Silicon Power 128GB A55 M.2 SSD (SLC Cache For Speed Boost) SATA III Internal Solid State Drive 2280 (SU128GBSS3A55M28AB)
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AI Verdict
This 128GB M.2 SATA III drive is a budget boot drive for older systems or light tasks, not for performance-critical applications.
This drive is a situational fit because its 128GB capacity and SATA III interface are limiting for most current uses, but it can be a cost-effective upgrade for specific older systems or as a dedicated boot drive. The M.2 2280 form factor is a plus for compact devices.
If you need more speed or capacity, look for an M.2 NVMe SSD with a DRAM cache and at least 250GB capacity.
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Pros
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits ultrabooks, tablet computers, and mini PCs.
- Includes free-download SSD Health Monitor Tool (SP Toolbox Software).
- Uses TLC NAND flash with SLC Cache Technology for temporary speed boosts.
- Backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
- Operates at low temperatures, with user-reported temps never exceeding 48°C during benchmarks.
Cons
- Frequently uses a DRAM-less controller, impacting sustained write performance.
- Components (controller, NAND) can change between production batches, leading to inconsistent performance.
- 128GB capacity is very small for modern operating systems and applications, especially for video editing.
- SATA III interface limits speeds significantly compared to NVMe M.2 drives, which can be 14x faster.
- Some users report issues with SMART data not matching serial numbers on the label, which is problematic for tracking.
Dimension Scores
The SATA III interface limits theoretical speeds to around 550 MB/s, and the frequent absence of a DRAM cache means sustained write speeds are below average for SSDs.
It has a 3-year warranty and uses TLC NAND, but component variability and some reports of SMART data inconsistencies slightly temper confidence.
128GB is a very small capacity for most modern computing needs, making it suitable only for very specific, light-duty applications or as a boot drive.
The M.2 2280 form factor is widely supported in ultrabooks, tablets, and mini PCs, and SATA M.2 is still found in many older systems.
Best For
- Boot drive for older laptops or desktops with M.2 SATA slots.
- Light-duty tasks like running a basic OS (e.g., VMware ESXi, FreeNAS, pfSense).
- Secondary storage for small, frequently accessed files on a budget machine.
- Replacing a slow hard drive in an older system for faster boot times.
Not Recommended For
- Primary drive for modern gaming PCs or workstations.
- Heavy data transfer, large file editing (like 4K video), or database applications.
- Users who need consistent, high sustained write speeds.
Watch Out For
- The internal components (controller, NAND) can vary by batch, meaning the performance you get might differ from reviews or other users.
- Despite 'SLC Cache For Speed Boost' in the name, this drive is often DRAM-less, causing sustained write speeds to drop significantly after the small SLC cache fills up.
- 128GB is a tight squeeze for Windows 10/11 and a few applications; you'll likely run out of space quickly.
- Some users have reported that the serial number in SMART data doesn't match the physical label, which complicates inventory or warranty claims.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B079X7K6VP |
| Brand | SP Silicon Power |
| Color | 128GB |
| Series | A55 |
| Hard Drive | 128 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.288 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Silicon Power imports |
| Special Feature | TRIM Support |
| Flash Memory Size | 128 MB |
| Hardware Platform | PC, laptop |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | SU128GBSS3A55M28AB |
| Compatible Devices | Tablet |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.14 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2280 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.14 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | M.2 SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
The biggest takeaway from user feedback is the inconsistent internal hardware; what you get in one batch might not be what someone else got, especially regarding the controller and DRAM cache. Many users bought this drive purely for its low cost, often for under $35, and found it adequate for basic boot drive duties. Performance is generally considered acceptable for an OS drive, but don't expect it to compete with NVMe drives. The included SP Toolbox software is a minor plus for monitoring drive health.
“Look, I just needed something cheap to get Windows off my old hard drive, and this did the trick, but don't try to install too much on it, it's tiny!”
Common Praise
- Easy installation into M.2 slots in laptops and mini PCs.
- Noticeably faster boot times compared to traditional hard drives.
- Low price point makes it a cost-effective upgrade for older systems.
- Runs cool, with reported temperatures staying below 48°C during use.
Common Complaints
- Sustained write speeds drop significantly after the SLC cache is full due to the DRAM-less design.
- The 128GB capacity fills up very quickly, especially with a modern OS and a few applications.
- Performance is limited by the SATA III interface, not comparable to NVMe drives.
- Concerns about component 'lottery' where different batches have different controllers/NAND.
Ownership Tips
- The drive works best as a dedicated OS drive; trying to store many applications or large files will quickly exhaust its capacity.
- Initial speeds are fine, but copying large files reveals the performance limitations of a DRAM-less SATA drive.
- The M.2 form factor is convenient for systems with limited space, but ensure your slot supports SATA, not just NVMe.
- Keep an eye on available space, as 128GB fills up faster than you'd think with system updates and temporary files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an NVMe SSD?
No, this is an M.2 SATA III SSD. While it uses the M.2 form factor, it communicates over the slower SATA interface, not the faster NVMe (PCIe) protocol.
Does this SSD have a DRAM cache?
Many reviews and user reports indicate that this specific 128GB model often comes without a dedicated DRAM cache, or uses a controller with only a small embedded SDRAM. This means sustained write performance will be lower after the SLC cache is exhausted.
Can I use this in my laptop?
If your laptop has an M.2 slot that supports SATA III SSDs, then yes, it should be compatible. Always check your laptop's specifications to confirm M.2 SATA support.
What kind of speeds can I expect?
You can expect speeds typical of a SATA III SSD, which are generally around 500-550 MB/s for sequential reads and writes. However, sustained write speeds may drop significantly due to the lack of a dedicated DRAM cache.
Is 128GB enough for Windows and some games?
128GB is very small for a modern Windows installation plus games. You'll likely fill it up quickly, making it more suitable for just the operating system and essential applications, or as a secondary drive.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at M.2 SSDs, it's super important to know if it's SATA or NVMe. This drive is SATA, which means it's much slower than NVMe drives, even though they might look the same physically. Think of it like comparing a highway to a country road; both get you there, but one is way faster. This 128GB capacity is really only for your operating system and maybe one or two small programs, not for your entire game library or big projects.
Interface: Serial ATA-600 (SATA III)
This is the connection standard. SATA III has a theoretical maximum speed of 600 MB/s. Many M.2 drives use NVMe (PCIe), which is a much faster standard, like comparing a bicycle to a sports car. This drive is the bicycle.
Form Factor: M.2 2280
This describes the physical size of the drive: 22mm wide and 80mm long. It's a common size for laptops and mini PCs, but just because it fits doesn't mean your M.2 slot supports SATA; some only support NVMe.
Capacity: 128 GB
This is how much data the drive can hold. 128GB is quite small for today's standards. A Windows operating system can take up 30-50GB, leaving very little room for applications, documents, or games. It's like a small lunchbox, not a picnic basket.
SLC Cache Technology
This is a trick SSDs use to make writes seem faster initially. A small portion of the TLC NAND acts like faster SLC NAND. Once this small cache is full, write speeds drop to the slower native TLC speeds, which can be noticeable during large file transfers.
Alternatives
If you need significantly faster speeds, look for M.2 NVMe drives. If you need more storage for a similar price, consider a 2.5-inch SATA SSD with a larger capacity.
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