Intel Optane SSDs are going to be using 3D XPoint memory that will increase their read and write speeds to monumental levels. 3D XPoint memory can be used in both SSDs and DRAM memory and the very first SSD plugged into a computer system can be seen in these images. The only disappointing thing about this SSD is that while it will deliver high read and write speeds, its total capacity will discourage consumers.
If there was a time when high capacity solid state drives were a rarity, then it would have been accepted, but when you see SATA-based solid state drives boasting capacities of 4TB, it begs the question if Intel Optane SSDs are worthy of a purchase or not. Perhaps this could be a prototype, which would not require such a high capacity to be demonstrated to the public so it’s quite possible that when the actual product is released, it will feature a much higher capacity.
However, using 3D XPoint memory in both solid state drives and DRAM products is an expensive venture, which is probably why Intel is going to be targeting and marketing these storage products to enterprises first, then make their merry way to individuals.
The Intel Optane SSD that you see in the images is a PCIe-based storage drive and is inserted in the PCIe x4 expansion slot. It’s protected by a huge heat sink, which could give a fair idea that the drive is going to be generating quite a lot of heat. According to the tests carried out, the Intel enterprise PCIe SSD is about three times faster compared to regular enterprise PCIe SSDs and also boasts a higher life span and reliability factor.
Intel has said that its Optane SSDs will arrive at the end of this year and are expected to ship early next year. However, they will be sold to enterprises before appearing in retail outlets for consumers.