Implementing Intel Optane Persistent Memory with VMware vSphere

Intel Optane Persistent Memory is an innovative memory technology that redefines traditional architectures, delivering a unique combination of affordable large capacity and support for data persistence. It has the speed characteristics of memory, but it retains data through power cycles. Intel Optane Persistent Memory Modules (PMem modules) are available on Lenovo® ThinkSystem™ servers and currently come in capacities of 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB.

This paper describes how to configure and use persistent memory with different operation modes in VMware vSphere on Lenovo ThinkSystem servers. This document is intended for technical specialists, and IT administrators who are familiar with persistent memory and vSphere products.

Introduction
Hardware setup
Persistent memory configuration
Firmware update
Check Persistent memory status
Creating a goal to configure Persistent memory operation modes
vSphere support of Persistent memory modes
PMem mode support
Using PMem modules in Memory Mode
Using PMem modules in App Direct Mode
Using PMem modules in Mixed Mode
References
Authors
Change history

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Changes in the April 3, 2023:

• Added details about implementing Intel Optane Persistent Memory 200 Series
• Updated ESXi information to ESXi 7.0 U3
• Optimized the steps of checking for DAX support on Linux
• Added steps on how to check PMem on Windows

Related product families

Product families related to this document are the following:

• Memory
• VMware Alliance
• VMware vSphere