Intel announces new SSD with Optane Memory and NAND flash

Intel first introduced its Optane Memory H20 solid state drive late last year. Optane Memory H20 is the sequel to 2019's Optane Memory H10, combining 3D Xpoint-based Optane memory technology and 3D QLC NAND flash on a single M.2 card.

Unlike Optane-branded standalone SSDs, Intel Optane Memory is designed for slower storage acceleration on compatible systems, to improve transfer speeds and reduce latency.

The Intel Optane Memory H20 is a solid state drive that combines Intel's latest Optane Memory and NAND flash on a single M.2 2280 card, yet offers the benefits of both.

Intel announces new SSD with Optane Memory and NAND flash Picture 1

Optane Memory is Intel's proprietary technology designed to improve performance in applications, especially when running them from slower storage devices, and it falls somewhere between RAM and traditional memory in terms of speed. degree. Optane memory cards are usually sold in M.2 form and come in sizes as small as 16GB or 32GB.

Intel's Optane Memory H20 features 32GB paired with 1TB (or 512GB) of Intel's latest 144-layer QLC NAND flash chip, along with new Optane Memory.

When Optane Memory and NAND are accessed simultaneously, the transfer rate is much better. Intel rates the drive's highest transfer speeds as 3.3GB/s (read) and 2.1GB/s (write).

Optane Memory will only work in Windows 10 64-bit systems with the latest Intel processors and 500 series chipsets.

Intel will make the drive available to OEMs for use in laptops, all-in-ones, and mini PCs on June 20.

Lesley Montoya

Update 18 May 2021