The Intel SSD 670p is a capable PCIe 3.0 NVMe drive for everyday computing, game loading and other read-heavy tasks—but it is less appealing for repeated, very large writes. Its QLC flash and SLC cache help it deliver responsive burst performance; when a long transfer outgrows the available cache, write speeds can fall sharply. Whether it is a good buy now depends on its price against comparable TLC drives and whether your computer supports this exact M.2 drive.
What the Intel SSD 670p is
Intel introduced the 670p in December 2020 and announced availability on March 1, 2021, positioning it as a client SSD for everyday computing and mainstream gaming. It uses 144-layer QLC NAND and comes in 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB capacities. The 1 TB product sheet identifies it as an M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe drive. Intel’s launch announcement describes the product and format; the 1 TB specification sheet gives its interface details.
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Intel said the 670p offered up to two times better read performance, 38% better random-read performance and up to 50% better latency than its previous-generation SSDs. Those are Intel’s comparisons, not independent review findings or comparisons with today’s drives. Intel’s launch announcement also characterized the product as a step forward from its own earlier QLC SSDs.
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Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Intel SSD 670p |
|---|---|
| Capacities | 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB |
| Form factor and interface | M.2 2280; PCIe 3.0 x4; NVMe |
| NAND | 144-layer QLC |
| Maximum sequential read | Up to 3,500 MB/s, as listed for the family by StorageReview; the 1 TB specification sheet also lists up to 3,500 MB/s. |
| Maximum sequential write | Up to 2,700 MB/s for the family in StorageReview’s specifications; Intel lists up to 2,500 MB/s for the 1 TB model in its product sheet. |
| Rated 4 KB random performance | Up to 310K read IOPS and 340K write IOPS, according to StorageReview’s family specifications. |
| Endurance and limited warranty | 185 TBW (512 GB), 370 TBW (1 TB) and 740 TBW (2 TB); five-year limited warranty, as listed by StorageReview. |
“Up to” figures are ratings, not promises of a particular result in every computer or workload. The write maximum in particular should not be read as a guarantee that the drive will sustain that speed during a large, uninterrupted transfer.
#1 Best Overall
- 1B Storage Capacity
- M2. 2280 Form Factor
- PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 Interface
- Up to 3500 MB/s Sequential Read Speeds. Up to 2500 MB/s Sequential Write Speeds. Intel QLC 3D NAND
How QLC and SLC caching affect write speed
QLC stores more bits per cell than TLC flash, but QLC-based drives can use part of their NAND as a faster SLC cache to absorb incoming data. That makes short writes and bursts feel much quicker than writing a large amount of data directly to QLC. Once the cache is exhausted, the drive has to write at its slower underlying rate, and performance depends on factors including capacity, how full the SSD is and the workload.
In its review of a 2 TB unit, StorageReview said its QLC testing saw speeds fall after roughly 10–15 GB of continuous writing, from around 500 MB/s toward 100 MB/s. This is an observation from that reviewer’s particular context, not a fixed cache threshold or guaranteed speed for every 670p. StorageReview also used a modified process that partitioned 1% of the drive for its QLC workloads, a methodological detail relevant to interpreting those results.
Rank #2
- 512MB Storage Capacity
- M2. 2280 Form Factor
- PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 Interface
- Up to 3000 MB/s Sequential Read Speeds. Up to 1600 MB/s Sequential Write Speeds. Intel QLC 3D NAND
In a separate review, PCWorld found the drive competitive in its tests apart from a 450 GB single-file write. It described the 670p as a strong reader and a good writer while the cache lasted, then observed slower writing when the secondary cache was exhausted. Tom’s Hardware likewise found responsive application performance and strong bursts but identified sustained writing as a weakness; its testing of the 2 TB model also discussed dynamic cache behavior and recovery.
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For a typical client workload—starting applications, browsing, general desktop use and loading games—the 670p’s responsive reads and burst performance make it a reasonable SSD. A QLC drive is not inherently unsuitable for gaming: game loading is primarily a read task, while installing or moving a large library can involve long writes. The distinction is how you use the drive, not simply whether games are involved.
Rank #3
- 2B Storage Capacity
- M2. 2280 Form Factor
- PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 Interface
- Up to 3500 MB/s Sequential Read Speeds. Up to 2700 MB/s Sequential Write Speeds. Intel QLC 3D NAND
The 2021 reviews support that conditional view rather than a universal verdict. PCWorld was broadly positive about it as an everyday SSD, while Tom’s Hardware emphasized strong application and burst performance alongside weaker sustained writes. Those reviews do not establish how the 670p compares with current alternatives.
Who should avoid it?
- People who regularly write large files: video editors, frequent backup jobs and other workflows involving repeated long transfers are more likely to encounter cache exhaustion and slower writes.
- Buyers comparing it with TLC: a suitable TLC drive may be a better choice if it costs less or offers stronger endurance and sustained-write behavior. ComputerBase’s June 2021 1 TB review found improved performance over Intel’s 660p and 665p predecessors, but noted that the 670p did not always match inexpensive TLC products and that write performance and price were limiting factors.
- Anyone relying on peak write specifications for a long transfer: the rated maximum does not describe post-cache sustained performance.
What the TBW rating means
TBW means terabytes written: the drive’s rated write endurance associated with its warranty terms. Intel’s listed ratings are 185 TBW for 512 GB, 370 TBW for 1 TB and 740 TBW for 2 TB; the limited warranty is five years. The 1 TB review by ComputerBase also lists 370 TBW. Treat TBW as a specification for comparing rated endurance, not as a countdown that predicts the exact day an individual SSD will fail.
Rank #4
- Storage Capacity: 2TB.
- Form Factor: M.2 22 x 80mm.
- Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe.
- Sequential Read Speed (Up To): 3500 MB/s.
- Sequential Write Speed (Up To): 2700 MB/s.
Check compatibility before buying
- Confirm that the computer has an M.2 2280 slot that supports PCIe NVMe SSDs. M.2 is a physical form factor; a slot that accepts an M.2 drive is not automatically compatible with every interface.
- Check the computer or motherboard documentation for supported PCIe generation, drive capacity and any slot-sharing or installation restrictions.
- Verify the clearance and mounting arrangement for the 80 mm-long drive. Compatibility of a specific laptop or motherboard cannot be inferred from the 670p’s general specifications.
Should you buy an Intel SSD 670p?
Consider the 670p if you want an everyday NVMe drive for reads and short bursts, your computer supports the drive, and its current price is competitive with alternatives. Look closely at TLC models if you regularly write large amounts of data or need better sustained-write performance. The cited independent comparisons date from 2021, and PCWorld’s listed prices—$89 for 512 GB, $154 for 1 TB and $329 for 2 TB—were US launch MSRPs published on March 1, 2021, not current price guidance. Check prices in your region when deciding.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage
- Gen 4x4 NVMe PCle performance
- Up to 6,000MB/s read, 4,000MB/s write
- Includes Acronis cloning software
- 5-year limited warranty
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