ASUS Announces Support for Intel Optane Memory

Tags: ASUSTeK (TPE:2357), Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)

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PRESS RELEASE

Industry-first UEFI BIOS upgrades immediately available for compatible 200-Series motherboards, adding support for revolutionary new Intel memory technology 

KEY POINTS

  • The new UEFI BIOS upgrades are compatible with the revolutionary new Intel Optane memory that accelerates system performance and responsiveness
  • Users can update the BIOS using one of the two easy-to-use ASUS tools: ASUS USB BIOS Flashback and EZ Flash 3
  • BIOS updates for compatible models are immediately available worldwide

Taipei, Taiwan (28th March, 2017) — ASUS today announced new UEFI BIOS updates that add support for the revolutionary new Intel® Optane™ memory technology in compatible ASUS 200-Series motherboards.

Intel Optane memory is a new class of non-volatile memory — packaged in an M.2 module format — that enables SSD-like performance from a large hard disk drive (HDD), accelerating overall system performance and improving responsiveness for a blazing-fast computing experience. The new UEFI BIOS updates allow installation of the Intel Optane memory application, which activates the M.2 module. The combination of Intel Optane memory and a large HDD delivers intelligent system acceleration that minimizes boot-up times, reduces file-load times and speeds up frequently performed tasks. As it works with HDDs, Intel Optane technology allows users to enjoy the benefits of faster system performance while maintaining large storage capacities.

The new UEFI BIOS updates are available to download immediately for compatible ASUS 200-Series motherboards, allowing users to take advantage of the many performance benefits of Intel Optane memory.

Users who have purchased compatible ASUS 200-Series motherboards will be offered quick, safe, and easy firmware updates that add support for this revolutionary new memory technology. Once installed and configured, the ASUS UEFI BIOS permanently retains the Intel Optane memory configuration details — meaning users will not need to re-enter settings when restoring default settings, updating the BIOS, or when they clear the CMOS configuration.

Two easy-to-use tools for fast updates

ASUS 200-Series motherboards include the renowned ASUS USB BIOS Flashback feature, enabling users to install UEFI BIOS updates with incredible ease. The innovative tool downloads the latest BIOS to a USB flash drive, allowing users to upgrade the media-acclaimed ASUS UEFI BIOS quickly and easily. With USB BIOS Flashback, the motherboard doesn’t need a CPU or DRAM modules installed, as long as the motherboard is connected to a power supply, users can plug in their USB drive and press the USB BIOS Flashback or Reset button for an instant upgrade.

Users can also update firmware by using the EZ Flash 3 tool. The UEFI BIOS upgrade is downloaded via the internet using EZ Flash 3, and with just a few simple steps the motherboard will be upgraded to the latest firmware, ready for blazing-fast Intel Optane memory.

To take advantage of these updates, users can visit the ASUS website, www.asus.com, and download the relevant UEFI BIOS version today.

A compatibility list showing which ASUS 200-Series motherboards support Intel Optane memory is provided below, and is also available from: https://www.asus.com/microsite/mb/intel-optane-ready/ .

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ASUS UEFI BIOS updates are available immediately worldwide. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

ASUS Global Press Room: http://press.asus.com

ASUS Global Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asus

ASUS Global Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/asus

Compatible ASUS 200-Series motherboards

 

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

 

About ASUS

ASUS is one of Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies, and is dedicated to creating products for today and tomorrow’s smart life. Our comprehensive portfolio includes Zenbo, ZenFone, ZenBook and a range of IT devices and components, along with AR, VR and IoT. ASUS employs more than 17,000 people worldwide and over 5,500 world-class R&D talents. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, the company won 4,385 awards and earned approximately US$13.3 billion of revenue in 2016.