Transcend MSA230 128GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 550MB/s, Mini SATA III 6G/s Internal Solid State Drive for Ultrabook/Desktop/Tablet/PC/GPS/Server, 3D TLC NAND Flash, LDPC Error Correction, ECC
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AI Verdict
A 128GB mSATA SATA III SSD with 550MB/s read and 400MB/s write, best for breathing life into older ultrabooks or as a secondary drive.
This 128GB mSATA SSD is a situational fit because its mSATA form factor and SATA III interface are specific to older devices needing a performance boost. While it offers up to 550MB/s read speeds and includes a DRAM cache, its small capacity and the mSATA standard's obsolescence limit its appeal to niche upgrade scenarios.
If you need more capacity or a modern interface, look for an M.2 SATA or NVMe SSD with at least 500GB storage.
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Pros
- Achieves sequential read speeds up to 550 MB/s and write speeds up to 400 MB/s over SATA III 6Gb/s.
- Includes a DDR3 DRAM cache to accelerate data access and improve system responsiveness.
- Utilizes 3D TLC NAND flash memory, enhancing storage density and durability.
- Features Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) error correction for data integrity and extended lifespan.
- Its compact mSATA form factor is one-eighth the size of a standard 2.5" SSD, fitting space-constrained devices.
- Offers a 2,000,000 hour Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), indicating long-term operational stability.
Cons
- The 128GB capacity is small for primary storage in modern systems, especially for large applications or media.
- mSATA is an obsolete standard, making future upgrades or finding compatible devices challenging.
- Some older systems might limit mSATA drives to SATA II speeds, reducing the advertised 550MB/s performance.
- Users report occasional compatibility issues with older systems, sometimes requiring specific drivers or BIOS updates.
- Not suitable for high-performance users like gamers or content creators who need faster data transfer rates.
Dimension Scores
The 550MB/s read and 400MB/s write speeds are typical for a SATA III SSD, but not top-tier compared to NVMe drives.
Features like 3D TLC NAND, LDPC error correction, and a 2,000,000 hour MTBF contribute to above-average reliability for its class.
128GB is a very small capacity for modern primary storage, limiting its use to OS drives or specific niche applications.
While designed for mSATA slots, the mSATA form factor is obsolete, and some older systems may have compatibility issues or speed limitations.
Best For
- Upgrading an older ultrabook or laptop with an mSATA slot to improve boot times and application loading.
- Use as a dedicated OS drive in a system with a separate larger HDD for data storage.
- Revitalizing a tablet PC or slim server where space is a critical constraint.
- Systems requiring low power consumption for extended battery life.
Not Recommended For
- Gamers or content creators needing high-performance storage for large files and intensive tasks.
- New PC builds, as mSATA is an outdated form factor superseded by M.2 and NVMe.
- Users expecting to store extensive media libraries or numerous large applications on a single drive.
Watch Out For
- Some users noted occasional compatibility issues with older systems, which might need specific drivers or BIOS updates to function correctly.
- If used in an older laptop, the mSATA port itself might be limited to SATA II speeds, meaning you won't hit the advertised 550MB/s read speed.
- The 128GB capacity can wear out quickly if used as a primary OS drive with frequent writes, especially in older systems not optimized for SSDs.
- A few Amazon reviews for the 230S series mention the drive can get hot, potentially impacting longevity.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07GMD5R7M |
| Item Weight | 0.212 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Transcend Information |
| Release date | August 14, 2018 |
| Type of item | Personal Computers |
| Item model number | TS128GMSA230S |
| Product Dimensions | 2 x 0.19 x 1.18 inches; 0.21 ounces |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users upgrading older laptops or ultrabooks found this mSATA SSD to be a noticeable performance boost, particularly for boot times and general system responsiveness. The compact size is a recurring positive, allowing it to fit into devices where standard 2.5-inch SSDs wouldn't. However, the mSATA standard itself is a frequent point of discussion, with users acknowledging its obsolescence compared to newer M.2 or NVMe options. Some users also reported that older systems might not fully utilize the SATA III speeds, defaulting to slower SATA II.
“Needed something to speed up my old ThinkPad, and this little thing actually did it! Boot time went from forever to like 15 seconds, but man, 128GB is tiny, already almost full.”
Common Praise
- System boot times are significantly faster after installation.
- Applications launch much quicker than with a traditional hard drive.
- Its compact mSATA size fits perfectly into space-constrained devices.
- Low power consumption is appreciated, especially for portable devices.
- The drive uses 3D NAND flash, which users associate with better durability.
Common Complaints
- Compatibility issues with specific older systems, sometimes needing BIOS updates.
- Performance can be limited to SATA II speeds in some older mSATA slots.
- The 128GB capacity fills up quickly with modern software and user files.
- mSATA is an outdated form factor, making it harder to find compatible devices or future upgrades.
- Some users reported the drive getting warm during operation.
Ownership Tips
- The actual usable capacity is slightly less than 128GB due to formatting and system files.
- Performance can vary based on the host system's mSATA controller and drivers.
- Monitoring the drive's health with Transcend's SSD Scope software can help track wear-out indicators.
- For optimal performance, ensure your operating system is optimized for SSD usage after installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this SSD work in my laptop?
It will work if your laptop has an mSATA slot. Check your laptop's specifications or open it up to confirm the presence of an mSATA port.
Is mSATA the same as M.2?
No, mSATA and M.2 are different physical form factors and connectors. This drive is mSATA, which is an older standard compared to M.2.
Can I use this as my main operating system drive?
Yes, you can use it as your main OS drive, especially for older systems. However, the 128GB capacity is small, and frequent writes might wear it out faster than larger drives.
What kind of speed can I expect?
You can expect sequential read speeds up to 550 MB/s and write speeds up to 400 MB/s if your system supports SATA III 6Gb/s. Older systems might limit it to SATA II speeds.
Does this SSD have a DRAM cache?
Yes, it includes a DDR3 DRAM cache, which helps improve data access speeds and overall system responsiveness.
Buying Guide
When looking at an mSATA SSD like this, you're usually trying to upgrade an older device. You need to confirm your device actually has an mSATA slot, not an M.2 slot, as they look similar but are incompatible. Don't expect the same speeds as newer NVMe drives; this is a SATA III drive, which is still much faster than an old hard drive. Also, consider the capacity carefully, as 128GB fills up fast if it's your only drive.
mSATA Form Factor
This refers to the physical size and connector type. It's a small, rectangular card that plugs directly into a motherboard, typically found in older laptops and mini PCs. It's different from the more common 2.5-inch SSDs or newer M.2 drives.
SATA III 6Gb/s Interface
This is the connection standard that determines the maximum theoretical speed. '6Gb/s' means it can transfer data at up to 6 gigabits per second, which translates to about 550MB/s in real-world sequential speeds. It's faster than older SATA II but slower than NVMe.
DRAM Cache
Think of DRAM cache as a small, super-fast scratchpad for the SSD's controller. It helps the SSD manage data more efficiently, especially with many small files, making the drive feel snappier and improving overall responsiveness, like a quick-access memory for your storage.
3D TLC NAND Flash
This describes the type of memory cells used to store data. '3D' means the cells are stacked vertically, allowing for higher density. 'TLC' (Triple-Level Cell) means each cell stores three bits of data. It offers a good balance of cost, capacity, and performance for consumer SSDs.
Alternatives
If your device supports it, look for an M.2 SATA SSD for a similar form factor with broader compatibility, or an M.2 NVMe SSD for significantly faster speeds if your motherboard has an NVMe slot.
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