Intel to Further Bundle Optane memory With Series 200 motherboards

by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 05/18/2017 04:10 PM | source: | 25 comment(s)

It seems Intel is hurting in PC sales due to a 'weak demand'in the PC DiY market. Hence Intel is pushing its motherboard partners to bundle Optane memory, much like MSI recently did. Motherboard manufacturers aren't too happy about it though as the bundle increases price, and Optane really isn't in demand at all.

Intel this is furter looking to bundle Optane memory with motherboards using 200 series chipsets such as Z270, in the PC DIY channel to stimulate demand for the Kaby Lake platform. Retailers however are also pessimistic about the idea since the next-generation Coffee Lake is set to become available in late August and consumers are waiting for the new products reports digitimes.

Intel released its Kaby Lake-based processors as well as Optane memory and SSD products in January, but their demand has been weak and Intel is hoping the new bundling promotions will be able to increase sales for both product lines.

Sources from channel retailers noted that Intel's Optane memory is only supported by 200 series motherboards and Kaby Lake-based Core i7/i5/i3 processors, making the upgrade rather price unfriendly.

However, the retail channel already has over 130 models of motherboards that support Optane memory from players including Asustek Computer, Gigabyte Technology, Micro-Star International (MSI) and ASRock, currently. The retailers are now placing their hope in the third quarter and believe the new platform will stimulate demand.

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JamesSneed
Senior Member

Posts: 1127
Joined: 2017-02-14

#5433203 Posted on: 05/18/2017 05:46 PM

Not so sure

I'm not sure this will have much if any impact on the DIY market as most who would roll there own would pick up an SSD instead. Hey Intel, maybe reduce prices of all your mid to high end desktop CPU's would help?

moeppel
Senior Member

Posts: 153
Joined: 2015-06-30

#5433209 Posted on: 05/18/2017 05:54 PM

Especially DIY people know about the usefulness of Optane - so of all things I'd bundle there, Optane wouldn't be it.

Mufflore
Senior Member

Posts: 12520
Joined: 2010-05-22

#5433211 Posted on: 05/18/2017 05:57 PM

They have to do something with their Optane stock I spose.

madagent
Senior Member

Posts: 1170
Joined: 2002-03-10

#5433215 Posted on: 05/18/2017 06:01 PM

Yes, the memory that nobody asked for or needed. It's useless in it's current form to an average user, gaming machine, and probably HEDT users too.

Kaarme
Senior Member

Posts: 2270
Joined: 2013-03-10

#5433217 Posted on: 05/18/2017 06:14 PM

They should just make standard compatibility M.2 NVMe SSDs with 3D XPoint and sell them for a reasonable price. I know I'd rather spend an M.2 slot for a good-sized SSD, not some stupid 16GB lolptane drive.

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