Intel 670p 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD: features, specs and who it suits

The Intel 670p is an internal solid-state drive in the small M.2 stick format. This version holds 512GB and connects over NVMe, the fast storage protocol used in most recent laptops and desktops. It is designed for everyday jobs such as running applications side by side and loading games.

M.2 2280 and NVMe: the form and the interface

"M.2 2280" describes the shape: a stick 22 mm wide and 80 mm long that plugs straight into a slot on the motherboard. It needs no cables. "PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4" describes how it talks to the computer. NVMe is built for flash storage and uses four PCI Express 3.0 lanes, which allows far higher speeds than the older SATA interface that 2.5-inch drives use.

One catch: some M.2 slots only support SATA drives. Check your device's manual to confirm that the slot accepts NVMe.

What the speeds mean

Intel rates the drive at up to 3,000 MB/s sequential reads and up to 1,600 MB/s sequential writes, and says the read speed is nearly double the previous generation. Sequential speed describes moving large files in one stream, such as copying a video. In everyday use, things like boot time and app launches depend more on small random reads, and "up to" figures are best-case numbers.

QLC NAND explained

The 670p uses Intel QLC 3D NAND. QLC stands for quad-level cell, meaning each memory cell holds four bits. This fits more data per chip, which is how larger capacities are reached. The usual trade-off is that QLC drives typically sustain lower write speeds once their fast cache fills, and have lower rated write endurance than drives with TLC memory. For general computing, with far more reading than writing, that is often acceptable.

Capacity note

The product name and description give the capacity as 512GB. One line of the listing shows "512MB", which appears to be a typo. As with all drives, the space you can use is somewhat less than the label, because capacity is counted in decimal gigabytes and some space is used for formatting.

Where it can be used

Intel describes it as compatible with a wide variety of desktop computers, laptops and other devices that have an M.2 2280 slot. It can serve as a main drive for installing an operating system, or as a second drive for games and files.

Who it suits

It suits people upgrading an older laptop or desktop from a SATA drive or hard disk, building a new PC that needs a mainstream NVMe drive, or adding fast storage for everyday work, study and light gaming.

What to check before you buy

• Slot type: confirm an M.2 slot that takes 2280-length NVMe drives.
• Generation: the drive uses PCIe 3.0. It works in newer PCIe 4.0 slots, but runs at the 3.0 speed.
• Heavy writing: if you edit lots of video or move huge files daily, consider whether QLC endurance fits your workload.
• Capacity: 512GB fills quickly with modern games; think about what you plan to keep on it.
• Cooling and fit: some laptops need the drive to be single-sided and may use a screw or a heatsink; check the manual.
• Cloning or reinstalling: plan how you will move your existing system across.

The short version

• A 512GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD using a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface.
• Rated by Intel at up to 3,000 MB/s sequential reads and 1,600 MB/s sequential writes.
• Built with QLC 3D NAND, which favours capacity over sustained write speed.
• Fits desktops and laptops that have a compatible M.2 slot.
• Check that your slot supports NVMe before ordering.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.