Intel has announced a new type of RAM, possibly changing how memory is deployed in future PCs. The Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory is something of a cross between flash storage and DRAM; allowing it the benefits of both while taking an insignificant hit to performance.
Based on the new 3D X Point memory, the Optane DC is capable of retaining stored data while unpowered, much in the same way that flash memory does. At the same time, it is capable of the low latency data access of DRAM.
The modules are set to be released in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB; all of which will fit in regular DIMM slots. Seeing that they are being manufactured in DDR4 form factor. That said, they will only be supported by the next generation Intel Xeon processors.
Server and database clients stand to benefit the most from this new memory, seeing that it skips having to load large amounts of data to memory at start up. However, it also means that regular consumers will likely not see much of a difference.
Intel is now shipping the Optane DC Persistent Memory to select customers, and expects to make it widely available in 2019.
[Source: Intel]
