Intel Optane 32GB M.2 Memory Module Review

Final Thoughts

Pricing and Availability

The 32GB Intel Optane M.2 module I tested today can be yours for £74.32 or $77.99 while the smaller 16GB module will set you back £43.30 or $45.37.

Overview

Combining two types of storage to increase the performance is in no way a new thing, but Intel’s Optane is definitely the best so far. Thanks to the advancement to PCIe and NVMe along with Micron and Intel’s impressive 3D XPoint NAND allows systems to reach new performance levels in such setups. The M.2 form factor also makes the Optane module small, light, and convenient.

The Optane module allows your large-capacity HDD to shine with both capacity and speed. Granted, the write performance of this first generation could be better, but it still keeps up with an HDD. In combination with an SSD, it can slow some things down a bit. That isn’t such a big deal as it is intended for use with a hard disk.

You can severely improve the boot times, get faster application loading, and a generally more responsive system. Less downtime, fewer frustrations, and a higher productivity are the results.

Intel Optane and 3D Xpoint NAND is also durable as the drive comes with a great endurance rating. Intel is also backing the drive with a 5-year long warranty.

Pros

• Severe performance improvement for large HDD users
• Low access times
• Improved productivity
• Durable

Cons

• Not as useful for SSD owners as it is for HDD users

“Intel’s Optane Module can inject a performance to your large capacity drive which you hadn’t dreamed of.”

We would like to thank Intel for providing us with this sample.