Micron and Intel go Separate Ways for 3D XPoint Program After 2019

[btarunr]

Micron and Intel today announced an update to their 3D XPoint joint development partnership, which has resulted in the development of an entirely new class of non-volatile memory with dramatically lower latency and exponentially greater endurance than NAND memory.

The companies have agreed to complete joint development for the second generation of 3D XPoint technology, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2019. Technology development beyond the second generation of 3D XPoint technology will be pursued independently by the two companies in order to optimize the technology for their respective product and business needs.

The two companies will continue to manufacture memory based on 3D XPoint technology at the Intel-Micron Flash Technologies (IMFT) facility in Lehi, Utah.

"Micron has a strong track record of innovation with 40 years of world-leading expertise in memory technology development, and we will continue driving the next generations of 3D XPoint technology," said Scott DeBoer, executive vice president of Technology Development at Micron. "We are excited about the products that we are developing based on this advanced technology, which will allow our customers to take advantage of unique memory and storage capabilities. By developing 3D XPoint technology independently, Micron can better optimize the technology for our product roadmap while maximizing the benefits for our customers and shareholders."

"Intel has developed a leadership position delivering a broad portfolio of Optane products across client and data center markets with strong support from our customers," said Rob Crooke, senior vice president and general manager of Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group at Intel Corporation. "Intel Optane's direct connection to the world's most advanced computing platforms is achieving breakthrough results in IT and consumer applications. We intend to build on this momentum and extend our leadership with Optane, which combined with our high-density 3D NAND technology offers the best solutions for today's computing and storage needs."

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[gmn17]

Good to hear progress is happening on this front

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

good news that there is progress, however i see this update as a way for self-promotion on their part.

 

[Hood]

When will Micron release their version? We never hear about Micron's side of this partnership - where are their 3D XPoint products?

 

[bug]

When will Micron release their version? We never hear about Micron's side of this partnership - where are their 3D XPoint products?

Even more strange when you consider Intel is on the third iteration (or so) now.
They claim they're going their own way, but don't even know what that way is. Intel is already covering storage and they're aiming to cover RAM as well. I'm genuinely curious to see what's left for Micron.

 

[bonehead123]

Micron = brains, Intel = braun

'nuff said

 

[Prima.Vera]

Guys, I thought Intel already release this kind of tech under the Optane brand. However to be honest, currently I am not impressed, since the speed it's not that fast compared to an SSD, however the latency is the key here. Also the price....

 

[bug]

Guys, I thought Intel already release this kind of tech under the Optane brand. However to be honest, currently I am not impressed, since the speed it's not that fast compared to an SSD, however the latency is the key here. Also the price....

Intel did, but Micron hasn't released anything afaik.
And you're right about Optane (power draw is also pretty high), but that's just Intel trying to make back some of the research $$$ by selling early iterations. First SSD iterations weren't so great either (I remeber one reviewer struggling to install both Windows and FarCry on the drive at the same time) so this isn't really new or unexpected.

 

[jabbadap]

Intel did, but Micron hasn't released anything afaik.
And you're right about Optane (power draw is also pretty high), but that's just Intel trying to make back some of the research $$$ by selling early iterations. First SSD iterations weren't so great either (I remeber one reviewer struggling to install both Windows and FarCry on the drive at the same time) so this isn't really new or unexpected.

Which reminds me where the heck is QuantX, Micron? Vaporware still.

 

[StrayKAT]

I won't be missing Micron. I haven't even seen a product from them on this front (a product for ME.. the regular user). I've been waiting.. I don't want to pay Intel's prices (even though I did).

 

[bug]

I won't be missing Micron. I haven't even seen a product from them on this front (a product for ME.. the regular user). I've been waiting.. I don't want to pay Intel's prices (even though I did).

Their Crucial MX line is pretty badass.

 

[StrayKAT]

Their Crucial MX line is pretty badass.

They're just regular SSDs though..

But still, I've been eyeing those too.

It's just weird that the "other side" of 3DXPoint seemingly doesn't want to release anything for end users.

 

[jabbadap]

Their Crucial MX line is pretty badass.

Well crucial ram sticks ain't that bad either. Not as good as samsung B-dies, but if one are using intel cpus those are not necessary needed anyways. MX500 is one of the best sata ssds on the market now, that I can agree. But it is just bizarre that they don't have any nvme ssds; no nand flash nor 3d Xpoint. At least Adata uses Micron nand flash on their nvme m.2 drives, so it is not even that they can't support nvme. Crucial just chooses not to make one.

 

[TheGuruStud]

I said a while back that intel would learn how to make flash, then drop Micron like a rock.

Now, I'm just waiting for Micron profits to wane, then intel goes in for the buy.

 

[Hood]

I said a while back that intel would learn how to make flash, then drop Micron like a rock.

Now, I'm just waiting for Micron profits to wane, then intel goes in for the buy.

Savage cynicism. I like the way you think. Gonna get some high-end Intel RAM sticks after they finish Micron off.