Intel® Optane™ memory does not replace RAM.
Wondering if Intel® Optane™ memory could work as RAM for a desktop machine.
Intel® Optane™ memory comes in M.2 form factor. It is not intended to be used in the DIMM/ DRAM memory slots. As such, it will not replace the current RAM in the system.
Intel® Optane™ memory uses non-volatile Intel® Optane™ memory media with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology driver to accelerate PC's accesses to non-volatile data. Non-volatile data refers to the 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 operations 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. 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.