Intel 660p Series M.2 2280 1TB PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 3D2, QLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) SSDPEKNW010T8X1
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AI Verdict
A 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 SSD with 1800 MB/s sequential read/write, it's for users who need affordable NVMe storage for OS and light tasks, not heavy sustained writes.
This 1TB NVMe SSD is a situational fit because its 1800 MB/s sequential speeds are a clear upgrade from SATA, but its QLC NAND and performance drop after SLC cache exhaustion mean it's not for every use case. It excels as a boot drive or for game storage where reads dominate.
If you need consistent high write performance for large files or heavy workloads, look for NVMe drives with TLC NAND and higher TBW ratings.
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Pros
- Offers 1 TB storage capacity for a lower price point compared to many other NVMe drives.
- Sequential read speeds reach up to 1800 MB/s, which is faster than SATA SSDs.
- Utilizes the M.2 2280 form factor, fitting into a wide range of modern motherboards and laptops.
- Includes a 1GB DRAM cache, aiding in burst performance.
- Features AES 256-bit hardware encryption for data security.
Cons
- Write speeds drop significantly after the SLC cache is exhausted, particularly when the drive is over 75% full or during sustained large writes.
- QLC NAND technology results in lower endurance, rated at 200 TBW for the 1TB model, which is less durable than TLC or MLC drives.
- Performance can be slower than other NVMe drives, especially in scenarios involving heavy, continuous data transfers.
Dimension Scores
Offers sequential read/write speeds of 1800 MB/s, which is a significant upgrade over SATA SSDs but not top-tier for NVMe.
The QLC NAND technology results in a lower endurance rating of 200 TBW for the 1TB model, which is below average for NVMe drives.
The 1TB capacity is a sweet spot for many users, offering ample space for an OS, applications, and a substantial game library.
The M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface are widely supported in modern desktops and laptops.
Best For
- Installing an operating system and frequently accessed applications for faster boot and load times.
- Gaming libraries where games are primarily read from the drive rather than constantly written to.
- General file storage for documents, photos, and videos that are not frequently modified or moved.
Not Recommended For
- Workstation environments requiring constant, heavy data writes or large file transfers.
- Users who frequently edit large video files or run databases that demand high sustained write performance.
Watch Out For
- Write performance can plummet below 100 MB/s once the SLC cache is exhausted, which happens after writing approximately 12-140GB of data depending on drive fullness.
- The QLC NAND has a rated endurance of 200 TBW, which is half the endurance of mainstream SATA SSDs and one-third of most NVMe drives, potentially leading to a shorter lifespan under heavy write loads.
- If the drive is nearly full (e.g., 90% capacity), the write slowdowns become more pronounced and frequent.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07GCL6BR4 |
| Brand | Intel |
| Series | 660p Series |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | D&H |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| Special Feature | Data Recovery Service |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 |
| Hardware Platform | PC, laptop |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | SSDPEKNW010T8X1 |
| Compatible Devices | This drive is compatible with servers and arrays that accept M.2 2280 PCIe drives |
| Product Dimensions | 6.5 x 4.75 x 0.75 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | NVMe |
| Hard Drive Interface | NVMe |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.15 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.5 x 4.75 x 0.75 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | PCIe |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users found this drive to be a noticeable speed upgrade from older SATA SSDs or HDDs, especially for system responsiveness and game loading. However, the biggest recurring complaint is the significant drop in write speeds when the drive's SLC cache is exhausted or when it's nearly full, making large file transfers a frustrating experience. Some buyers were initially concerned about QLC NAND but found it performed adequately for everyday use.
“I got this for my new build, and Windows flies, games load quick, but man, trying to transfer my old Steam library was like watching paint dry after the first few big games. Still, for the price, I guess it's fine.”
Common Praise
- Windows boots up way faster than before.
- Games load quickly, cutting down on wait times.
- Installation was straightforward and recognized immediately by the system BIOS and OS.
- Provides a lot of storage for the price.
Common Complaints
- Write speeds tank hard after moving large files, like copying over 100GB at once.
- The drive slows down noticeably when it gets past 75% full.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks that involve constant writing, like video editing or database work.
Ownership Tips
- The performance hit from QLC NAND is most apparent when moving very large files (tens of gigabytes) or performing system backups.
- Keeping at least 25% of the drive free helps mitigate the severe write speed slowdowns.
- For typical daily use, like browsing, office work, and gaming, the speed difference from higher-end NVMe drives isn't always noticeable.
- It runs cool and doesn't seem to have thermal throttling issues in most setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this SSD work in my laptop?
It will work if your laptop has an M.2 slot that supports the 2280 form factor and PCIe NVMe drives. Check your laptop's specifications to confirm compatibility.
Is this SSD faster than a SATA SSD?
Yes, its sequential read/write speeds of 1800 MB/s are significantly faster than typical SATA SSDs, which usually top out around 550 MB/s.
What is QLC NAND and why does it matter?
QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND stores 4 bits of data per cell, allowing for higher capacity at a lower cost. However, it generally has lower endurance and slower write speeds, especially after its SLC cache is full, compared to TLC or MLC NAND.
Can I use this as my main drive for Windows and games?
Absolutely, it's a popular choice for an operating system drive and for storing games. You'll see faster boot times and game loading compared to a hard drive or SATA SSD.
Does this drive have a DRAM cache?
Yes, the Intel 660p 1TB model includes a 1GB DRAM cache, which helps improve its burst performance.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an SSD, especially an NVMe one, you need to think about how you'll actually use it. Don't just chase the biggest numbers. For most people, a fast boot drive and quick game loading are key, and this drive delivers on that. But if you're constantly moving huge files around, the type of NAND and the cache size become super important.
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)
This is the communication protocol that lets SSDs talk directly to your computer's CPU over the PCIe bus, like a dedicated express lane. It's much faster than SATA, which is more like a local road with traffic lights.
PCIe 3.0 x4 Interface
This refers to the physical connection and the number of data lanes. PCIe 3.0 is the generation, and 'x4' means it uses four lanes, allowing for higher bandwidth than older interfaces. Think of it as a wider highway for your data.
QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND
This is the type of memory cells used to store data. QLC packs more data into each cell, making drives cheaper per gigabyte. The trade-off is typically lower endurance (how many times data can be written) and slower write speeds once the temporary 'fast' cache is full.
Alternatives
If you need consistent high write performance for professional tasks, look for NVMe drives with TLC NAND and higher endurance ratings (TBW) that specify faster sustained write speeds.
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