After the launch of Optane SSDs for data centers, Intel has now launched its Optane Memory for consumers. The Optane Memory drives are meant for caching and come in capacities of 16GB and 32GB which cost $44 and $77 respectively.
The Optane memory modules come in a PCIe Gen 3.0x2 M2.2280 single sided form factor and Intel currently targets them mainly for high end gamers.
Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology it's possible to pair the Optane memory with a HDD or SSD and access it like a single volume. Files needed for important tasks are recognized and stored on the Optane memory. Frequently used files and applications are also monitored and also stored on the Optane memory to increase performance.
To use the Optane memory a PC has to be "Intel Optane Memory Ready" which means it has to be powered by a Kaby Lake CPU with a 200 series chipset and a compatible M.2 2280 slot with 2 or 4 PCIe lanes.
Intel claims that there are currently 130+ Intel Optane Memory Ready motherboards currently available from ASRock, Asus, EVGA, Gigabyte and MSI. In Q2 this year also other mainboard vendors should follow.
Intel Optane memory will be available for preorder from today and will ship to consumers from the 24th of April.
