KingSpec NT Series 128GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD - Not Compatible with NVMe Socket, Sata 3 6Gb/s Internal Solid State Drive, for Ultrabook & Laptop & Desktop
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AI Verdict
A 128GB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD with 570 MB/s read and 540 MB/s write speeds, only for specific budget-constrained M.2 SATA slots.
This 128GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD is a specific fit for older systems or niche applications that explicitly require its form factor and SATA interface. Its limited capacity and reported reliability issues make it unsuitable for general-purpose use or modern systems.
If you need more storage or faster speeds, look for an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD with at least 500GB capacity and PCIe Gen3 or Gen4 interface.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 570 MB/s and write speeds up to 540 MB/s are 5x faster than traditional HDDs.
- The M.2 2242 form factor is compact for ultrabooks and mini PCs.
- Includes advanced features like S.M.A.R.T, Wear-Leveling, and TRIM for drive health management.
- The price point is very low, making it accessible for minimal upgrades.
Cons
- 128GB capacity is very limited for modern operating systems and applications.
- Requires an M.2 slot that specifically supports SATA protocol, not NVMe, leading to common compatibility issues.
- Some users report the drive throttling and showing fake S.M.A.R.T data after 60 seconds of use.
- Reports of drives failing within a few months of light use exist.
- The controller (INIC-1608) is a basic model, and the 3D NAND flash brand is not specified.
Dimension Scores
Sequential speeds up to 570 MB/s read and 540 MB/s write are competitive for a SATA III SSD, but far slower than NVMe alternatives.
User reports mention throttling after 60 seconds and drives failing within months, indicating inconsistent long-term stability.
128GB is a very small capacity for most modern computing needs, barely enough for an OS and a few applications.
It's compatible with M.2 SATA 2242 slots as specified, but the frequent user confusion with NVMe slots is a significant practical hurdle.
Best For
- Older ultrabooks or laptops with an M.2 2242 SATA slot needing a small OS drive upgrade.
- Mini PCs or embedded systems requiring a compact, low-capacity SATA SSD.
- Users on an extremely tight budget needing a basic storage solution for non-critical data.
Not Recommended For
- Any system with only NVMe M.2 slots, as it will not be detected.
- Users needing significant storage for games, large applications, or extensive media libraries.
- Anyone prioritizing long-term data integrity or consistent high performance.
Watch Out For
- The drive will not work in M.2 slots that only support NVMe protocol, despite fitting physically.
- Some users report the drive's performance drops due to throttling after about 60 seconds of continuous use.
- There are user reports of the drive failing completely in less than two months.
- A 2021 video documented 3 out of 6 KingSpec M.2 NVMe SSDs failing within a month, raising general reliability concerns for the brand.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07CJF384F |
| Brand | KingSpec |
| Color | black |
| Series | NT |
| Voltage | 3.3 Volts |
| Hard Drive | 128 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.317 ounces |
| Manufacturer | KingSpec |
| Special Feature | Native Command Queue, Over - Supply, S.m.a.r.t and coils, Waste collection, Wear Balancing |
| Flash Memory Size | 128 GB |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | NT-128 2242 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Product Dimensions | 1.65 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 | 2242 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.65 x 0.87 x 0.14 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
The most common issue users run into is mistaking this M.2 SATA drive for an NVMe one, leading to frustrating installation failures because it simply won't be detected in NVMe-only slots. When it does work in the correct M.2 SATA 2242 slot, some users report acceptable speeds for the price, especially for older systems. However, there are concerning reports about the drive throttling after short periods of activity and some units failing entirely within a few months of use. This suggests a trade-off between its low cost and potential longevity or consistent performance.
“Man, I bought this for my old Lenovo and it just wouldn't show up, turns out my slot was NVMe only even though it fit! Had to return it, what a headache. Make sure you check your manual first, seriously.”
Common Praise
- The drive offers acceptable sequential read and write speeds compared to other SATA SSDs.
- It's a very low-priced option for expanding storage in compatible devices.
- The 2242 form factor is ideal for compact laptops and mini PCs.
- Some users experienced good speeds and temperatures, even without additional cooling.
Common Complaints
- Many users mistakenly purchase it for NVMe-only M.2 slots, resulting in incompatibility.
- Reports of the drive throttling and speed dropping after about 60 seconds of use.
- Several users experienced drive failures within a short period, some under two months.
- Concerns about the use of a basic controller and an unspecified brand of NAND flash memory.
Ownership Tips
- The drive's performance can be inconsistent, with some users noticing speed drops during sustained transfers.
- Confirming M.2 SATA compatibility is absolutely critical before buying; don't just assume it will work if it fits.
- For some, it works perfectly as a cheap boot drive in specific older machines, but others face immediate failure.
- The actual usable capacity after formatting is closer to 119GB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an NVMe SSD?
No, this is an M.2 SATA III SSD, not NVMe. It uses the SATA III protocol and will not work in NVMe-only M.2 slots.
What kind of M.2 slot do I need for this SSD?
You need an M.2 slot that supports SATA SSDs. It works in both B Key and M Key slots that support the SATA protocol. Always check your device's manual.
What are the maximum read and write speeds?
It offers sequential read speeds up to 570 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 540 MB/s.
Is this compatible with Apple MacBooks or iMacs?
No, the product explicitly states it is not compatible with Macbook/iMac devices.
Can I use this as my main operating system drive?
While technically possible, 128GB is very small for a modern operating system and applications, leaving little room for user files. It's better suited for very light OS installations or specific embedded uses.
Buying Guide
When looking at M.2 SSDs, you need to know two main things: the 'keying' (B-key, M-key, or B+M key) and the 'protocol' (SATA or NVMe). This KingSpec is an M.2 SATA drive, meaning it needs an M.2 slot that specifically supports SATA. If your laptop or desktop only has an M.2 slot for NVMe drives, this won't work, even if it physically fits. Always check your device's manual to confirm the M.2 slot's protocol support.
Capacity (128GB)
This is how much data you can store. 128GB is pretty small; think of it like a tiny closet. It's enough for a basic operating system and maybe one or two small programs, but you'll quickly run out of space if you store many files, games, or large applications.
Interface (SATA III 6Gb/s)
This is the connection type and how fast data can travel. SATA III is the older, slower standard for SSDs, like a two-lane road. Newer NVMe drives use the PCIe interface, which is like a superhighway, offering much faster speeds. This drive is SATA, so it won't hit those superhighway speeds.
Form Factor (M.2 2242)
This refers to the physical size of the SSD. '2242' means it's 22mm wide and 42mm long. This is a shorter M.2 size, often found in older or more compact devices. Most modern M.2 slots are designed for longer '2280' drives, so make sure your slot can accommodate a 2242 drive.
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't fit your needs, look for M.2 NVMe SSDs for significantly faster performance, or larger capacity M.2 SATA SSDs if your system only supports SATA but you need more space.
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