Looking Beyond the Intel 670p 2TB PCIe 3.0? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How alternatives compare to Intel 670p

Mushkin Gamma 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

The Mushkin Gamma moves you from PCIe 3.0 to PCIe 4.0, offering faster sequential transfers for compatible systems. It shares the QLC NAND type with the Intel 670p, which means sustained write speeds may drop under heavy loads. The lack of a heatsink is a notable difference, as the Intel drive also lacks one. You gain modern interface support and hardware encryption, but you give up the established Gen3 stability if your system does not support Gen4. This drive suits PS5 owners or users upgrading to newer platforms who want higher peak speeds without paying for TLC NAND.

Western Digital 2TB WD Green NVMe SSD

The WD Green SN350 stays on the PCIe 3.0 interface like the Intel 670p, ensuring broad compatibility with older motherboards. It also uses QLC NAND, so you get similar endurance characteristics for everyday tasks. The primary difference is price positioning, as this is an entry-level option. You trade the slightly higher read speeds of the Intel drive for a lower cost entry point. If you prioritize budget over maximum sequential throughput, this drive fits. It is ideal for basic storage upgrades where peak performance is not the main requirement. You keep the familiar M.2 2280 form factor for easy installation.

Corsair MP600 CORE XT 2TB Gen4 NVMe

Corsair offers a PCIe 4.0 interface in the MP600 CORE XT, providing a clear performance advantage over the Intel 670p’s Gen3 connection. Like the Intel drive, it uses QLC NAND, so sustained workloads may see similar speed drops. The key benefit is faster file transfers and game loading on compatible systems. You gain the modern interface without needing a premium TLC model. This drive is best for desktops and notebooks that support Gen4 speeds. You get standard M.2 2280 dimensions for easy fitting. If you need faster sequential writes than the Intel 670p provides, this is a practical upgrade path.

Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD

The Intel 660p shares the same QLC NAND technology and NVMe interface as the 670p, but offers half the capacity at 1TB. It targets users who do not need the full 2TB space. The sequential read speeds are lower, around 1800 MB/s, compared to the 670p’s 3500 MB/s. You trade speed and capacity for a potentially lower cost or smaller space requirement. This drive suits those who value consistent performance for general use over raw throughput. It is a practical choice for systems with limited storage needs. You keep the reliability of Intel’s QLC design but accept slower data transfer rates.

SABRENT Rocket 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD

The SABRENT Rocket provides PCIe 3.0 speeds similar to the Intel 670p but focuses on reliable Gen3 performance. It uses NVMe interface and M.2 2280 form factor, ensuring compatibility. The main difference is the inclusion of cloning tools, which the Intel drive does not list. You get ample 2TB capacity with standard speeds. This drive is ideal for users who want a straightforward upgrade without needing Gen4 speeds. It fits well in systems where PCIe 3.0 is the limit. You gain peace of mind with included software for data migration. The performance is consistent for everyday tasks, making it a solid alternative.

Western Digital 2TB WD Red SA500 M.2 SSD

The WD Red SA500 uses a SATA III interface, which is significantly slower than the NVMe PCIe 3.0 connection of the Intel 670p. It is designed for NAS environments and 24/7 reliability rather than desktop speed. You trade high sequential read and write speeds for endurance and compatibility with SATA slots. This drive suits users needing storage for network attached storage or systems without M.2 slots. It uses 3D NAND, which may offer different endurance traits than QLC. You gain reliability for caching or archival but lose the performance benefits of NVMe. It is a specialized choice for specific hardware constraints.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Intel 670p 2TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Best for: General users needing large 2TB storage

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

3500 MB/s

Max Write Speed

2700 MB/s

NAND Type

QLC

View on Amazon: Intel 670p 2TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

The Intel 670p is a 2TB M.2 2280 drive using PCIe 3.0 x4 and QLC NAND. It offers sequential read speeds up to 3500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2700 MB/s. This model suits users needing large storage for general tasks. It fits systems with M.2 slots. The drive uses standard 2280 dimensions. You get high capacity without needing the fastest Gen4 interface.

Pros

• 2TB storage capacity
• Sequential read speeds up to 3500 MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 2700 MB/s
• Standard M.2 2280 form factor

Cons

• QLC NAND limits endurance compared to TLC
• PCIe 3.0 interface is slower than Gen4 alternatives
• No included heatsink for thermal management

Good fit if

• You need 2TB of storage for media libraries
• You have a PCIe 3.0 compatible motherboard
• You want a reliable drive for general computing

Skip if

• You require the fastest Gen4 speeds for heavy workloads
• You need high endurance for write-intensive tasks
• You prefer TLC NAND for better longevity

Verdict: Intel 670p 2TB PCIe 3.0 QLC SSD provides solid capacity and speed for everyday users. It is a practical option for those prioritizing storage size over peak performance. Choose this if you value space and standard compatibility.

