The 118GB Intel Optane drive people mean is the Optane SSD P1600X (ordering code SSDPEK1A118GA01). Intel designed it for data-center boot, logging and caching workloads, and lists it as discontinued. It can make sense as a compact home-lab boot drive when the host supports NVMe boot and the drive’s condition, price and capacity fit the job—but its form factor alone does not guarantee compatibility.
What the 118GB Optane drive is
The P1600X is a single M.2 NVMe SSD built on Intel 3D XPoint—not an Optane cache module and not one of Intel’s hybrid Optane-plus-NAND H10 or H20 drives. Intel lists it as an M.2 22 × 80 mm device using PCIe 3.0 x4 and NVMe. The 118GB model launched in Q2 2021 and is now marked discontinued on Intel’s P1600X specification page.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Intel described the product as positioned for data-center boot use, with logging and caching as write-focused workloads. That makes a home-lab boot-drive application plausible, but it is not an Intel home-lab recommendation or evidence of a tested home-lab result.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhat Intel’s specifications tell you
Intel publishes the following figures for the 118GB P1600X. They are manufacturer specifications, not independently verified results for a particular host or workload.
#1 Best Overall
- UPC 735858397070
- Weight 0 200 lbs
| Specification | Intel’s published figure |
|---|---|
| Sequential read | Up to 1,760 MB/s |
| Sequential write | Up to 1,050 MB/s |
| Random read | 410,000 IOPS, 4K blocks |
| Random write | 243,000 IOPS, 4K blocks |
| Endurance | 1,292 TBW |
| Warranty period | Five years; this period does not establish coverage for a particular used drive |
| Interface and size | M.2 22 × 80 mm, PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe |
These numbers are useful for identifying the drive’s rated capability, but they do not show how it compares with a current conventional NVMe SSD in your system. The published material does not provide an independent, same-system home-lab comparison. For a boot device, consider whether your workload actually needs the P1600X’s write endurance or latency characteristics; headline sequential speeds alone do not settle the choice.
Check boot compatibility before buying
An M.2 2280 slot is not enough. Confirm all of the following for the specific server, workstation or mini-PC:
Rank #2
- OEM PRODUCT, NO PACKAGING.
- The slot accepts an M.2 2280 drive and has the required physical clearance.
- The slot supports PCIe NVMe operation, rather than only SATA M.2.
- The system firmware can boot from an NVMe device, and the slot has appropriate PCIe lane availability.
- The operating system and firmware configuration support the intended installation.
Intel’s boot guidance cited here concerns the Optane 900P, a different model. It discusses NVMe-capable hardware, BIOS and driver support, and UEFI 2.3.1-or-later with NVMe support; treat that as general compatibility context, not P1600X-specific certification. Check the motherboard or system maker’s documentation for the exact host. Intel’s 900P boot support article explains that model’s requirements.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Do not mistake H10 or H20 for the P1600X
Intel’s H10 and H20 products combine Optane memory with NAND in an M.2 module and are presented together using Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST). Intel notes that they have platform and configuration requirements and differ from a standard SSD. They are not interchangeable with the single-drive P1600X. See Intel’s Optane H10/H20 support information before evaluating one of those hybrid modules.
Rank #3
- Intel SSD DC P4800X PCIe
- 375GB SSD
- SSD Type : TLC
- PCI-Express-v3-x4 - HHHL
- IOPS : 550K
How to assess a discontinued unit
Intel marks the P1600X discontinued, and its ordering record is retired and discontinued. That describes its lifecycle; it does not establish whether any third-party seller has stock today. If you find a listing, verify the exact model code and 118GB capacity, seller reputation, return terms, and drive-health or SMART data where available. Ask whether the warranty applies to that specific unit rather than assuming the original five-year period guarantees coverage.
Intel’s support information for discontinued products describes available support options and notes that applicable warranty service may remain possible. Eligibility for a particular secondhand drive depends on its circumstances.
Rank #4
- INTEL OPTANE H10 32GB + 512GB SSD M.2
- Compatible devices: Desktop
- Memory storage capacity: 512.0
- Package Dimensions: 1.8 L x 13.4H x10.6W(centimeters)
Decide whether it fits your home lab
Compare the P1600X with a conventional NVMe SSD or another boot device against the needs of your actual host and workload:
- Compatibility: Does the system reliably boot from that NVMe slot?
- Capacity: Is 118GB enough for the operating system, updates, logs and any other data you plan to keep there?
- Write workload: Would the rated endurance matter for your expected writes, or is it unnecessary for this installation?
- Performance need: Is your workload sensitive to storage latency or random I/O, rather than mainly sequential throughput?
- Condition and protection: Can you verify health, obtain a return option and establish whether any warranty applies?
- Value: Does the listing price make sense relative to a new or used alternative? Current resale prices and a fair same-system comparison are not established here.
The P1600X is a specialized, small-capacity option with a manufacturer-stated boot use and a high published endurance rating. Whether that is worth pursuing depends on confirmed host support, the particular drive’s condition and the price—not on the Optane name alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Setup Requirements: This product requires additional steps to set it up. Please ask questions if you're not familiar with this Intel Optane Drive. Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage
- Storage Capacity: 1TB Solid State Drive with 32 GB Buffer for enhanced performance and caching capabilities
- Drive Performance: Maximum Read Transfer Rate of 2400 MB/s for fast data access and file loading
- Write Speed: Maximum Write Transfer Rate of 1800 MB/s for efficient data storage and transfer operations
- Endurance and Interface: 300 TB Total Bytes Written (TBW) with PCI Express 3.0 x4 interface for reliable long-term performance
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
