# Intel Optane SSD 905P 380GB Review (2026)

The Intel Optane 905P 380GB is the entry capacity of Intel's second-generation Optane consumer drive, pairing second-gen 3D XPoint with marginally higher throughput and endurance than the 900P it replaces.

Quick answer: The Intel Optane 905P 380GB is a specialized drive for users who need the lowest possible random I/O latency in a consumer form factor. Database professionals, developers with heavy compile workloads, and workstation users with random-I/O-bound tasks are the target audience. For general consumer use including gaming and content creation, a high-end TLC NVMe drive like the Samsung 990 Pro or WD Black SN850X delivers more sequential bandwidth and vastly more capacity per dollar. The 905P has been discontinued, making it a niche purchase from remaining stock.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 380 GB |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x 4 or U.2 2.5" |
| Controller | Intel EAU01D76 |
| Memory type | Intel 3D XPoint |
| DRAM cache | No |
| Sequential read | 2600 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 2200 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 575000 |
| Random write IOPS | 550000 |
| Endurance | 8760 TBW |
| MTBF | 1.6 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

Sequential reads hit 2,600 MB/s and writes 2,200 MB/s, a modest improvement over the 900P. Random IOPS reach 575,000 reads and 550,000 writes. The real advantage, as with all Optane drives, is latency consistency: these IOPS numbers are sustained regardless of queue depth, drive fill level, or write history. There is no SLC cache to fill, no garbage collection stall, and no performance cliff.

Independent reviewers found the 905P slightly faster than the 900P across most benchmarks, consistent with the rated spec improvements. HotHardware noted the 905P dominated NAND-based SSDs in real-world trace tests involving heavy random I/O, though its sequential throughput fell behind mainstream TLC NVMe drives like the Samsung 970 Pro.

For workloads that are random-I/O-bound rather than sequential-bandwidth-bound, the 905P delivers the best consumer SSD performance available.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

Intel rates the 905P 380 GB at 8,760 TBW over its 5-year warranty. That equals roughly 4,789 GB of writes per day -- approximately 12.6 full drive writes daily. 3D XPoint's write endurance is far higher than NAND flash, which is why this figure is achievable. For any consumer or professional workload, the endurance limit is effectively unreachable. The 1.6 million hour MTBF is a population-level reliability estimate. Intel handles warranty through its standard RMA process.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- 575,000 random read IOPS with consistent latency
- 8,760 TBW endurance
- 2,600 MB/s sequential reads
- No SLC cache, uniform performance when full
- 3D XPoint memory with symmetric read/write latency
- Slightly faster than the 900P across all metrics
**Cons:**

- 380 GB capacity is small
- Very expensive per GB
- AIC or U.2 form factor limits compatibility
- Not compatible with PS5 or laptops
- Discontinued, only remaining stock available
- Sequential speed below mainstream TLC NVMe


## Verdict

The Intel Optane 905P 380GB is a specialized drive for users who need the lowest possible random I/O latency in a consumer form factor. Database professionals, developers with heavy compile workloads, and workstation users with random-I/O-bound tasks are the target audience. For general consumer use including gaming and content creation, a high-end TLC NVMe drive like the Samsung 990 Pro or WD Black SN850X delivers more sequential bandwidth and vastly more capacity per dollar. The 905P has been discontinued, making it a niche purchase from remaining stock.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is the Intel Optane 905P 380GB good for gaming?

The 905P can load games marginally faster than a good NVMe SSD due to its low random read latency, but the difference is small in most titles. With only 380 GB of capacity, it is impractical as a game library drive. A 1 TB or 2 TB TLC NVMe drive is a far better value for gaming. The 905P is designed for professional workloads, not gaming.

### What is the TBW endurance of the Intel 905P 380GB?

The 380 GB model is rated at 8,760 TBW over its 5-year warranty, equal to approximately 4,789 GB of writes per day. This is about 12.6 full drive writes daily. For any conceivable consumer or professional workload, this endurance rating is effectively unlimited.

### How does the Intel 905P compare to the 900P?

The 905P is a modest refresh of the 900P with slightly higher sequential speeds (2,600 vs 2,500 MB/s reads, 2,200 vs 2,000 writes) and higher random IOPS (575k vs 550k reads). Both use the same 3D XPoint technology and controller family. The 905P also adds an M.2 form factor in some capacities. If both are available at the same price, the 905P is the better choice, but the performance difference is small.

### Is the Intel 905P 380GB compatible with PS5?

No. The 380 GB 905P ships in AIC or U.2 form factors that do not fit the PS5's M.2 slot. Even if an M.2 variant existed, the 2,600 MB/s reads fall below Sony's 5,500 MB/s minimum requirement. The 905P is a desktop and workstation product.

### What workloads benefit from the Intel 905P?

Database indexing, software compilation, virtual machine storage, log analysis, and any workload involving heavy random reads and writes. These are the scenarios where 3D XPoint's consistent low-latency random I/O provides a measurable advantage over NAND SSDs. Sequential-heavy workloads like video editing do not benefit from Optane's strengths.

### Why was the Intel Optane 905P discontinued?

Intel wound down its consumer Optane product line as part of a broader strategy shift, focusing Optane on enterprise and data center applications where the price premium is easier to justify. Consumer NAND SSDs had improved enough that the performance gap in everyday use cases narrowed, making it difficult to justify Optane's cost for most buyers. Remaining stock is available at discounted prices.

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Last updated: 2026-05-23. Source: https://ssdrive.net/intel-905p-380-gb