Best 250GB Intel MLC SSDs
There are 4 250GB Intel MLC SSDs compared here. The fastest is the Intel 520 at 550 MB/s read, and the highest-rated for endurance is the Intel 730 (128 TBW). Sequential reads across the group span 540–550 MB/s at 250GB.
Why this configuration
A 250GB Intel MLC SSD is a legacy endurance choice. MLC stores two bits per cell instead of three, so these older drives take far more rewriting than a modern budget drive, at a much higher cost per gigabyte. Intel specifically tends to be chosen here for its firmware track record and warranty support.
250GB covers an OS and core apps with little room for a large game library.
Usually chosen for: write-heavy secondary roles and keeping older machines useful.
Good fit: mainstream desktop and laptop builds.
Ranked list
| # | Model | Tier | Controller | Read MB/s (at 250GB) | TBW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Intel 520 128GB, 250GB, 180GB | Mid-range | LSI SandForce SF-2281 | 550* | 36 | Find on Amazon |
| 2 |  Intel 525 mSATA 128GB, 250GB, 30GB, 60GB, 180GB | Mid-range | SandForce’s SF-2281 | 550* | — | Find on Amazon |
| 3 |  Intel 530 128GB, 250GB, 500GB, 80GB, 180GB, 360GB | Mid-range | SandForce SF-2281 | 540* | 36.5 | Find on Amazon |
| 4 |  Intel 730 250GB, 500GB | — | INTEL 3º Generation PC29AS21CA0ADQ | 550* | 128 | Find on Amazon |
* family rating — the manufacturer does not publish a 250GB figure for this drive.
The parts, explained
250GB fits an OS plus core apps.
MLC NAND is older and costs more per gigabyte, but is very durable.
Staying with Intel means consistent firmware, tooling and warranty handling across the range.