Intel not only wants to end SSDs and their slow working speeds, it also wants to end current RAM memories, developing RAM memories based on Intel 3D XPoint chips.
The days of RAM based on NAND Flash DDR memories are numbered, because Intel is tired of this type of memory weighing on the performance of the processors. As we know Intel has already introduced some solutions based on 3D XPoint memories, commercially known as Optane. These units right now are M.2 type units that perform cache functions, they are not yet complete SSD units, although these are close to arriving and we will see how the performance and power of the equipment goes up.
It was proposed that an M.2 SSD unit would do the functions of hard disk and RAM memory, but Intel has thought that they better develop the potential of the 3D XPoint independently by developing specific RAM memories, to further enhance the performance of the computer and now they are working on this type of memoir. Optane is a high-quality and clear product, Intel wants it to become a benchmark in the hardware world and they want to do it now, that is why they have proposed for next year 2018 to launch the first RAM modules based on 3D XPoint memories.
These modules based on the memories built into the Intel Optane mean several things, including a greater amount of RAM in the systems and a reduction in costs. Something that is very interesting, but it is also that these memories are non-volatile, like SSDs (the RAM when it receives no voltage, loses data), but it also significantly improves read and write speeds and consumption it is also reduced, a fundamental parameter of energy efficiency that is being sought incisively by the hardware industry.
Currently on a commercial level they hardly have any weight, since the Optane units are for cache and that's it, in addition, only Kaby Lake boards support them and basically they are only seen in DataCenters and SAP-type databases. These memories will debut with the new Intel Xeon scalable processors from the Cascade Lake family, which will hit the market next year. It is clear that Intel wants to get rid of the technologies that give the most problems, such as RAM and its poor performance and SSDs, with their quite 'slow' speeds.
Source: TomsHardware
That's a good sign, more speed for the PC
I think this time Intel learned the lesson and apparently they will not do the same as with their RAM-BUS, I also see that they are largely recycling much of the platform to improve it, which is not clear to me, is how the prices will improve ... ah !! that by the way, since it is not volatile, it is probably now that we can have instant start equipment as it is not volatile.