Intel Launches Optane Memory H10 Hybrid M.2 Storage For Thin And Light Laptops
By combining the best of both worlds into a single M.2 single-sided form-factor, customers will be able to take advantage of faster system responsiveness as afforded by Optane Memory caching, while leveraging the value-driven dynamics and capaciousness of Intel’s QLC SSDs. The key breakthrough is to be able to fit all of these components into a single M.2 device instead of needing two M.2 connectors – which can be a challenge for space-deficient ultra-portable notebook designs.
Intel is quoting that 8th generation Core U-Series processors with Optane Memory H10 will offer up to a 2x uplift in “typical productivity applications” and will be 90 percent faster when opening large files during multitasking operations. It also says that games while launch about 60 percent faster when multitasking.
Optane Memory H10 is spec’d to deliver sequential read and write speeds of 2400MB/sec and 1800MB/sec respectively. 4K Random reads/writes are listed at 32K/30K IOPS at QD1 and 55K/55K IOPS at QD2. Intel states a 300 TBW endurance and a 5-year warranty for the storage devices.
Intel will make its Optane Memory H10 available in three configurations (at least initially):
- 16GB Intel Optane Memory + 256GB QLC 3D NAND
- 32GB Intel Optane Memory + 512GB QLC 3D NAND
- 32GB Intel Optane Memory + 1TB QLC 3D NAND
In addition, Intel is currently limiting the installation of the above storage devices into 8th generation Core U-Series processors paired with 300-Series chipsets. It is not known at this point if Intel will make the storage sticks available to a larger subset of its 8th generation Core mobile processors or if they will be allowed in desktop systems (although space isn’t at a premium on desktop systems, which would limit the appeal of such a storage solution).
Optane Memory H10 will be available to OEM builders, and will start showing up in systems from Dell, Hewlett-Packard and ASUS at Best Buy locations starting in the second quarter of 2019. Intel says that it will make Optane Memory H10 available to additional OEMs through various other retailers in the coming months.
