Intel pitches its flash-based caching hardware for Windows Vista, known as Turbo Memory, as a panacea that can simultaneously boost performance, reduce boot times, and increase battery life in notebooks. Accordingly, Intel plans to offer this tech in the desktop space, as well. However, as DigiTimes reports, the technology may have a hard time finding a foothold on the desktop—at least, motherboard manufacturers seem to think so. They believe the performance gains offered by Turbo Memory are not significant, and that only high-end systems will end up using it. Furthermore, main system memory at its current prices may prove a more attractive investment for desktop PC users.

Nonetheless, DigiTimes says "most" motherboard makers will choose to implement Turbo Memory in their products. Manufacturers will have the option of either providing an Intel Turbo Memory expansion card or embedding a controller chip and a hunk of NAND flash memory right on the motherboard.