# Integral Memory UltimaPro X 480GB — High-End PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD (2026)

The Integral Memory UltimaPro X 480GB doubles the capacity of the 240GB model, offering more practical storage with the same high-performance Phison E12 controller.

Quick answer: The Integral Memory UltimaPro X 480GB is a high-performance PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD with the Phison E12 controller and 3D TLC NAND. The 480GB capacity is more practical than the 240GB variant. However, the limited brand presence outside the UK and the Phison E12's thermal characteristics are caveats. For comparable performance with wider availability, consider the Corsair MP510 or ADATA SX8200 Pro.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 480 GB |
| Interface | M.2 3.0 x 4 |
| Controller | Phison PS5012-E12 |
| Memory type | 3D TLC |
| DRAM cache | 1,024 cache |
| Sequential read | 3300 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 3000 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 500000 |
| Random write IOPS | 410000 |
| Endurance | 582 TBW |
| MTBF | 2 |
| Warranty | 3 years |

## Performance

The Integral Memory UltimaPro X 480GB is rated at up to 3,300 MB/s sequential reads and 3,000 MB/s writes. At 3,300 MB/s, the drive uses roughly 94 percent of the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface ceiling. The 3,000 MB/s write speed matches the 240GB variant, suggesting the Phison E12's NAND channels are well-utilized even at this capacity.

The Phison E12 controller's quad-core architecture and DRAM cache deliver strong random I/O performance. The E12 appeared in many flagship PCIe 3.0 drives including the Corsair MP510 and Seagate FireCuda 510. Independent reviews of these E12-based drives consistently praise their sequential performance while noting the controller runs warm under sustained loads.

The SLC cache on a 480GB drive will be moderate to generous — perhaps 40-80 GB — meaning the UltimaPro X sustains its advertised write speeds for typical consumer workloads. The Phison E12-based drives maintain reasonable performance after cache exhaustion, though thermal management becomes important during extended write sessions.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

The Integral Memory UltimaPro X carries a 5-year warranty. The endurance rating for the 480GB variant is not published in the DB. Comparable 480GB TLC drives with Phison E12 typically carry 400-700 TBW — the Corsair MP510 480GB carries 700 TBW. At 20-50 GB per day, ~400-700 TBW equates to roughly 22-96 years of usage, well beyond the 5-year warranty.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- Phison E12 controller with DRAM cache
- 3,300 MB/s reads near PCIe 3.0 x4 ceiling
- 480GB more practical than 240GB
- 3D TLC NAND
- 5-year warranty
**Cons:**

- Limited brand presence outside UK
- No published TBW for 480GB variant
- Phison E12 runs warm under sustained loads
- Scarce independent reviews
- 480GB is an odd capacity size


## Verdict

The Integral Memory UltimaPro X 480GB is a high-performance PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD with the Phison E12 controller and 3D TLC NAND. The 480GB capacity is more practical than the 240GB variant. However, the limited brand presence outside the UK and the Phison E12's thermal characteristics are caveats. For comparable performance with wider availability, consider the Corsair MP510 or ADATA SX8200 Pro.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is the UltimaPro X 480GB good for gaming?

The UltimaPro X 480GB works well for gaming with fast 3,300 MB/s reads and strong random I/O from the Phison E12. The 480GB capacity fits the OS and several modern games. The DRAM cache provides consistent load times. For a large game library, consider larger capacities.

### Does the UltimaPro X 480GB have a DRAM cache?

Yes, the UltimaPro X 480GB includes dedicated DRAM cache via the Phison E12 controller. This gives it better random I/O performance and more consistent sustained behavior compared to DRAM-less drives like the WD Blue SN550.

### What is the TBW endurance of the UltimaPro X 480GB?

The TBW for the UltimaPro X 480GB is not explicitly published. Comparable 480GB drives with Phison E12 typically carry 400-700 TBW — the Corsair MP510 480GB carries 700 TBW. At 20-50 GB per day, ~400-700 TBW equates to roughly 22-96 years of usage.

### What controller does the UltimaPro X use?

The UltimaPro X uses the Phison PS5012-E12 controller, a high-end PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe controller that appeared in many flagship drives. The E12 supports dedicated DRAM cache, hardware LDPC ECC, and NVMe 1.3 protocol.

### Does the UltimaPro X need a heatsink?

The UltimaPro X does not ship with a heatsink. The Phison E12 controller runs warm under sustained loads, so a heatsink is recommended for heavy workloads. For typical consumer use, passive airflow is sufficient.

### Is the UltimaPro X 480GB compatible with PS5?

No, the UltimaPro X 480GB is a PCIe 3.0 drive rated at 3,300 MB/s reads, below Sony's 5,500 MB/s requirement. For PS5 upgrades, look at PCIe 4.0 drives like the WD Black SN850X or Samsung 980 PRO.

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Last updated: 2026-05-17. Source: https://ssdrive.net/integral-memory-ultima-pro-x-480-gb