Intel launches what it claims is "the first QLC-based client PCIe SSD in the industry"-- the 660p series, drives built on the M.2-2280 form factor complete with speedy NVMe connectivity.
The 660p features 64-layer 3D QLC flash supplied by Intel-Micron subsidiary IMFlash Technology. According to Intel, "QLC and SLC 'spans' on the drive adjust bi-directionally based on used capacity for the life of the product. Increases in capacity usage trigger the SLC span to decrease, and decreases in capacity usage trigger the SLC span to increase." As mentioned earlier connectivity comes through NVMe, as well as PCIe 3.0x4.
In addition, the SSDs carry a DRAM cache (a feature often lacking in budget PCIe SSDs) and a Silicon Motion SMI 2263 controller with custom firmware and support AQLC. It is a derivative of the SMI 2262EN, and built using a newer process. When it comes to performance, the 660p series promises up to 1800MB/s in both sequential read and write, as well as 220000 IOPS random 4KB reads and up to 220000 IOPS random 4KB writes.
The drives are available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities.
