Don't quote me, but Optaine is like the old style IRST Cache systems of a few years back. Example you could get a system with 32GB of cache on a 1TB HDD. The Cache would be in a M.2 drive attached to the SATA bus and use Intel's Rapid Storage Drivers via RAID. Your most frequently use programs and files would be cached on the cache drive for faster access. Optiane is similar but I believe its on the NVME M.2 slot through the PCIe bus instead of SATA so its much faster, BUT its still just a cache drive. If you can, get the 256GB NVME drive with the HDD.
I just got an Aurora R7 w/ Optane. After a couple days with it, I'm delighted to note how easy it is to crack open the Aurora and get at the Optane module -- so I can throw it away, and put in a proper SSD from my old PC.
Optane has been awful; after letting Windows update and installing Hearthstone, I have just watched these amazing.. pauses.. when.. loading an audio effect. This isn't Crysis; it's just spooling up an MP3. Even trying to let Optane's caching heat up, it's still just bad. The pauses are sometimes 2-3s. You can just watch the whole fiasco in the task manager's performance tab.
The Optane module DOES occupy the M.2 slot. Reports suggest that it's difficult to get Optane to work with multiple drive configurations, due to Intel's lack of configurability. They also suggest that it doesn't produce more than 10-15% improvement when layered over a good SSD, so I'm happy to chuck it in a drawer and forget it.
Do yourself the favor; just get the SSD. If it means saving up a little longer, it's worth it. You'll just wind up buying one later.
Do yourself the favor; just get the SSD. If it means saving up a little longer, it's worth it. You'll just wind up buying one later.
Exactly. I agree.
Use your one M.2/NVMe slot for a nice SSD. A 256gb SSD will get you by. It will hold all Windows-10, all major apps and utilities. Even a couple of large games. Put other large games and Data-Files on a 2gb-4gb spinner HDD. A 512gb SSD will be even better (and not that much more money these days).
Sorry to post in an older thread. Recently got the Aurora R7 for a pretty good deal, but didn't realize at the time that the optane and 1tb HDD isn't worth a **bleep** (still got a good deal so don't mind spending the $ for SSD)
Just want to confirm that I can remove that whole thing and replace with an SSD, for win/apps and add a HDD for files/games without any issues? A little worrisome since I haven't done any PC diy in a few years and just got back into gaming. From browsing all the threads I could find, looks like I need to use macrium reflect to make a mirror on the SSD, then remove the optane module/HDD?
Thank you in advance for the help. Definitely don't want to F up the nicest PC I've owned :)
1. but didn't realize at the time that the optane and 1tb HDD isn't worth a **bleep** (still got a good deal so don't mind spending the $ for SSD)
2. Just want to confirm that I can remove that whole thing and replace with an SSD, for win/apps and add a HDD for files/games without any issues? A little worrisome since I haven't done any PC diy in a few years and just got back into gaming.
3. From browsing all the threads I could find, looks like I need to use macrium reflect to make a mirror on the SSD, then remove the optane module/HDD?
1. Thanks for confirming. Yeah, Intel's small-ssd cache nonsense has always been lame so I assumed Optane was about the same ... but I don't play with Optane.
2. Yes, it will work.
3. But the cloning and/or Imaging might not (but not due to a fault with Macrium-Reflect ... it's great). Someone also posted something about de-activating Optane-module before removing it.
Personally, I would probably clean-install to facilitate ... shedding-away Intel-RST (and/or Optane drivers) forever.
If there is a persistent setting in UEFI BIOS pertaining to Optane module, I suppose you do this procedure in reverse to uninstall it. Of course, Image or backup your data first.
Thanks for the response! I kept wondering why I didn't get an email that you or anyone had responded, oops.
Now to research on doing a clean install. Since I just got the PC recently I don't have enough on it to worry about cloning when i can do a clean install on the SSD.
I'll try the macrium reflect first and see how it goes. Suggestions for SSD to go in its place?
