As expected with the new Core+ packages, Intel is releasing Core i5/i7/i9 processors paired with an Intel Optane SSD. Initially this will be 8th generation Core processors combined with the low capacity ‘Optane Memory’ caching SSDs.
As you might have noticed, Intel made a slight change in the processor badges and logos. In case if you are wondering what that little + means, well, it simply means that the product is Optane ready and bundled. It was bound to happen, Intel was expected to push its partners to bundle the processors and motherboards with Optane. However, a slight change of things now has been introduced.
| Price with 16 GB Optane | Price of CPU only | PN | |||
| Core i7+8700 | $340 | $302 | BO80684I78700 | ||
| Core i5+8500 | $240 | $205 | BO80684I58500 | ||
| Core i5+8400 | $215 | $179 | BO80684I58400 | ||
** table courtesy Anandtech
However, it now seems that Intel is simply bundling it with the processors. Optane caching was two years ago, however, most users didn’t find the relative little speed improvement worth the considerable higher price as a regular SSD is (for most) the way to go. You can buy a Core i7 8700 + 16GB Optane Memory SSD for $340, the price of the CPU would normally be $302. Amazon sells 16GB Optane Memory SSDs at $35.99, meaning users can save themselves a couple of bucks at best.
We honestly doubt the new Core+ bundle models will become a success.
Intel now offers Core i5/i7/i9 Processors Bundled with Optane Cache SSD
