Intel moves to fourth-generation Optane memory

Setting out to revolutionize the memory world, but inflicting more than $1 billion in damage to the Intel household, Optane memory is being promoted to the fourth generation. However, the industry is not in favor of Optane memory.

Optane memories are built on the non-variable memory technology based on NAND memories in the fourth generation

, and 3DXPoint can be 1000 times faster and 1000 times more durable than NAND memories. It can also offer 10 times more density and capacity than standard memories. In this way, costs decrease, delay times decrease, capacity and performance increase. Ending its partnership with Micron, Intel decided to continue with the Optane naming.

Optane memory, which was initially offered for sale on both the end-user and corporate sides, could not achieve the desired success due to high costs. Earlier last year, the end-user division was shut down and focused solely on the corporate domain.

However, the future of Optane memory is rather bleak as Intel has not achieved widespread use. Since vertical integration is quite difficult unlike 3D NAND memories, there are 2 large Optane series in 4 different areas from the PC industry to the corporate sector.

On the other hand, as the CXL internal connection standard, in which components communicate via PCIe 5.0, gradually found a place for itself, Optane memory, which rose above PCIe 4.0, remained in the background. The relocation of the production facilities to a different location and the departure of the department manager Alper İlkbahar due to personal reasons had a negative impact as well.

Intel still has no intention of giving up Optane memory. As the work continues for the fourth generation Optane memory, it is possible that different solutions will be released, especially for server systems with high profit margins. However, the lack of detailed explanations by Intel is confusing.