1. Now to research on doing a clean install. Since I just got the PC recently I don't have enough on it to worry about cloning when i can do a clean install on the SSD.
2. Suggestions for SSD to go in its place?
1. The link I posted above should mostly cover it.
2. I suggest you stick to popular name-brands like Samsung, Kingston, and Intel. They all have entry-level and pro-models. M.2-2280/PCIe/NVMe is the form-factor, interface, and protocol.
For a bootable C: , I suggest a minimum size of 240-256gb SSD. It will hold all Windows, all Apps, all Programs, and a couple of large games. However, a 480-512gb would be better and those are pretty affordable now-days.
Since I really don't need the uber fast and more expensive nvme, I've ordered the 960 evo m.2 500gb
That gives me plenty of space and I can use another HDD secondary. I think I've finally read enough forums, threads and instructions...
Make a backup on USB using the Dell recovery tool OR try cloning but I think a fresh install is fine at this point.
1. Disable optane in the Intel app
2. Change BIOS to UEFI
3. Remove module and HDD
4. Install m2 ssd and boot up using the USB
I'm sure I've missed a detail here or there but i think i have the gist. THANK YOU for taking the time to respond. I know there are many similar questions but before I go into bios and start swapping parts I want to make absolutely sure I know what I'm doing.
Much appreciated :) and I know this is probably a very simple procedure but it's been so long for me that I want to make sure I know exactly each step before I start!
That would be correct but I would recommend a clean install instead of cloning.
I recently purchased the Samsung Evo 970 M.2 NVME and did a step by step installation and setup. There are articles all over but couldn't find a video to support. Hit the link and hope it helps.
beamermt79
4 Operator
•
2.3K Posts
1
January 20th, 2018 12:00
swdunlop
1 Message
2
January 25th, 2018 09:00
I just got an Aurora R7 w/ Optane. After a couple days with it, I'm delighted to note how easy it is to crack open the Aurora and get at the Optane module -- so I can throw it away, and put in a proper SSD from my old PC.
Optane has been awful; after letting Windows update and installing Hearthstone, I have just watched these amazing.. pauses.. when.. loading an audio effect. This isn't Crysis; it's just spooling up an MP3. Even trying to let Optane's caching heat up, it's still just bad. The pauses are sometimes 2-3s. You can just watch the whole fiasco in the task manager's performance tab.
The Optane module DOES occupy the M.2 slot. Reports suggest that it's difficult to get Optane to work with multiple drive configurations, due to Intel's lack of configurability. They also suggest that it doesn't produce more than 10-15% improvement when layered over a good SSD, so I'm happy to chuck it in a drawer and forget it.
Do yourself the favor; just get the SSD. If it means saving up a little longer, it's worth it. You'll just wind up buying one later.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.3K Posts
1
January 29th, 2018 23:00
Exactly. I agree.
Use your one M.2/NVMe slot for a nice SSD. A 256gb SSD will get you by. It will hold all Windows-10, all major apps and utilities. Even a couple of large games. Put other large games and Data-Files on a 2gb-4gb spinner HDD. A 512gb SSD will be even better (and not that much more money these days).
https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware-General/Aurora-R6-Hard-Lockup-and-crash-while-gaming-SOLVED/m-p/5504121#M6097
speedstep
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
0
February 16th, 2018 11:00
Optane is like ready boost. It will show great benchmarks but with real data its not really that much faster.
What you want is a CLASS 40 PCI-E SSD.
Class 50 devices are faster but with real world results the cost outweighs the speed bump.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItMY3WHHowQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggIjr5Z0N10
mayorblurps
3 Posts
0
August 21st, 2018 10:00
Sorry to post in an older thread. Recently got the Aurora R7 for a pretty good deal, but didn't realize at the time that the optane and 1tb HDD isn't worth a **bleep** (still got a good deal so don't mind spending the $ for SSD)
Just want to confirm that I can remove that whole thing and replace with an SSD, for win/apps and add a HDD for files/games without any issues? A little worrisome since I haven't done any PC diy in a few years and just got back into gaming. From browsing all the threads I could find, looks like I need to use macrium reflect to make a mirror on the SSD, then remove the optane module/HDD?
