Intel Optane Memory Compatibility

[Henry93]

I want to upgrade my all-in-one with some Intel Optane memory to help my computer be more snappy.  The computer has an 8th generation i3 processor, so in that regard it should be compatible.  However, before I buy, I want to verify that the Tuscany-R motherboard inside the computer can support the Intel Optane Memory, and whether or not a BIOS update will be required.  Furthermore, I would like to know which of the two M.2 slots I should utilize on the motherboard (I assume I would use the one for the solid state drive, rather than the one for the WLAN, but I want verification of this).

[banhien]

@Henry93

The following link shows its specs

   https://support.hp.com/au-en/document/c05984400

It has 2 M.2 slots

• Expansion Slots:
  • One M.2 socket 1, 2230 type for WLAN
  • One M.2 socket 3, 2280 type for SSD

 The first one is for the Wifi card (occupied) and the second one is for M.2 SSD. It is much better to use M.2 SSD to get better speed and more storage than uising Optane (which may not be supported).

Crucial has few M.2 SSD's including 1TB ready to support this type of ungrade.

      http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/HP---Compaq/hp-24-f0066-all-in-one

Regards.

[Henry93]

@Banhien,

I understand that in some regards a SSD might be the better option.  However, there are three reasons I've leaned away from this option.  First, I have never migrated an operating system before, and the only way the SSD is worth it is if I can boot off of it.  Second, the computer's HDD is 1TB, so additional memory isn't really necessary, though I'd probably be willing to get the 250GB SSD to service the operating system and most of my larger files and use the HDD for smaller and less-frequently-used files.  Third is price; the smallest SSD (250GB) from Crucial is $53, but the largest Intel Optane memory (32GB) is $42 and, while the SSD would be 250 GB of high speed storage, the Optane memory would help speed up the 1TB HDD already installed.  That said, I'm not sure which drive would ultimately provide the best overall performing system and I'm willing to go either route.  If you know of any easy way to perform the OS migration, then I would most likely opt to go with the SSD, as it's the more proven option.

As far as the Optane memory is concerned, near as I can tell, the motherboard has all the hardware to make use of it.  However, what I'm not certain of is whether or not the motherboard has the proper BIOS to work with it.  I imagine it does, as the processor on the board is an 8th generation i3.  But I don't want to purchase the Optane memory and come to realize it doesn't work.

Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.  Thanks!