Information about the Intel® Optane™ Memory M Series
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Intel® Optane™ memory is a system acceleration solution installed between the processor and slower storage devices (SATA HDD, SSHD, SSD), which enables the computer to store commonly used data and programs closer to the processor. This allows the system to access this information more quickly, which can improve overall system responsiveness.
It's important to note that the Intel® Optane™ memory is not intended to replace the main drive in the system, but instead accelerate a slower storage device already in the system; which could be the main drive or a secondary drive.
It enables faster task completion and reduces the wait time, compared to a computer with a hard disk drive alone.
- Responsiveness refers to how quickly the PC completes end user requests, such as:
- Start or boot
- Search and find files
- Save large files
- Launch applications
- Compared to the same PC with only a hard drive, Intel® Optane™ memory makes the PC feel faster and more responsive.
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Additional Information
Additional information about system acceleration with Intel® Optane™ memory can be found below.
Click or the topic for details:
How is Intel® Optane™ memory different from other NAND caching solutions?
Intel® Optane™ memory is built to address the need for non-volatile, high-performance, high-endurance, low latency, and Quality of Service (QoS). The combination of these attributes in a memory technology sets it apart from anything else.
Intel® Optane™ memory is different from other NAND caching solutions for the following reasons:
- Revolutionary, new Intel® Optane™ memory media performs well even in low capacities (16 GB).
- Endurance to withstand multiple reads and writes to the module.
- Leading-edge algorithm in the Intel RST driver creates a high-performance solution.
- Its user-friendly, intuitive installation, and easy set-up process helps you automatically configure a solution to match your needs.
What is the difference between Intel® Optane™ memory and DRAM? Does it replace DRAM?
Intel® Optane™ memory uses non-volatile Intel® Optane™ memory media with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology driver to accelerate your PC's accesses to non-volatile data. In your PC, non-volatile data is your computer's "long-term memory" that persists even when the PC is powered off. A PC user's personal documents, pictures, videos, music, and application files are examples of non-volatile data.
DRAM, or Dynamic Random Access Memory, is a volatile memory technology that serves as your computer's "short-term working memory." DRAM temporarily stores the inputs and results of calculations performed by the processor. When the PC is powered off, the data in the DRAM disappears.
The two memory technologies serve different purposes in the PC memory hierarchy, so Intel® Optane™ memory complements DRAM, rather than replacing it entirely. A computer with both Intel® Optane™ memory and DRAM can access programs and data faster, providing additional performance and responsiveness.
Is Linux* supported when using Intel® Optane™ memory for system acceleration?
No, Intel® Optane™ memory requires the Windows 10/11* 64-bit operating system and the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST) driver software. Using the device with other software for caching is is not supported or validated.
What is the difference between Intel Optane Memory M and H Series?
See How Is the Intel® Optane™ Memory H Series Different from Other Intel® Optane™ Memory Products?
How many drives can Intel Optane memory accelerate?
Intel® Optane™ memory can accelerate one drive. The system may have multiple drives (or add additional drives later one), but Intel® Optane™ memory can only accelerate one drive, which could be the main drive or a secondary drive.
Can I disconnect the drive being accelerated from the system after it's enabled with Intel® Optane™ memory and move it to another computer?
Intel® Optane™ memory must be disabled before moving to another computer. Pick the method that best suits your system How to Disable System Acceleration with Intel® Optane™ Memory.
What happens if the Intel® Optane™ memory module is removed from a system while enabled?
The volume (module + drive being accelerated) will go offline to protect user data. You won't be able to access the drive that was being accelerated until the module is placed back in the system.
What happens to my data on the drive being accelerated if I lose or damage the Intel® Optane™ memory module?
When an Intel® Optane™ memory volume (drive being accelerated + Intel® Optane™ memory module pair) is created they are paired together and cannot be separated. If one is missing from the system, the other disk goes offline and the OS no longer detects it.