The end of Intel’s struggling Optane memory business seems to be in sight. Hidden within the company’s brutal Q2 2022 earnings call (more on that later today), there’s a very interesting statement in the section talking about non-GAAP adjustments. In Q2 2022, we began winding down the Intel Optane memory business. Similarly, Intel’s earnings report also states that the company booked $559 million in “Optane inventory impairments” in the current quarter.
Other than these two items, there is no further information about Optane in Intel’s earnings release or the associated presentation deck. We have contacted company representatives for more information and are awaiting a response.
Taking these items at face value, it looks like Intel is preparing to halt development of its Optane memory business and related 3D XPoint technology. Admittedly, the Optane name and product line are highly nuanced. This is why I am seeking clarification from Intel. Because Intel has several Optane products including “Optane Memory” and “Optane Persistent Memory”. And “Optane SSD”. Nonetheless, in previous Intel earnings calls and other financial documents, the full Optane business unit has traditionally been referred to as the “Optane memory business.” Optane memory products.
This is preliminary and will be updated with additional information as it becomes available
