Intel gives recent Pentiums and Celerons support for Optane memory

Intel has given its cheaper Pentium and Celeron processors support for Optane memory. Users must run the Optane installation file and update the Rapid Storage Technology driver for support.

Intel has added the extension of Optane’s support for Pentiums and Celerons without much publicity. The support is only for seventh and eighth generation Pentiums and Celerons. Users need a motherboard with Intel 300 or 200 Series chipset. Users can also use Optane memory in combination with cheaper chipsets, such as the B360 and B250.

Users must install an application for the Optane Memory User Interface and update the Intel rts driver to version 17.2.0.1009. Intel makes both available, both separately and bundled. Intel’s Optane drives are based on 3D Xpoint phase-change memory that delivers low latency, random 4k I/O performance, and endurance. In combination with a Pentium or Celeron system with a HDD, Optane cache of 16GB or 32GB can provide significant performance gains.

The Optane drives have a reputation for being pricey for the performance gains they bring. Intel is therefore trying to combine its technology with SSDs. At the beginning of this year, the company announced the Optane H10. These are m2 ssds with qlc-nand and optane caches. These SSDs should appear this spring for an as yet undisclosed price.