If you have an ASUS 200 series Motherboard, here’s some good new for you. ASUS has just announced an update that would make that board compatible with Intel’s Optane Memory Technology!
So what is it then? Intel Optane Memory is a new class of non-volatile memory. Packaged in an M.2 format, it paves the way for SSD-like performance in standard hard disk drives, which in turn improves system performance and responsiveness for a more optimal computing experience.
The new UEFI BIOS Update allow for installation of Intel Optane Memory application, which basically activates the particular M.2 module. The combination of this technology and a large HDD keeps boot times to minimum, reduces loading times when doing file operations, and speeds-up frequently performed tasks. It allows users to enjoy faster performance while maintaining a large storage capacity.
The new UEFI BIOS updates are now available for download for compatible 200-series motherboards. Users who have purchased these boards will be offered quick, safe, and hassle-free firmware updates which enables support for this revolutionary technology.
Once installed, the BIOS permanently retains the Intel Optane Memory configuration, so you don’t have to re-enter settings when you restore to default, after updating the BIOS, or after clearing the CMOS configuration.
Tools for Fast Updates
ASUS 200-Series Motherboards come with USB BIOS Flashback feature, allowing for easy installation of BIOS updates. It downloads the latest BIOS to a USB Flash drive, which enables users to update the renowned ASUS EUFI BIOS quickly and easily.
The Motherboard doesn’t even need to have a CPU or RAM modules installed. So long as it’s connected to a power supply, users can just plug in the USB drive, press the USB BIOS Flashback/Reset button, and instantly upgrade.
Users can also upgrade using the EZ Flash 3 tool, which downloads data via the Internet and upgrades the Motherboard to the latest firmware in a few steps.
To take advantage of the newest Intel Optane Memory Technology on compatible boards, users may visit www.asus.com and download the latest UEFI BIOS version.
Here’s a list of Motherboards which support Intel Optane Memory:
| Chipset | Model Name | BIOS Version | UEFI BIOS Update Tool
|
|
|
USB BIOS Flashback |
EZ Flash 3 | |||
| Z270 | ROG MAXIMUS IX EXTREME | 0906 | v | v |
| ROG MAXIMUS IX FORMULA | 0906 | v | v | |
| ROG MAXIMUS IX CODE | 0906 | v | v | |
| ROG MAXIMUS IX APEX | 0906 | v | v | |
| ROG MAXIMUS IX HERO | 0906 | v | v | |
| ROG STRIX Z270E GAMING | 0906 | v | ||
| ROG STRIX Z270F GAMING | 0906 | v | ||
| ROG STRIX Z270H GAMING | 0906 | v | ||
| ROG STRIX Z270G GAMING | 0906 | v | ||
| ROG STRIX Z270I GAMING | 0607 | v | ||
| TUF Z270 MARK 1 | 0906 | v | v | |
| TUF Z270 MARK 2 | 0906 | v | ||
| PRIME Z270-A | 0906 | v | ||
| PRIME Z270-AR | 0906 | v | ||
| PRIME Z270-K | 0610 | v | ||
| PRIME Z270-P | 0608 | v | ||
| Z270-DRAGON | 0608 | v | ||
| PRIME Z270M-PLUS | 0607 | v | ||
| H270 | ROG STRIX H270F GAMING | 0607 | v | |
| PRIME H270-PRO | 0607 | v | ||
| PRIME H270-PLUS | 0609 | v | ||
| PRIME H270M-PLUS | 0605 | v | ||
| Q270 | PRIME Q270M-C | 0609 | v | |
| Q270M-CM-A | 0609 | v | ||
| B250 | ROG STRIX B250F GAMING | 0606 | v | |
| PRIME B250-PRO | 0608 | v | ||
| PRIME B250-PLUS | 0608 | v | ||
| PRIME B250M-PLUS | 0607 | v | ||
| PRIME B250M-A | 0612 | v | ||
| PRIME B250M-C | 0607 | v | ||
| EX-B250M-V5 | 0609 | v | ||
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
