A computer is a must-have device (No doubt, of course) which makes our life easier for years. With time, technology is evolving and there’re various developments and innovations we can see. When it comes to buying a new laptop or PC, we usually get attracted by its looks and latest features. We fail to pay attention to its internal processing and memory devices.
To increase your knowledge about computer technology, (Yes! the same computer which we use every day) we are here to discuss Optane vs SSD. You’ll get all the answers to questions regarding these two technologies by the end of reading this article.
Contents
What is Intel Optane Memory?
Intel is the well-renowned brand for developing processors and memory technology used in laptops and desktop computers. One of its products is Intel Optane memory. It can speed up any system and turns it into a high-performing device. Intel Optane memory auto-save the cache data and frequently accessed data into its memory and make it available quickly whenever required.
The nature of Intel Optane memory is non-volatile which means that your data won’t wash away even when the system gets shutdown. So basically it improves the device performance by synchronizing data between memory, processor, and storage in a blink of eyes. Plus, Optane memory is also acclaimed for reducing booting time, loading of apps and games, response time, and downloading of apps.
It is available in 16 GB and 32 GB sticks which as if now, compatible with limited motherboards. If you’re using 7th Generation of Intel processors or higher, Optane is for you. Talking about the devices, Intel Optane can work fully on Windows devices and to a limited extent of Linux. Mac users still have to wait for using Optane memory.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Intel Optane Memory
To evaluate well, it’s important to study the advantages and disadvantages of Intel Optane memory in-depth. We are presenting some major advantages and disadvantages of using Intel Optane memory. This helps you to analyze Optane vs SSD in detail.
Advantages
Boosts system performance
As we have mentioned above, Intel Optane acts like a bridge or connecting wire between memory, storage, and processor, it boosts up the device performance by increasing the speed of data transfer.
Non-volatile
This is one of the most beneficial strengths of Optane memory. All the data stored by Optane memory will remain intact even after the shut down of the system. This helps in retrieving the data easily and quickly.
It has faster write speeds than SSDs
In the battle of Optane vs SSD, Optane takes a lead because it has faster write speeds as compared to that of SSD. It can transfer data with a speed of 1.4 GB/sec.
Disadvantages
Very expensive
Considering the Optane vs SSD, Optane is expensive than SSD. SSD is relatively cheaper. For buying a 32 GB Intel Optane memory stick, one need to spend around 42$ whereas a 256 GB Power SSD costs just 38$. So, you can see the difference in the pricing of both the memory techniques under question.
Compatibility
In terms of compatibility as well, Optane disappoints you a bit. Currently, Intel Optane Memory is compatible only with a limited edition of motherboards. For Windows Operating System and 7th generation users of Intel, this could not be a disadvantage because Optane memory is compatible only with these devices.
Power consumption
You have to be ready for paying bulky power bills for using Intel Optane memory. In the idle stage, it has found that Optane consumes a minimum of 1 Walt. For laptop users, Intel Optane proves battery hacking.
You can only accelerate your primary drive
Intel Optane Memory is skilled to only speed up the primary drive. So, if your HDD is your secondary memory, you can take the benefit of Optane memory for it. Though it can improve the speed of SSD that could not be as fruitful as that of HDD.
Installation can be a pain
Installation of Intel Optane Memory is not that easy because there are no clear guidelines about it. Users make their own permutation and combination to install it their way. So, installation can be a pain for Optane memory.
What is a Solid State Drive?
SSD which stands for Solid State Drive is considered as the fastest type of storage amongst the users. This memory technology makes use of flash memory for storing data, unlike Optane which uses Cache to store data. Likewise Optane, SSD also loads your apps and games faster and boot your device earliest. There are a variety of SSD drives available which you can choose according to the purpose. Some widely used SSD drives are 2.5″, mSATA, M.2, and PCI-E SSDs. Out of all 2.5” is considered as the most affordable. mSATA is usually used in PCs and laptops with the bare circuit.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solid State Drive
Advantages
Inexpensive
As we have mentioned while talking about the disadvantage of Optane memory, SSD is a bit cheaper than that of Optane. So, here it becomes the advantage of SSD while discussing the ‘Optane vs SSD’. You just need around 40$ for buying a 256GB M.2 module of SSD.
Fast speeds
Although Optane takes a lead for write speed, SSD also performs quite well in terms of speed.
Faster performance
SSD is terrifically high performing and boosts up the performance of device 2x times. So, when it comes to performance SSD forms a good option for the users.
Disadvantages
Expensive
For grabbing the best SSD in the market, you need to go beyond your financial limits. It’s very costly to acquire SSD with large capacity.
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Intel Optane Memory Vs Solid State Drives (SSDs) – The Verdict
So, now as you read the advantages and disadvantages of both the memory technologies, it’s time to announce the verdict of the battle ‘Optane vs SSD’. Well, to be honest, there is no direct verdict to make a clear choice between the two. Intel Optane where has compatibility issues, SSD proves economical to the users.
So, it totally depends on the need and motive of the user. If the price is the key factor for you, you should go with SSD but if you are concern about performance, you should go with Intel Optane memory. Moreover, if you are a Mac user, Optane is not for you. In-all, Optane lacks majorly in compatibility front so, it’s best to wait for a few years and use the improved and futuristic Optane technology. SSD is good for now.
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