Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5" Internal SSD SA400S37/240G - HDD Replacement for Increase Performance
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AI Verdict
This 240GB SATA 3 SSD offers up to 500MB/s read and 350MB/s write, but its DRAM-less design means performance drops significantly when over 25% full.
This 240GB SSD is a situational fit, primarily serving as a significant speed upgrade for systems still running mechanical hard drives. Its 500MB/s read speed provides a noticeable boost for boot times and application loading. However, its DRAM-less architecture and reported performance degradation when over 25% full mean it's not suitable for demanding tasks or as a primary drive where consistent performance is critical.
If you need more consistent performance, look for an SSD with a DRAM cache, often indicated by higher sustained write speeds and a slightly higher price point.
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Pros
- Dramatically improves system responsiveness with faster boot, loading, and file transfer times compared to mechanical hard drives.
- Rated for up to 500MB/s read and 350MB/s write speeds, making it 10x faster than a traditional HDD for initial performance.
- Features a 2.5-inch, 7mm form factor, fitting into a wide array of systems including slimmer notebooks.
- Built with flash memory, offering shock and vibration resistance for enhanced durability compared to hard drives.
- Operates cooler and quieter than traditional hard drives due to the absence of moving parts.
- Many users report easy installation and setup, making it accessible for system upgrades.
Cons
- Performance degrades significantly, with speeds becoming 'ridiculously slow' once the drive is filled beyond 25% of its 240GB capacity.
- Lacks a DRAM cache, which contributes to performance issues, especially under sustained loads or when the drive is not empty.
- Reported instances of inconsistent quality, including DOA units and failures within a year of light use.
- Some users experience data corruption, disk problems, and random system flickers.
- Firmware issues have been reported, particularly for Linux users, leading to freezes and read-only filesystem lockups, with no official Linux update path.
Dimension Scores
While initial speeds are up to 500MB/s read and 350MB/s write, performance degrades significantly when the drive is over 25% full, dropping to as low as 120kB/s in some reported cases.
User feedback indicates inconsistent quality, with reports of units failing within a year, controller firmware damage, and data corruption, despite a 1 million hour MTBF.
The 240GB capacity is standard for an entry-level boot drive or for light application storage, but it quickly becomes a bottleneck due to performance drops when partially filled.
The 2.5-inch SATA 3 form factor ensures broad compatibility with both desktops and laptops, including older systems.
Best For
- Breathing new life into an old laptop or desktop that currently uses a mechanical hard drive.
- Use as a dedicated boot drive for a lightweight operating system and essential applications.
- Budget-conscious users needing a basic storage upgrade for very light workloads.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring consistent high-speed performance for large file transfers or heavy multitasking.
- Primary drive for Linux systems due to reported firmware update difficulties and stability issues.
- Applications involving frequent writes or where the drive will consistently be more than 25% full.
Watch Out For
- Performance can drop from 500MB/s read to as low as 370MB/s after just 4 months of use, even when only 50% full.
- The 240GB model has an endurance rating of 80TBW, which is lower than many alternatives, potentially impacting lifespan under heavier use.
- Some users report the SSD literally freezing, with read speeds plummeting to 120kB/s due to firmware bugs.
- Technicians report a high return rate for the 240GB A400 due to 'very low speeds,' 'controller firmware damaged,' and 'areas impossible to be read/write.'
Full Specifications
| RAM | 240 GB |
| ASIN | B01N5IB20Q |
| Brand | Kingston |
| Color | Black |
| Series | A400 Series |
| Language | English |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Hard Drive | 240 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 1.44 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Kingston Digital, Inc. |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Flash Memory Size | 240 GB |
| Hardware Platform | laptop |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | SA400S37/240G |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.94 x 0.28 x 2.75 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA |
| Computer Memory Type | Unknown |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.94 x 0.28 x 2.75 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 240 GB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users bought this SSD to revive older systems, and it generally delivers a noticeable speed boost over mechanical hard drives, especially for boot times and basic application loading. However, a recurring and significant complaint is the drastic performance drop once the drive starts to fill up, often cited as early as 25% capacity. There are also reports of inconsistent reliability, with some drives failing prematurely or experiencing firmware-related issues, particularly for Linux users.
“Look, it made my old laptop boot way faster, but now it's got like 70GB left and it feels sluggish again, what gives? I just wanted something cheap to get by.”
Common Praise
- System boots up much faster, cutting down from minutes to seconds.
- Applications load noticeably quicker than with a hard drive.
- Installation is straightforward and easy for most users.
- Old laptops become 'usable' or 'like a super fast new computer' after the upgrade.
- Quiet operation and less heat generated compared to HDDs.
Common Complaints
- Drive becomes 'ridiculously slow' when it's more than 25% full.
- Experienced random freezes, read-only filesystem errors, and extremely low read speeds (e.g., 120kB/s).
- Some units failed within a year or arrived dead on arrival.
- Reports of data corruption and Windows attempting disk repairs.
- Kingston support is unhelpful for Linux users regarding firmware issues.
Ownership Tips
- The initial 'wow' factor of speed improvement over an HDD fades as the drive fills up.
- Monitoring the drive's fill level is crucial to maintain acceptable performance.
- If using Linux, be aware of potential firmware issues and the lack of official update tools.
- Back up important data regularly, as some users report unexpected failures and data corruption.
- The 3-year warranty is a safety net, but dealing with an RMA can be slow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD faster than a traditional hard drive?
Yes, the Kingston A400 offers up to 500MB/s read and 350MB/s write speeds, making it significantly faster for booting, loading applications, and file transfers compared to a mechanical hard drive.
Can I use this SSD in my laptop?
Yes, with its 2.5-inch, 7mm form factor, this SSD is compatible with most laptops and desktops that support SATA drives.
What happens if the drive gets full?
User reports indicate that performance can severely degrade once the drive is filled beyond 25% of its capacity, becoming noticeably slower.
Does this SSD have a DRAM cache?
No, the Kingston A400 is a DRAM-less SSD, which is a contributing factor to its lower cost but also to its performance inconsistencies, especially when handling many small files or when the drive is heavily utilized.
What is the expected lifespan of this SSD?
The 240GB model has a Total Bytes Written (TBW) endurance rating of 80TB and a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1 million hours, backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an SSD, you're mainly thinking about speed and how much stuff you can put on it. This Kingston A400 is a basic SSD, meaning it's way faster than those old spinning hard drives, especially for starting up your computer. But here's the catch: it doesn't have a special 'cache' memory, so if you load it up with too much data, it gets slow, like really slow. Think of it like a highway that gets jammed when too many cars get on it.
Capacity (240GB)
This is how much data you can store. 240GB is enough for your operating system and a handful of programs, but it fills up fast, and with this drive, filling it up means it slows down significantly. It's like having a small backpack; you can only carry so much before it gets heavy and hard to move.
Interface (SATA 3)
This is how the SSD connects to your computer. SATA 3 is the standard connection for most older and many newer desktops and laptops, offering speeds up to 6Gb/s. This means it's compatible with a lot of machines, but it's not the fastest connection available today.
Read/Write Speed (500MB/s / 350MB/s)
These numbers tell you how fast the drive can open (read) and save (write) files. While 500MB/s read is fast for a SATA drive, the 'up to' part is key here. Real-world performance, especially when the drive is used, can be much lower due to its design.
Alternatives
If you need consistent performance even when the drive is nearly full, look for SSDs with a DRAM cache. For even faster speeds, search for NVMe SSDs, but ensure your motherboard supports them.
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