Thank you in advance for the help. Definitely don't want to F up the nicest PC I've owned :)
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.3K Posts
1
August 21st, 2018 10:00
1. Thanks for confirming. Yeah, Intel's small-ssd cache nonsense has always been lame so I assumed Optane was about the same ... but I don't play with Optane.
2. Yes, it will work.
3. But the cloning and/or Imaging might not (but not due to a fault with Macrium-Reflect ... it's great). Someone also posted something about de-activating Optane-module before removing it.
Personally, I would probably clean-install to facilitate ... shedding-away Intel-RST (and/or Optane drivers) forever.
https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware-Desktops/M-2-NVMe-bootable-options/td-p/6073037
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.3K Posts
1
August 21st, 2018 11:00
If there is a persistent setting in UEFI BIOS pertaining to Optane module, I suppose you do this procedure in reverse to uninstall it. Of course, Image or backup your data first.
https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln306433/how-to-install-an-intel-optane-m2-nvme-accelerator-into-your-existing-dell-optiplex-inspiron-precision-alienware-system?lang=en
mayorblurps
3 Posts
0
August 24th, 2018 11:00
Thanks for the response! I kept wondering why I didn't get an email that you or anyone had responded, oops.
Now to research on doing a clean install. Since I just got the PC recently I don't have enough on it to worry about cloning when i can do a clean install on the SSD.
I'll try the macrium reflect first and see how it goes. Suggestions for SSD to go in its place?
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.3K Posts
0
August 24th, 2018 16:00
1. The link I posted above should mostly cover it.
2. I suggest you stick to popular name-brands like Samsung, Kingston, and Intel. They all have entry-level and pro-models. M.2-2280/PCIe/NVMe is the form-factor, interface, and protocol.
For a bootable C: , I suggest a minimum size of 240-256gb SSD. It will hold all Windows, all Apps, all Programs, and a couple of large games. However, a 480-512gb would be better and those are pretty affordable now-days.
mayorblurps
3 Posts
0
August 24th, 2018 18:00
Since I really don't need the uber fast and more expensive nvme, I've ordered the 960 evo m.2 500gb
That gives me plenty of space and I can use another HDD secondary. I think I've finally read enough forums, threads and instructions...
Make a backup on USB using the Dell recovery tool OR try cloning but I think a fresh install is fine at this point.
1. Disable optane in the Intel app
2. Change BIOS to UEFI
3. Remove module and HDD
4. Install m2 ssd and boot up using the USB
I'm sure I've missed a detail here or there but i think i have the gist. THANK YOU for taking the time to respond. I know there are many similar questions but before I go into bios and start swapping parts I want to make absolutely sure I know what I'm doing.
Much appreciated :) and I know this is probably a very simple procedure but it's been so long for me that I want to make sure I know exactly each step before I start!
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.3K Posts
0
August 24th, 2018 18:00
Yes, those are good SSDs
I suggest using Macrium Reflect.
Image-File whole machine to external USB HDD (with Verify-Image after creation ON) ... Image #1 (as fail-safe backup)
Deactivate and remove Optane.
Be sure machine and Windows still works
Image-File whole machine to external USB HDD (with Verify-Image after creation ON), as separate/new file ... Image #2
Connect only new M.2/NVMe SSD
Boot with Macrium Recovery Flash-Drive, and restore Image #2.
That might work . No, I would not call it simple or easy.
However, with new machine I might just do a clean-install (get to shed all the Intel and Dell pre-installed stuff). But that's just me.
wilcreatives
7 Posts
0
November 12th, 2018 06:00
That would be correct but I would recommend a clean install instead of cloning.
I recently purchased the Samsung Evo 970 M.2 NVME and did a step by step installation and setup. There are articles all over but couldn't find a video to support. Hit the link and hope it helps.
https://youtu.be/qoOIBJYYvGE