Most users would agree that having a solid state drive (SSD) increases the PC's storage speed. Although it has been around for quite some time, it is still expensive and smaller (storage wise) than normal hard disks or HDD. Luckily, Intel's newest revolutionary stick will aim to increase HDD speeds without SSD.

Intel's Optane Memory could be the game changer for those looking for fast transfer speeds. Announced on Monday, the new hardware will be available on April 24 in two M.2 trims. The 16GB model will approximately cost $44 and the 32GB variant for $77.

The M.2 stick will boost up traditional hard disks with 1.2GBps reading speed and writes at 280MBps. The Optane Memory is primarily used as a cache drive for traditional hard disks. It employs a similar technique to the Smart Response Technology.

True to their word, Microsoft has finally unveiled the future of super fast storage. The non-volatile memory promises "1000" times the performance of today's NAND-based SSDs. Surprisingly, it costs less than DRAM and has a far higher density.

The good thing about the new stick is that it's targeted to appeal to traditional HDD users. It's a blessing to the casual PC user than to hardcore PC enthusiasts.

The new technology from Intel could reshape the PC towards a more efficient future. Moreover, users can now upgrade their systems without opting for an expensive SSD.

ITC data cited by Intel shows that 80 percent of PC users still use hard disks. The disparity between SSD and HDD users might have prompted Intel to take a different course. In the expense of the 20 percent of SSD users, Intel's Optane Memory is seen to break out the market.

Depending on how they market the miraculous M.2 sticks, the Optane memory could really be the next big thing. Stay for updates.