Intel officially launched its new Optane DC Persistent Memory Modules (PMM) during its Data-Centric Innovation Day. The persistent memory is created to move more data closer to the CPU, offering DRAM-like latency with storage-like persistence and capacities.
The new Optane DC PMM sits between DRAM and Optane SSDs, with the sequentially slower SSD and HDD storage medium flowing down the pyramid. The memory module uses 3D XPoint (pronounced “Cross” Point) memory, a type of non-volatile memory that is like a fusion between NAND and DRAM. 3D XPoint is capable of retaining data even if power is loss. Meaning that it can switch between being a memory and storage component.
The new Optane DC PMM modules are designed to slot into any standard DDR4 slot. Further, it is available in three high capacity storage options: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The DIMMs also come with an SSD-like controller and proprietary memory controller designed by Intel.
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Additionally, Intel’s new memory module can be used together with DRAM. However, they will be managed differently due to latency, bandwidth and protocol concerns.
Server and database clients will benefit the most from Intel’s new Optan DC PMM memory module, primarily because they can deploy larger amounts of memory into servers. While limiting data loss amount. Regular customers, on the other hand, will unlikely see any difference in performance.
(Source: TechSpot, Storage Reviews // Image: Storage Reviews)
