Few users feel that 16GB and 32GB are not sufficient for their purpose. Only with Windows 10, around 16GB of your data can get exhausted. Then go for a few high-end games or applications, and memory gets full. As a result, your initial data will be just out of cache memory.
How well does octane memory perform?
Suppose if the octane memory cache you own comprises of 16GB data storage. If it reaches out to 17GB, the additional 1GB from the initial data is automatically deleted to add the new data. This process helps the cache to store the latest information that you need to access regularly. If the data is not a part of the stock, it directly settles in HDD memory. As a result, performance in terms of pace is hampered. But this is usually not the scene.
In the real world, users often need older data as well and keep accessing it regularly. With this process, the cache does not delete it as it is marked critical. For the smooth functioning of optane memory, it is best suggested to get the one with high storage capacity.
Difficulties in using optane memory
While you are getting information on what is optane memory, it is crucial to get first-hand knowledge of its negatives as well.
What is optane memory- What’s stored and what’s not?
Although there very few, but knowing them is important for its proper functioning. It becomes tedious for users to understand what’s stored in the cache and what’s not? Optane memory’s basic functioning depends on Intel’s rapid storage technology also known as RST. RST is a smart technology that understands the kind of data to be kept in the cache. Suppose if there is a huge HD movie of around 8GB in your system, it might be the waste of cache space. You won’t be going through it often.
There are no exact details revealed as for the caching algorithm by Intel. However, the usage of even a 16GB memory module can give impeccable outcomes related to booting and gaming experiences.
Lower dormancy times
Raw output availed out of optane memory is not as good as NAND as per its claims. But the biggest negative of it is the low dormancy rate. Most NAND based SSds have latency rates are around 100/50, optane latency rates range between 18/7. It is for 32’64GB drivers. This can be a theoretical approach as some data might not get cached and HDD latency is applicable there. After testing Intel optane 800p SSDs, it is found that the overall performance was better in comparison to huge SSDs.
Specifications of optane memory!
Significant specifications of Intel optane memory are as follows.
There are distinct user experiences relating to the performance of octane memory. For some, it’s great and others find it relatively okay.
The performance of the optane cache is determined by the driver’s capacity. It ranges from 16GB, 32GB to 64Gb models. 16GB is the least considered.
If you opt for Intel optane 800p SSD’s which comprises of 58GB and 118GB memory, it can work great for you!
PCL x2 interface for optimum sequential output is available with high capacity options. But it is practically into very minimal use.
While talking about actual-world operations, x2link-copying files are sufficient for applications. Its performance with the latest games is applications are quite impressive.
3D xPoint technology makes optane memory a non-exhaustive option just like NAND available with other SSD options. Unlike other SSDs, optane gives more emphasis on changing data properties. Users have identified that specs of optane are hand down better than that of NAND.
Optane memory performance
Best results from the use of optane memory are the acceleration of any HDD or SDD paired to it. It helps in boosting driver applications, games, and movies. However, optane memory with a 32GB OR 64GB module connected to a large HDD can deliver the best performance. Anything ranging from Windows boots to game loads is best accessed with the above-mentioned combination.
An important highlighted fact is that access to any kind of un-cached information gets facilitated depending on HDD speed. When you enable optane memory to the system, initial Windows results are not that great. You will find that the relevant boot times determine a faster pace later on.
Apart from this, loading any kind of application of games can be slower initially. Especially, when you are dealing with the 16GB module. If at all the cache is exhausted, the “first-run” option is often seen by the users for any new applications added to the devices. On the other hand, with a large cache optane memory; you can get a better speed experience with HDDs.
The performance of optane memory is generally dependent on the type of usage. If you have a lesser data consumption, even a 32GB optane driver can work great for you. However, if the workloads are high; even a 64GB might not help you out. So when you planning a purchase, try to first figure out your data consumption outputs and then ask for a relative optane driver to meet your storage needs.
Costing of optane memory?
Are you are thinking of what optane memory is and how much does it cost? The price and cost of the Intel optane driver can be a major factor while purchasing it. Getting a fast speed optane cache along with 2TB HDD might solve your purpose. Optane memory cache drivers are available in various capacities at various rates. You can get the 16GB cache for $28, 32GB for $88 and 64GB for $111. Beyond that, it goes quite expensive. However, these are just approximate rates. Depending on the place and medium of making purchases, it can differ a bit. Retail pricing is always a bit high as compared to actual costs.
As far as expert recommendations are considered, the 16GB module is the least considered one. After some time of its usage, it might be easily exhausted and start hampering the speed for any applications used by you. 32GB and 64Gb are a great option if you have a high storage HDD. This combination can boost the user experience overall. You might have to spend one time for a good HDD and a high module optane cache. But the performance and boot benefits are impeccable.
The system required for optane memory
While giving a thought to what is optane memory, it is worth considering the system that it can be used upon. Optane memory requires a good intel platform to work upon. It needs a motherboard with a 200-300 series chipset. It can also work with X299 chipset boards. As far as the CPU is considered, a 7th Gen or later option for Intel CPU should work fine for you. Before purchase, you must ensure the models that support this optane memory format.
It also has some basic software requirements to fulfill. You might need a Windows 10 version or a later version. You also need at least RST 15.5 software for it.
Understanding the apt system requirements for working of optane memory cache is mandatory. It is the only way through which you can derive the best performance levels with this tool. If there is any doubt about the hardware or software configuration, you can always contact an expert for extended details.
Conclusion
Above details on what is Optane memory can help you to figure out the detailed aspects related to this data storage driver. It can enable you to opt for a perfect solution to boost your booting speed and application performances. All you need to be sure is pairs perfectly with the system you own and the HDD capacity.
Getting a hold on these things can benefit you a lot. Go online to search for some more model options and pricing details if required! You can find an array of options and it enables you to pick the right one as per your desire. Overall, it can be said that this is a perfect option for all system needs. Best performance to get a good data storage option for the added information, applications, games, or movies is available.
FAQ’s
- Is it worth to buy Intel Optane memory?
Optane memory can give the best results only after pairing with a high capacity HDD. Single large SSD is although highly recommended. But as SSDs are quite expensive, getting optane and HDD combo seems a viable alternative.
- What is Intel Optane memory?
Optane memory is a smart storage cache by Intel that stores and fastens the speed of data that you use frequently. It enables to give you an SSD like performance in terms of speed and storage.
- What’s a better option- Optane or SSD?
Most of the buyers need to figure out whether costly compact SSD (Solid-state driver) is better or large HDDs with slow speed. Optane memory works with Good capacity HDD to get a high-speed experience. This gives a better performance level and costs are also comparatively reduced. All-in-all, you get the SSD like speed and boot capacities at the HDD prices.
- If I have an SSD, do I still need optane memory?
It depends on your requirement. If your usage is higher than 2TB of cache, single SSD might be more than sufficient. But for 4TB and larger HDDs, seems to be a good alternative. Getting a 64GB module of Intel is a great option.
- Is it possible to use optane memory as a RAM option?
Optane memory is not at all relevant or similar to Random Access (RAM) of your computer device. Hence, optane can never be used as RAM. Instead, it fills the gap between the cache memory of your system and the RAM storage. It acts as an additional RAM in terms of storage capacities. Besides, it helps you to enhance the data transfer speed and store a higher amount of data without affecting the processor speed.
