Intel 660p Series M.2 2280 2TB PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 3D2, QLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) SSDPEKNW020T8X1
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AI Verdict
This 2TB QLC NVMe drive delivers 1800 MB/s sequential speeds, but sustained writes degrade significantly when the SLC cache is exhausted.
This 2TB NVMe drive with 1800 MB/s sequential speeds and QLC NAND is a cost-effective choice for users who primarily read data or perform light write tasks. Its performance limitations under sustained heavy writes or when near full capacity make it less suitable for demanding workloads.
If you need consistent high write performance for large files, look for drives with TLC NAND and higher TBW ratings, or consider PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives.
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Pros
- 2 TB storage capacity provides ample space for applications and media.
- PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface offers faster data transfer than SATA.
- Up to 1800 MB/s sequential read and write speeds for quick initial transfers.
- M.2 2280 form factor is compact and fits a wide variety of systems.
- QLC technology enables a lower cost per gigabyte compared to other NAND types.
- Low power consumption and runs cool under normal operating conditions.
Cons
- Sustained write speeds drop significantly to around 100 MB/s after the SLC cache is exhausted.
- Performance degrades noticeably when the drive is more than 50-75% full.
- 400 TBW endurance rating is lower than many other PCIe SSDs, impacting long-term heavy write workloads.
- Uses PCIe 3.0, which is slower than current PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 NVMe standards.
Dimension Scores
The 1800 MB/s sequential speeds are faster than SATA SSDs but significantly slower than current PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 NVMe drives, and sustained writes drop severely.
While generally functional for light use, the QLC NAND and lower 400 TBW endurance rating raise concerns for long-term heavy workloads compared to other NVMe drives.
2TB is a substantial capacity, offering ample space for most users' operating systems, applications, and game libraries.
The M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface are widely supported in modern desktops and many laptops.
Best For
- General PC storage for games and applications that don't involve constant large file transfers.
- Secondary storage for large media files that are primarily read, not frequently rewritten.
- Upgrading an older system with an M.2 2280 PCIe slot looking for a cost-effective capacity boost.
Not Recommended For
- Workstations requiring frequent, sustained large file transfers, such as professional video editing or CAD.
- Boot drive for high-performance systems where consistent top-tier speed is critical.
- Users who regularly fill their drives beyond 50-75% capacity and perform heavy write operations.
Watch Out For
- Sustained write speeds can fall to around 100 MB/s once the SLC cache is full, which can be slower than some traditional hard drives.
- Performance degradation becomes noticeable when the drive is filled beyond 50-75% of its 2TB capacity, as the SLC cache shrinks.
- The 400 TBW endurance rating is lower than many competing NVMe drives, potentially shortening its lifespan with heavy write workloads.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07GCLLKDC |
| Brand | Intel |
| Series | 660p Series Solid State Drive |
| Hard Drive | 2 TB Solid State Hard Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.32 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Hard Disk Size | 2 TB |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 2 |
| Hardware Platform | PC, laptop |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | SSDPEKNW020T8X1 |
| 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 Hard 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 | 2 TB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users report that for everyday tasks and gaming, this 2TB NVMe drive performs without a hitch, often indistinguishable from faster, more expensive drives for typical loading times. However, a recurring concern is the significant drop in write performance once the SLC cache is exhausted, especially when transferring large files or when the drive is more than half full. This QLC drive is frequently praised for its value, offering a large capacity NVMe solution at a competitive price point.
“I bought this for my gaming PC and it's been totally fine, games load fast, but man, trying to move my whole Steam library to it took forever once it hit like 70% full, felt like my old hard drive.”
Common Praise
- Fast boot times and application loading for general use.
- Large 2TB storage capacity for games and media.
- Easy installation due to M.2 2280 form factor.
- Low power consumption and cool operation.
- Perceived speed is comparable to faster drives for typical gaming scenarios.
Common Complaints
- Sustained write speeds plummet to HDD levels (around 100 MB/s) after the SLC cache is depleted.
- Performance degrades noticeably when the drive is filled beyond 50-75% of its capacity.
- Lower endurance rating (400 TBW) compared to other NVMe SSDs.
- Not suitable for heavy, continuous write workloads like video editing.
Ownership Tips
- The actual usable 'fast' capacity for writes is effectively smaller due to SLC cache limitations.
- Monitoring drive usage is important to avoid performance bottlenecks during large file transfers.
- It doesn't come with any bundled software for monitoring or optimization.
- For a secondary drive primarily used for game storage, it's a set-it-and-forget-it component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD suitable for gaming?
Yes, for most gaming scenarios, the 1800 MB/s read speeds are sufficient, and you likely won't notice the QLC slowdown unless you're constantly moving massive game files.
What does QLC mean for performance?
QLC (Quad-Level Cell) allows for higher storage density and lower cost, but typically means slower sustained write speeds once its faster SLC cache is exhausted.
Will this work in my laptop?
It's compatible with systems that accept M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe drives. Check your laptop's specifications for M.2 slot compatibility.
How much space can I actually use before it slows down?
User reports suggest noticeable slowdowns can occur when the drive is filled beyond 50-75% of its 2TB capacity, as the SLC cache shrinks.
Does it come with a heatsink?
No, this is a bare M.2 2280 drive. You might need to purchase a heatsink separately if your system doesn't provide adequate cooling.
Buying Guide
When looking at SSDs, you need to think about how you'll actually use it. This drive uses QLC NAND, which means it's cheaper per gigabyte, but it has a performance trick: a small, fast cache. Once you write enough data to fill that cache, or if the drive gets too full, its write speeds will drop significantly. If you're just installing games and loading Windows, you probably won't notice, but if you're constantly moving huge files, you'll feel the slowdown.
NVMe Interface
Think of NVMe as a super-fast highway for your data, much quicker than the older SATA roads. It connects directly to your computer's main processor, allowing for much faster data transfer, like moving from a bicycle to a sports car.
QLC NAND
QLC (Quad-Level Cell) is like fitting four people into one car seat – it's efficient for space (meaning cheaper storage), but it can make the car slower to get going or change direction compared to cars with fewer people per seat (TLC or MLC NAND).
Sequential Read/Write Speeds (e.g., 1800 MB/s)
This is how fast the drive can read or write large, continuous blocks of data, like copying a big movie file. Higher numbers mean quicker transfers, but remember, this number can drop on QLC drives after the initial fast cache is used up.
Alternatives
If you need consistent, high-speed write performance for demanding tasks, look for NVMe drives with TLC NAND and higher PCIe generation (4.0 or 5.0) for faster theoretical maximum speeds.
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