Skip to main content

Intel finally soothes the PC gamer crowd with high-capacity SSDs

After releasing two products for the data center based on its new “3D” Optane-branded memory technology  earlier this year, Intel has now turned to the mainstream market to serve up its new tech to PC gamers. Called the Optane SSD 900P series, the new family consists of two add-in PCI Express-based cards, and a 2.5-inch model that connects to the U.2 port on your PC’s motherboard. All three are available now.

The big deal with Intel’s new Optane technology is that it blends two types of memory together to create one super-fast, high-capacity solution, incorporating volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory is another term for system memory (DRAM) that’s extremely fast but doesn’t retain information when a PC is turned off, nor does it have a high storage capacity. Meanwhile, non-volatile memory (NAND) used in solid state drives isn’t as fast, but is capable of storing data, and provides a high capacity.

Recommended Videos

Intel’s Optane technology is based on a “3D” crisscross design called XPoint (cross point) that stacks memory layers vertically like a skyscraper for faster access. Every layer includes dozens of columns, each comprised of a single memory cell, its selector, and perpendicular wires mounted above and below to access the memory cell. To modify the memory cell, this design applies voltage changes instead of relying on “bulky” transistors.

Because there are no transistors, Optane technology uses the extra physical space to cram in more storage capacity than your typical system memory stick. But at present you’re still not going to see the same storage capacity found on hard drives due to cost. Intel’s new U.2-based model only serves up 280GB of storage capacity while its two add-in cards provide 280GB and 480GB.

Here are the specifications:

900P Add-In Card 900P U.2 Drive
Max Sequential Read: 2,500MB/s 2,500MB/s
Max Sequential Write: 2,000MB/s 2,000MB/s
Max Random Read: 550,000 IOPS 550,000 IOPS
Max Random Write: 500,000 IOPS 500,000 IOPS
Storage Capacity: 280GB / 480GB 280GB
Connection Type: PCI Express U.2 connector (SFF-8639)
Interface: PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4
Form Factor: Half-Height Half-Length card 2.5-inch drive
Hardware Encryption: AES 256-bit AES 256-bit
Price: $389 / $699 $389

What we have to note here is that you’re not getting DRAM speeds with these three Optane-branded storage devices. System memory can push more than 12,000MB/s in read speeds and more than 11,000MB/s in write speeds. We’ve also seen PCI Express-based M.2 SSDs come close to the sequential read numbers shown above in our laptop and stand-alone SSD reviews, but the write numbers in the specifications are impressively high.

Optane-branded
Image used with permission by copyright holder

But Optane drives have an extremely low latency, and that’s important. They use PCI Express lanes that have direct access to the processor and system memory, which are faster than lanes used by traditional hard drives and solid state disks. That means faster data transfers to and from the storage device.

Available now, the add-in card costs $389 (280GB) and $699 (480GB), and the U.2-based model costs $389. Intel also provides Optane-based “cache sticks” to speed up your hard drive in 16GB and 32GB capacities.

Kevin Parrish
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Upgrade to this Alienware 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor while it’s $300 off
Cyberpunk 2077 being played on the Alienware 32 QD-OLED.

The powerful machine you purchased from gaming PC deals should be paired with a premium display, and the 32-inch Alienware 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor comes with our stamp of approval. It's also on sale from Dell right now, with a $300 discount slashing its price from $1,200 to only $900. That's a steal when you consider the capabilities of this screen, so you're going to have to hurry with your purchase as stocks may run out at any moment.

Why you should buy the 32-inch Alienware 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor

Read more
Living without antivirus? Grab Avast Premium while it’s 70% off
A couple on a couch using a tablet.

I've been using the free version of Avast antivirus software for well over a decade now. It's always among the first batch of downloads I grab when I get a new laptop. Our reviewers even gave Avast One for Mac a 9 out of 10 review. But this week, Avast has a compelling offer that will convince freeloaders like me to get the paid version of Avast.

Right now, Avast Premium has an incredible 70% discount. That drops the price of one device from $80 per year to $23.40, or just under $2 per month. If you want to cover 10 devices, the price is only slightly higher, at $30 per year, or $2.50 per month. If you've been using the free version of Avast for a while, or you haven't been using antivirus software at all, this is a deal you need to check out.

Read more
Why macOS Tahoe is a big deal for Intel Macs
Apple unveiling macOS Tahoe at WWDC 2025.

Apple’s WWDC event kicked off on Monday with the usual slew of fresh announcements and updates showcasing the company’s software plans for the year ahead.

And as with every WWDC keynote, the upcoming shift to new software also signaled diminishing support for older Apple devices.

Read more