2 Best premium

Mushkin Gamma 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

Best for: PS5 storage and Gen4 PC upgrades

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe 1.3

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

7,175 MB/s

Max Write Speed

6,800 MB/s

Compatibility

PS5, Gaming

View on Amazon: Mushkin Gamma 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

The Mushkin Gamma 2TB is a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.3 drive in a standard M.2 2280 form factor. It uses a Phison E18 controller with QLC NAND to deliver sequential read speeds up to 7,175 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800 MB/s. This hardware encryption adds a layer of security. It is designed for PS5 consoles, desktops, and laptops that support Gen4 interfaces.

Pros

• PCIe Gen4 x4 interface for high bandwidth
• Sequential read speeds up to 7,175 MB/s
• Phison E18 controller for reliable performance
• Hardware encryption for data security

Cons

• QLC NAND limits sustained write performance
• No included heatsink for thermal management
• Gen3 speeds on older motherboards

Good fit if

• You need a fast drive for PS5 storage expansion
• You have a Gen4 compatible motherboard or laptop
• You want hardware encryption for sensitive data

Skip if

• You only have PCIe Gen3 slots available
• You require TLC NAND for heavy sustained writes
• You need a drive with a built-in heatsink

Verdict: The Mushkin Gamma 2TB Gen4 SSD delivers top-tier sequential speeds for PS5 and Gen4 PCs, though QLC NAND and the lack of a heatsink may limit its appeal for heavy sustained workloads.

3 Best budget

Western Digital 2TB WD Green NVMe SSD

Best for: Budget-conscious 2TB storage upgrades

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

Gen3 PCIe

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

3,200 MB/s

NAND Type

QLC

Dimensions

3.15 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches

View on Amazon: Western Digital 2TB WD Green NVMe SSD

The WD Green SN350 is a 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD using QLC NAND. It offers sequential read speeds up to 3,200 MB/s on PCIe Gen3. This drive is designed for daily computing tasks and general storage expansion. It fits standard NVMe slots in desktops and laptops. The 3-year limited warranty provides standard coverage for this tier of storage.

Pros

• 2TB storage capacity for large files
• Up to 3,200 MB/s read speed
• M.2 2280 form factor fits most systems
• QLC NAND offers high density
• Shock-resistant build for durability

Cons

• Lower read speeds compared to Gen4 alternatives
• QLC NAND may have slower sustained writes
• No included heatsink for thermal management

Good fit if

• You need 2TB of storage on a budget
• You are building a standard PCIe Gen3 system
• You want a reliable drive for daily computing

Skip if

• You require maximum Gen4 speeds over 5,000 MB/s
• You need a drive with an integrated heatsink
• You are looking for TLC NAND for heavy workloads

Verdict: WD Green SN350 2TB NVMe is a solid entry-level option for users who prioritize capacity and standard Gen3 performance. It suits those building cost-effective PCs who do not need top-tier gaming speeds.

4 Best desktop

Corsair MP600 CORE XT 2TB Gen4 NVMe

Best for: Gen4 desktops and notebooks needing fast storage

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

Up to 5,900MB/s

Max Write Speed

5,000MB/s

Compatibility

Desktop

View on Amazon: Corsair MP600 CORE XT 2TB Gen4 NVMe

The Corsair MP600 CORE XT delivers PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 performance in a compact M.2 2280 form factor. It offers sequential read speeds up to 5,900MB/s and write speeds of 5,000MB/s. The drive uses high-density 3D QLC NAND to balance capacity and value. It is designed for desktops and notebooks with Gen4-capable CPUs. This SSD suits users seeking faster load times and file transfers.

Pros

• Sequential read speeds up to 5,900MB/s
• Sequential write speeds of 5,000MB/s
• PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 interface
• Compact M.2 2280 form factor

Cons

• Uses QLC NAND which may have lower endurance than TLC
• No included hardware heatsink for thermal management
• Limited to 2TB capacity in this specific configuration

Good fit if

• You need a fast upgrade for a Gen4 desktop or laptop
• You prioritize high sequential read and write speeds
• You want a standard M.2 2280 drive for easy installation

Skip if

• You require a PCIe Gen3 interface for older hardware
• You need a drive with a built-in heatsink
• You prefer TLC NAND for higher endurance ratings

Verdict: Corsair MP600 CORE XT 2TB Gen4 NVMe provides strong Gen4 speeds for desktops and notebooks. It fits users who need fast file transfers and game loading in a standard M.2 2280 size.

