[SOLVED] How can I use an M.2 32 Gb Intel Optane Memory stick on an unsupported mobo?

[Tyler_146]

I inherited a 32 Gb Intel Optane Memory stick from my father that he bought some time ago, but never used. I was going to install it and the corresponding drivers and software but realized that my mobo's chipset is that of the 300 series (GA-X99-Gaming 5), while the stick requires a 200 chipset.

My computer still recognizes it as a drive - is there any real use I can squeeze out of this stick, or should I sell it?

 

[USAFRet]

Sell it.
A 32GB space is not good for a whole lot.

Even used as an actual Optane thing, not much good if you already have SSD's.

 

[SamirD]

And 32GB won't be worth nearly anything so don't sell it.

If it recognizes it, just use it. It's not a lot, but better than nothing.

 

[USAFRet]

And 32GB won't be worth nearly anything so don't sell it.

If it recognizes it, just use it. It's not a lot, but better than nothing.

Well..someone that has a compatible system, and wants to jump on the (useless) Optane train might want it.

 

[Tyler_146]

I have enough SSDs in my system, and I never experience slow downs with my hard drive, so I can't say I really have a use for what would effectively be a small SSD, when I could instead occupy my slots with a wifi card/ssd.

I'll sell it.

 

[SamirD]

Well..someone that has a compatible system, and wants to jump on the (useless) Optane train might want it.

But they'll probably pay $5, lol.

 

[Bob.B]

I inherited a 32 Gb Intel Optane Memory stick from my father that he bought some time ago, but never used. I was going to install it and the corresponding drivers and software but realized that my mobo's chipset is that of the 300 series (GA-X99-Gaming 5), while the stick requires a 200 chipset.

My computer still recognizes it as a drive - is there any real use I can squeeze out of this stick, or should I sell it?

Optane was invented as a speeder upper for hdd based systems.
I does not have much function with folks going to ssd's.

 

[SkyNetRising]

is there any real use I can squeeze out of this stick, or should I sell it?

You can put swapfile onto it.
You can move temp folders and browser cache to it.

Other than this, it's just too small for anything else.

 

[SamirD]

Optane was invented as a speeder upper for hdd based systems.
I does not have much function with folks going to ssd's.

But optane is faster than an ssd:
https://phoenixnap.com/kb/optane-memory-vs-ssd-vs-ram#ftoc-heading-4

 

[Bob.B]

But optane is faster than an ssd:
https://phoenixnap.com/kb/optane-memory-vs-ssd-vs-ram#ftoc-heading-4

Perhaps but is joe user going to see a diff?
Is it worth the extra layer of complexity?

 

[USAFRet]

But optane is faster than an ssd:
https://phoenixnap.com/kb/optane-memory-vs-ssd-vs-ram#ftoc-heading-4

At 32GB, not faster for long.

Those optane modules were to be used as a tiered cache for an HDD.
Pair it with an SSD (of any type), and all you get is added complexity.

 

[SamirD]

Perhaps but is joe user going to see a diff?
Is it worth the extra layer of complexity?

joe user probably can't tell the difference between a very fast hd and a crappy ssd. Complexity--it depends on the workload.

 

[SamirD]

At 32GB, not faster for long.

Those optane modules were to be used as a tiered cache for an HDD.
Pair it with an SSD (of any type), and all you get is added complexity.

It depends on the iops workload to the drive. Obviously, optane would already be completely dead by now if there wasn't some advantages in some workloads.

 

[Eximo]

Optane for the consumer is pretty much dead.

Micron ditched it, Intel is carrying on in the server space, not really sure how the sale of the Fab effects Intel's supply, I vaguely recall the partnership included an Intel fab as well, so they'll still have that.

 

[USAFRet]

It depends on the iops workload to the drive. Obviously, optane would already be completely dead by now if there wasn't some advantages in some workloads.

"some workloads" = Not a typical user.
And Optane IS indeed mostly dead.

Paired with an HDD, yeah, maybe.
But with ever lower SSD prices....why bother?

 

[SamirD]

Optane for the consumer is pretty much dead.

Yep because ssds came about. But if you've already got it? I would just use it.

 

[SamirD]

"some workloads" = Not a typical user.
And Optane IS indeed mostly dead.

Paired with an HDD, yeah, maybe.
But with ever lower SSD prices....why bother?

Agreed, but if I had it, I'd just use it since if it's mostly dead you're not going to get any money for it otherwise.

 

[USAFRet]

Agreed, but if I had it, I'd just use it since if it's mostly dead you're not going to get any money for it otherwise.

'mostly dead' in consumer use.
Someone else might want it.

And it would be sucking up an otherwise usable M.2 port.

But, selling on fleabay might net you $20. Almost not worth the time taking it to UPS to ship.


And if it cannot be used as an actual Optane thing...worse than useless.

 

[SamirD]

'mostly dead' in consumer use.
Someone else might want it.

And it would be sucking up an otherwise usable M.2 port.

But, selling on fleabay might net you $20. Almost not worth the time taking it to UPS to ship.


And if it cannot be used as an actual Optane thing...worse than useless.

I don't see much demand for these even in the homelab scene, and like you said, just taking the time and cost to ship to make $10 may not be worth it and it would be worth more just using the m.2 if it was empty.

 

[USAFRet]

I don't see much demand for these even in the homelab scene, and like you said, just taking the time and cost to ship to make $10 may not be worth it and it would be worth more just using the m.2 if it was empty.

Everyone has a whole box or drawer of junk that is no longer useful.
I know I do.

900MHz PCMCIA WiFi things, chargers and cables for unknown PDAs, 802.11b adapters...
These Optane modules are on the cusp of being those.

 

[SamirD]

Everyone has a whole box or drawer of junk that is no longer useful.
I know I do.

900MHz PCMCIA WiFi things, chargers and cables for unknown PDAs, 802.11b adapters...
These Optane modules are on the cusp of being those.

lol! You just described my entire network.

Yeah, that's why I don't think they'll be worth any money.