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Intel’s new SSD is so fast and expensive that you’ll need a second one for your actual storage

Published Mar 9th, 2018 2:44PM EST
Intel Optane 800P
Image: Jacob Siegal/BGR

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Solid state drives (SSDs) are one of the critical computer components that make the entire experience feel so fast. But not all SSDs are created equal, and Intel’s just-announced Optane 800P series happen to be incredibly fast, moreso than anything else on the market right now.

However, all that speed comes with a caveat. The Optane 800P is a lot more expensive than other SSDs. That also means they’re not going to let you store a lot of data.

The Optane 800P SSD comes in an M.2 form factor, which means they’re not compatible with all computers out there. They look like memory sticks rather than the traditional 2.5-inch SSD you’d expect.

When it comes to storage, Intel has only two options available right now, including 58GB priced at $129, and 118GB that costs $199. Like I said, that’s hardly enough storage space nowadays so you might need to consider adding cheaper storage via an external SSD or HDD.

Image source: Intel

But what the Optane 800P SSDs will do for you, as ZDNet explains it, is to significantly speed up boot and application launch times, as well as improve multi-tasking.

Intel says the new chips can deliver sequential read speeds of up to 1,450MB/s, and sequential write speeds of up to 640MB/s. Random read and write speeds reach 250,000 IOPS and 140,000 IOPS, respectively. The drives also get five years of warranty, and a 365TB endurance.

Image source: Gizmodo

That’s a lot of MB/s and IOPS, so how does really translate that into performance gains for the average user? Perhaps these graphs from Gizmodo’s review will explain it best.

Image source: Gizmodo

As you can see, compared to a regular SSD, the Optane 800P will get the job done a lot faster in most cases. And those seconds will quickly add up over time.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.