The Intel 660p Series SSDPEKNW020T8X1 is a 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD with PCIe 3.0 x4 and sequential read and write speeds up to 1,800 MB/s, suited to everyday computing upgrades in compatible laptops and desktops.
Recommended For
- PC builders adding a large game library or app collection who value 2TB of compact NVMe storage more than top-tier sustained write speed; reviews found the 660p suited to consumer workloads, and community discussions commonly describe gaming as a fit.
- Laptop or desktop users seeking a high-capacity M.2 drive for everyday computing, applications, and mostly routine reads and short writes rather than frequent large transfers; Intel positioned the 660p for consumer PCs and emphasized capacity in a small footprint.
- Value-focused builders who prioritize getting 2TB into one M.2 2280 slot and can accept performance that depends on workload and available write cache; Intel marketed the QLC design around higher capacity per footprint.
Real-World Use Scenarios
- For everyday use on a compatible M.2 NVMe system, installing the operating system and common apps on the 660p provides responsive startup and app loading, while its 2TB capacity leaves room for files and programs.
- For a PC game library, using the 660p to install and launch games offers roomy SSD storage and quick read-focused access; routine gameplay is a better fit than repeatedly writing very large files.
- For expanding storage in a compatible laptop or desktop with an M.2 2280 NVMe slot, the single-sided drive adds up to 2TB without taking the space of a 2.5-inch drive.
- For photos, downloaded media, and other files that are mostly stored and read, the 2TB 660p provides one compact place to keep a sizable library; it is less suited to frequent, heavy write workloads.
- When copying a very large batch of files or exporting substantial video projects, writes can slow after the fast cache is used; it is a better fit for occasional transfers than sustained, write-heavy production work.
Spec Summary
| Attribute | Value |
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| Best For | Consumer laptops and desktops used for everyday computing |
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| Capacity And Memory | 2TB M.2 SSD with 3D2 QLC memory |
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| Interface And Form Factor | M.2 2280 form factor with PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface |
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| Read And Write Performance | Sequential read and write speeds up to 1800 MB/s; random read and write rates up to 220,000 IOPS |
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| Endurance And Reliability | 400TB total bytes written (TBW) and 1,600,000-hour MTBF |
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| Power And Operating Conditions | 40 mW idle and 100 mW active power consumption; operates from 0°C to +70°C at 5–95% humidity; storage temperature range −55°C to +95°C |
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| Shock And Vibration Resistance | Shock resistance: 1000G operating and 1500G non-operating, at 0.5 ms; vibration resistance: 2.17 GRMS operating (5–700 Hz) and 3.13 GRMS non-operating (5–800 Hz) |
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| Dimensions And Weight | 80 × 22 × 2.38 mm; weighs less than 10 g |
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| Model Identifiers | Intel 660p Series; model SSDPEKNW020T8X1 |
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Reference Q&A
Q: Intel 660p 2TB or Crucial P1 2TB: which should I choose?
A: Both are budget PCIe 3.0 NVMe drives using QLC NAND, so compare their current prices and warranty terms rather than assuming one is always faster. Choose the 660p if it costs less for the same capacity or if your workload is mostly everyday computing and reads; AnandTech’s testing found the 660p retained strong performance in some sustained random-write tests. For frequent large writes, consider a TLC drive instead, because both models can slow when their write caches are exhausted.
Q: Should I get the Intel 660p or Samsung 970 EVO Plus for large file transfers?
A: Choose the Samsung 970 EVO Plus if you regularly move large files or want higher rated sequential speeds and write endurance: its 2TB specification lists up to 3,500 MB/s read, 3,300 MB/s write, and 1,200 TBW, compared with the 660p’s 1,800 MB/s read/write and 400 TBW. The 660p is the more fitting choice when 2TB capacity and everyday use matter more than sustained transfer performance, especially if it is less expensive.
Q: Is the Intel 660p 2TB worth choosing over the newer Intel 665p?
A: Choose the 665p if the prices are close and you want the newer generation’s improved rated performance and endurance: Intel’s product brief lists up to 600 TBW for its 2TB model, versus 400 TBW for the 660p. The 660p can make sense if it is meaningfully cheaper and your use is mainly everyday computing, game storage, or reads rather than frequent large writes.
Q: Intel 660p NVMe or a SATA SSD like the Crucial MX500?
A: Choose the 660p if your computer supports an M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe drive and you want 2TB in that slot with higher peak sequential speeds than SATA can provide. Choose a SATA SSD such as the MX500 if your system needs SATA storage or you do not need NVMe’s higher peak throughput. For repeated, very large writes, compare sustained-write testing rather than advertised peak speeds: the 660p can slow after its SLC write cache fills.
Q: Will this SSD work in any M.2 slot?
A: No. It requires an M.2 2280 slot that supports PCIe NVMe; an M.2 SATA-only slot is not sufficient. Check the computer or motherboard specifications before buying.
Q: Can I use this in a laptop or a desktop?
A: Either, if the system has an M.2 2280 slot that supports PCIe NVMe. The product’s form factor and interface—not whether the computer is a laptop or desktop—determine compatibility.
Q: Is the 2TB version single-sided or double-sided?
A: It is a single-sided M.2 2280 NVMe card, according to the product’s retail Q&A. Check your device’s clearance requirements before installing it.
Q: Is this a good fit for everyday use or frequent large file writes?
A: It is positioned for everyday computing and provides 2TB of storage, with sequential read and write speeds listed up to 1,800 MB/s. Those are maximum figures, not a stated sustained-write rate, so they do not establish how it will perform during repeated, very large transfers.
Q: Is the Intel 660p 2TB suitable for gaming and everyday use?
A: It can suit gaming, general computing, and bulk storage when the computer supports an M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe drive. Reddit discussions describe it as adequate for typical gaming and consumer workloads, while noting that it is not designed for consistently heavy writes.
Q: Will the 660p slow down during large file transfers or when it is nearly full?
A: It can. Reddit discussions about the 660p describe reduced write performance after its SLC cache is exhausted, with less cache available as the drive fills. The listed 1,800 MB/s sequential-write figure is an up-to maximum, not a guarantee for long, uninterrupted writes.
Q: Is the 660p a good choice for frequent large writes, such as video editing or recording?
A: It is a less suitable choice for workloads that regularly write large amounts of data. Its QLC design can slow after the cache is exhausted, and this 2TB model is rated for 400 TBW. Reddit discussions distinguish occasional transfers from frequent, sustained large-file work.
Q: Will this NVMe drive work in any M.2 slot?
A: No. The 660p uses PCIe NVMe, so the computer’s M.2 slot must support NVMe; a slot that supports only M.2 SATA is not compatible. Check the computer or motherboard specifications before buying.