Intel's second-gen Optane memory promises a 50 per cent hike in performance

[steven36]

Tech could eventually filter down to PCs

 

hello to second-gen Optane memory

 

INTEL HAS REVEALED the second-generation of its Optane memory for both data centre use and SSDs; it also has a 144-layer QLX 3D NAND for data centre SSDs in the works as well.

 

Codenamed Barlow Pass, the Optane DC Persistent Memory effectively bridges the gap between SSDs and RAM-based memory, offering faster speeds than the former, but not as costly as the latter when used as in-memory storage.

 

Alder Stream is the codename for the next-gen Optane SSDs, with these new storage devices offering some 50 per cent improved performance over the first-generation P4800X Optane drive. This is thanks to a new controller, while storage capacity will be improved and latency will be reduced.

 

As for the 3D NAND SSD, that's set to come in a 96-layer version this year, with a 144 layer model due in 2020; both of these will be for data centre use, so don't go expecting to be sticking them in a desktop PC any time soon.

 

If you're scratching your head wondering why all this matters, Intel has the skinny on the situation: "Massive amounts of data being generated by machines generally require real-time analysis to make that data valuable. This need has exposed gaps in the memory storage hierarchy: DRAM isn't large enough, and SSDs aren't fast enough," it swooned.

 

"The gap is where Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory shines. And if even bigger data sets are needed, Intel Optane technology connected through storage interfaces fills the gap," the chip maker added. "Additionally, hard disk drives increasingly aren't fast enough for data-centric computing - that's where the combination of Intel Optane technology plus QLC NAND comes into play."

 

While all this tech is data centre-centric, there's a chance that the gains in memory could eventually filter down into the PC world, perhaps starting with faster Optane SSDs for desktops and ending with Optane-based chips for improving the storage and data-juggling performance of laptops and hybrid 2-in-1 devices.

 

Source

[Matrix]

Intel reveals Optane DIMMs for workstations, 665p SSD for consumers, future roadmap

 

Intel held a press event in South Korea this week for its Memory and Storage day, where it made a series of announcements and revealed plans for future storage products that will go in data centers and consumer electronics.

The company reiterated the importance of filling the gaps in the memory and storage hierarchy by bringing processors and data closer together.

The main focus of the event was Intel's Optane technology, which comes in several form factors, such as a memory module, SSD cache, and a high capacity QLC SSD, which is the least costly of the three. Intel currently dominates the persistent memory market, so it's nice to see them innovate despite the lack of serious competition.

To that end, Intel says it will operate a new "technology development line" in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The company is already working on the second generation Optane DC Persistent Memory, codenamed "Barlow Pass" that's supposed to be better in every way when compared to the current generation, Apache Pass that launched earlier this year.

Intel didn't offer specific numbers, but we know that its Optane DC products typically bridge the gap between RAM and NAND. They come as DIMM modules that can be installed in DDR4 slots and addressed as both RAM and storage, with capacities of up to 512GB per stick. In other words, Optane DC is like a slower, higher capacity DRAM that doesn't lose data in the event of power loss.

The 3D Xpoint technology behind Optane has so far proven too expensive to be integrated in consumer devices, but Intel has managed to bring it to the workstation market. The company says persistent DIMMs will eventually reach mainstream desktop PCs, but didn't offer a strict timeline of when we'll be able to buy sticks of 512 GB of memory for our gaming rigs. Intel is partnering with Microsoft to make that a reality, so at least we know that it's in the cards.

Intel does have something in the works for consumers in the form of a successor to its popular 660p SSD which uses 64-layer QLC flash to achieve great storage density at an affordable price point.

The 665p will come with 96-layer QLC flash that is both denser and faster. Both pricing and a release date are still pending, but we can probably expect to see it in laptops later this year or in early 2020.

To top it off, the silicon giant is also working on 144-layer QLC flash and storage solutions with 5 bits per cell, but that still doesn't hold nearly as much potential as the Optane DC Persistent Memory for client devices.

 

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[Ha91]

@Mach1 @steven36 Although I am not the kind to run out of love, but I always seem to be short of it at this forum - according to your server/system 😢  😝

I honestly want a solution to this because I don't know if anyone else reads as much as I do on this forum? @Karlston