Laptop vendors might be locking out certain Optane modules.

[nosirrahx]

While experimenting with Optane cache in laptops I tried the same experiment with 2 similar laptops from a configuration standpoint.

The first is an Asus Vivobook pro that came preinstalled with a 16GB Optane module.

The second is a Lenovo 330S that also came preinstalled with a 16GB Optane module.

As you can see from the screenshot, the Vivobook upgraded to a 800P without issue:

When it came to the Lenovo, there is nothing I can do to get the BIOS, Optane cache or RST to see a 32GB, 58GB or 118GB Optane module. If I switch back to any 16GB module all 3 correctly detect the Optane module and allow Optane cache activation.

If I switch SATA mode to AHCI I am able to use any Optane module as a regular SSD so there is no issue with any of these drives. If I activate RAID mode (even if I let Optane set RAID for me) the Optane modules larger than 16GB vanish from the system completely.

I started a thread on the Intel forum to see if they are aware that vendors are blocking upgrades.

https://communities.intel.com/thread/129408

 

[IntelUser2000]

As you can see from the screenshot, the Vivobook upgraded to a 800P without issue:

I doubt its intentional. Prebuilt systems have compatibility issues because the BIOS is set to be as minimal as possible as to reduce possible troubleshooting issues in the future. The same reason is why hundreds of DIMM modules are tested on every platform release(Intel site has a list) even though everything suggests there should be no problems. You just can't tell what minor changes will cause issues in some rare scenario.

Optane cache is very troublesome and not worth your time and effort. Just buy a SSD with that much money.

It's not that bad. The low end cache drives have their niche.

 

[nosirrahx]

I doubt its intentional. Prebuilt systems have compatibility issues because the BIOS is set to be as minimal as possible as to reduce possible troubleshooting issues in the future.

Optane is different though. Intel sends out the update to the vendors and if no filters are applied any Optane module will remap to RST and Optane cache software will pick it up.

This is an Intel Chipset, Intel CPU and Intel SSD. Intel controls the enter system, its all pre-vetted before Lenovo touches it. This is also an 8th gen system so there is 0 incompatibility concern.

On the Asus laptop (also 8h gen) I can use any Optane module that fits into a M.2 port, even the ones not officially supported as Optane cache work just fine.

An Intel guy replied to my question and stated that Lenovo is a pain when it comes to stuff like this.