5 Also great

Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD

Best for: Everyday storage with 1 TB capacity

Storage Capacity

1 TB

Interface

PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

1800 MB/s

Max Write Speed

1800 MB/s

NAND Type

QLC

View on Amazon: Intel 660p 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD

The Intel 660p is a 1TB M.2 2280 drive using PCIe 3.0 x4 and QLC NAND. It offers sequential read and write speeds of 1800 MB/s. This model suits users who need reliable storage for everyday tasks without paying for higher-end performance. It is a practical option for standard desktops and laptops where space is limited.

Pros

• 1 TB storage capacity
• PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 interface
• 1800 MB/s sequential read speed
• 1800 MB/s sequential write speed
• M.2 2280 form factor

Cons

• QLC NAND type limits endurance
• 1800 MB/s write speed is slow
• 1 TB capacity is smaller than 2 TB options

Good fit if

• You need 1 TB of space
• You want a PCIe 3.0 drive
• You prioritize cost over speed

Skip if

• You need 2 TB capacity
• You require faster write speeds
• You use a PCIe 4.0 system

Verdict: The Intel 660p 1TB NVMe SSD delivers consistent 1800 MB/s speeds for general use. It fits users who value capacity and interface compatibility over raw performance.

6 Also great

SABRENT Rocket 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD

Best for: Users needing 2TB Gen3 NVMe speed

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

PCIe Gen3 x 4, NVMe 1.3

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Dimensions

0.86 × 0.11 × 3.15 inches

View on Amazon: SABRENT Rocket 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD

The SABRENT Rocket 2TB NVMe SSD is a high-performance drive built for M.2 2280 slots. It uses a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface and supports NVMe 1.3 standards. This model offers 2TB of storage capacity. It includes features like advanced wear leveling and TRIM support. You get free cloning software included. This drive suits users who need fast data transfer speeds for gaming or heavy workloads.

Pros

• 2TB storage capacity for large files
• PCIe Gen3 x4 interface for high bandwidth
• NVMe 1.3 compliance for efficient communication
• Includes free Acronis True Image cloning software

Cons

• Uses PCIe Gen3 instead of Gen4 for lower peak speeds
• No DRAM cache mentioned in specifications
• Limited to M.2 2280 form factor

Good fit if

• You need 2TB of fast NVMe storage
• You want included cloning software for upgrades
• You use a PCIe Gen3 compatible motherboard

Skip if

• You require PCIe Gen4 speeds
• You need a SATA SSD for older systems
• You prefer drives with DRAM cache

Verdict: SABRENT Rocket 2TB NVMe SSD delivers reliable Gen3 performance for users who value included cloning tools and ample capacity. It fits well in systems that do not require Gen4 speeds.

7 Best sata iii

Western Digital 2TB WD Red SA500 M.2 SSD

Best for: NAS caching and 24/7 reliability

Storage Capacity

2TB

Interface

SATA III 6 Gb/s

Form Factor

M.2 2280

Max Read Speed

Up to 560 MB/s

Compatibility

NAS

NAND Type

3D NAND

View on Amazon: Western Digital 2TB WD Red SA500 M.2 SSD

This Western Digital drive uses SATA III 6 Gb/s to deliver up to 560 MB/s read speeds. It features 3D NAND in an M.2 2280 form factor. The design targets NAS systems with endurance for 24/7 heavy loads. You get reliable caching for frequently used files. It suits home and business users needing stability over raw speed.

Pros

• SATA III 6 Gb/s interface for broad compatibility
• Up to 560 MB/s max read speed
• 2TB storage capacity in M.2 2280 size
• 3D NAND for improved endurance
• Optimized for NAS caching and 24/7 operation

Cons

• SATA III speed caps performance below NVMe drives
• No DRAM cache mentioned for sustained writes
• NAS-focused design may lack gaming optimizations

Good fit if

• You are upgrading a NAS with M.2 slots
• You need reliable 24/7 endurance for caching
• You prefer SATA compatibility over PCIe speed

Skip if

• You need PCIe Gen4 speeds for gaming
• You want the fastest possible read performance
• You are building a high-end desktop PC

Verdict: WD Red SA500 2TB M.2 2280 SATA SSD fits NAS users needing reliable caching. It offers endurance for heavy loads but lacks the speed of NVMe alternatives.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions