Kingston 480GB A400 SATA 3 2.5" Internal SSD SA400S37/480G - HDD Replacement for Increase Performance
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AI Verdict
This 480GB SATA 3 SSD with 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write speeds is for breathing life into old laptops, not for high-performance systems.
This 480GB SSD is a strong fit for replacing a slow HDD in an older system, offering a significant speed increase for booting and application loading. Its 7mm form factor ensures broad compatibility with laptops. However, its DRAM-less architecture means it's not suited for demanding workloads.
If you need more consistent performance for heavier tasks, look for a SATA SSD with a dedicated DRAM cache or consider an NVMe drive if your system supports it.
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Pros
- Provides a significant speed upgrade over traditional hard drives, making old systems feel responsive again.
- The 7mm thick 2.5-inch form factor fits in a wide range of systems, including slim notebooks and mobile computing devices.
- Operates silently and is more resistant to shock and vibration than mechanical hard drives due to its flash memory construction.
- Offers 480GB capacity, suitable for an operating system and essential applications.
- Often available at a lower price point compared to SSDs with DRAM.
Cons
- Lacks a DRAM cache, which can lead to performance degradation, especially with sustained write operations or when the drive is nearly full.
- Performance is slower compared to other SATA SSDs that include a DRAM cache, like the Crucial MX500 or Samsung 870 EVO.
- Some users report a discrepancy between Kingston's stated Terabytes Written (TBW) endurance and what monitoring software indicates.
- Can get bogged down in multi-tasking scenarios, similar to an HDD, though slightly better.
Dimension Scores
With 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write, it meets the SATA 3 interface limits but is slower than many other SATA SSDs with DRAM, and significantly slower than NVMe drives.
While many users report long-term success, some instances of early failure and concerns about TBW reporting suggest it's not best-in-class, but generally more durable than an HDD.
480GB is a practical capacity for an operating system and a good selection of applications, making it a solid HDD replacement for many users.
The 2.5-inch, 7mm form factor and SATA 3 interface offer near-universal compatibility with most modern and older laptops and desktops.
Best For
- Upgrading an old laptop or desktop currently using a mechanical hard drive for a noticeable speed boost.
- Use as a primary boot drive for an operating system and light applications on a budget.
- Systems with limited internal space that require a 7mm thin 2.5-inch drive.
- Users prioritizing initial cost savings over peak sustained performance.
Not Recommended For
- Workstations or gaming PCs requiring high sustained write performance for large file transfers or heavy multitasking.
- Users who frequently move or edit large video files or databases.
- Systems where maximum SSD longevity and consistent performance under heavy load are critical.
Watch Out For
- Performance can noticeably slow down when the drive approaches full capacity, due to its DRAM-less design.
- Some users have reported drives failing after relatively short periods, such as 1.5 years, particularly with smaller capacities.
- The actual wear reported by drive monitoring tools might show a higher percentage spent than expected based on Kingston's 160 TBW rating for 480GB.
- While faster than an HDD, it can still feel sluggish during intense multitasking compared to SSDs with a DRAM cache.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 480 GB |
| ASIN | B01N0TQPQB |
| Brand | Kingston |
| Color | Black |
| Series | A400 Series |
| Voltage | 220 |
| Language | English, English, English, English, English |
| Hard Drive | 500 GB 10x faster than a hard drive - With incredible read/write speeds, the A400 SSD will not only increase performance but can also be used to breathe new life into older systems. Rugged - A400 is shock and vibration resistant for rugged reliability when used in notebooks and other mobile computing devices. Multiple capacities - A400 is available in capacities of up to 1.92TB to suit anyone's needs. Ideal for desktops and notebooks - A400 comes in 2.5" 7mm and M.2 form factors to fit in a wide array of systems. It is ideal for thin and light notebooks with limited space. |
| Item Weight | 1.44 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Kingston Digital, Inc. |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 480 GB |
| Hardware Platform | Kingston |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | SA400S37/480G |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Mobile Computing Devices |
| Product Dimensions | 3.94 x 0.28 x 2.75 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | SATA 3 GB/s |
| Computer Memory Type | Unknown |
| Hard Drive Interface | SATA 3 GB/s |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.94 x 0.28 x 2.75 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 480 GB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users bought this SSD to revive sluggish older computers, and it generally delivers on that promise, making systems feel much faster than with a traditional hard drive. However, the lack of a DRAM cache is a recurring point of concern, with some reporting performance dips under heavier loads or when the drive fills up. Installation is often described as straightforward, leading to quick boot times and snappier application launches. There are mixed reports on long-term reliability, with some drives lasting years and others failing prematurely.
“Dude, my ancient laptop was basically a paperweight, but I slapped this Kingston in there and now it actually starts up in seconds! It's not a speed demon for my big video files, but for just browsing and documents, it's like a whole new machine, totally worth it for the price.”
Common Praise
- Old laptops boot up and load programs much faster, making them usable again.
- Installation is quick and easy, even for those new to hardware upgrades.
- The drive is silent and generates less heat than a mechanical hard drive.
- Offers a noticeable performance upgrade for the price point.
Common Complaints
- Performance can degrade significantly when the drive is nearly full or during sustained write operations.
- Some users experienced drive failures after a relatively short period of use.
- It's not as fast as other SATA SSDs that cost a bit more, especially those with DRAM.
- The reported TBW endurance might not align with actual wear shown by monitoring software.
Ownership Tips
- After a few months, the initial 'wow' factor of speed over an HDD remains, but the drive can feel less snappy if you're constantly moving large files.
- Monitoring tools might show higher wear than expected, which can be a bit concerning for long-term endurance.
- The drive stays cool and quiet, which is a welcome change from noisy, hot hard drives.
- If you keep it as a boot drive with plenty of free space, the performance holds up for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this SSD work in my old laptop?
Yes, if your laptop uses a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive, this SSD should be compatible. Its 7mm thickness is standard for most laptops.
How much faster will my computer be with this SSD?
You'll see a dramatic improvement in boot times, application loading, and file transfers compared to a traditional hard drive. Many users report their old computers feeling 'usable' again.
Is this SSD good for gaming?
For loading games, it will be much faster than an HDD. However, for very demanding games with constant asset streaming or for heavy multitasking during gaming, a DRAM-less SSD might show some performance limitations compared to higher-end drives.
Does this drive come with cloning software?
The product specifications do not mention included cloning software. You would likely need to use third-party software for migrating your operating system.
What is the lifespan of this SSD?
Kingston specifies a Terabytes Written (TBW) endurance of 160 TB for the 480GB model. However, some users have observed higher wear percentages than expected for the amount of data written.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at SSDs, you're mostly trying to ditch the slow, clunky hard drive experience. This means faster boot-ups, quicker app launches, and generally a more responsive computer. You need to consider how much space you actually need for your operating system and programs, and whether your computer can even use the faster NVMe drives or if you're limited to SATA. Don't overspend on extreme speeds if your main goal is just to get rid of a spinning disk.
Capacity (480GB)
This is how much stuff you can store. 480GB is enough for your operating system, essential software, and a decent amount of personal files. Think of it like the size of your closet – enough for your daily outfits and some extras, but not your entire wardrobe.
Interface (SATA 3)
This is how the SSD connects to your computer and determines its maximum theoretical speed. SATA 3 is the standard for 2.5-inch SSDs, offering speeds up to 6Gb/s. It's like the road your car drives on; a faster road (like PCIe for NVMe) lets cars go faster, but SATA 3 is still a huge upgrade from a dirt road (HDD).
Read/Write Speed (500MB/s Read, 450MB/s Write)
These numbers tell you how fast the drive can get information (read) and save information (write). For everyday use, these speeds mean your computer feels snappy. If you're constantly moving huge files, higher numbers would be better, but for booting Windows or opening Chrome, these are plenty fast compared to an HDD.
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't quite fit, look for 2.5-inch SATA SSDs with a dedicated DRAM cache for more consistent performance under load, or if your system supports it, consider an NVMe SSD for significantly higher speeds.
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