Intel P5810X and P5811X: New Optane SSDs leaked

Intel’s SSD division was only recently sold to SK Hynix. However, this does not apply to the in-house Optane products, which rely on 3D XPoint memory. Two new models have now been spotted in the form of the Intel P5810X and P5811X: the former comes in a 2.5-inch format, while the latter relies on the E1.S form factor.

Intel P5810X and P5811X

While the official unveiling from Intel is still pending, the two new Intel P5810X and P5811X SSDs were spotted in a new Integrator List for NVMe products on January 13.

However, concrete details aside from the form factor are not available yet. According to the listing, the Intel P5810X uses a 2.5-inch form factor complete with U.2 connector, while the Intel P5811X uses the current Enterprise & Datacenter Storage Form Factor (EDSFF) E1.S, which is used in server SSDs. Both models use PCiE Gen 4 and NVMe version 1.4.

The benefits of Optane SSDs

Intel’s Optane SSD series is currently one of the fastest storage solutions on the market. Currently, Intel’s top model is called Optane P5800X and relies on very similar specifications. It is not yet clear where the differences to the two new models lie.

The Optane SSDs realize their outstanding speed primarily due to the 3D XPoint phase-change memory developed together with Micron, which enables a faster and more consistent speed than classic NAND flash, especially under permanent load.

However, the Optane SSDs have so far only been used as a niche product for very specific server requirements. The 3D XPoint, which is also much more expensive in terms of production costs, hardly offers a noteworthy advantage for home users.

In the meantime, Intel produces the phase change memory itself, since Micron has completely withdrawn from production. Thus, the Intel P5810X and P5811X should be completely manufactured from one source. Private users can expect classic SSDs from Intel from SK Hynix and the newly founded company Solidigm, which took over Intel’s NAND SSD division, starting this year.