Patriot Burst Elite 120GB Internal SSD - SATA 3 2.5" - Solid State Drive - PBE120GS25SSDR
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AI Verdict
This 120GB SATA III 2.5-inch SSD with QLC NAND is for basic system upgrades or light secondary storage, not heavy data transfers.
This 120GB SATA III SSD is a situational fit, primarily serving as a minimal upgrade for very old systems or for specific, light-duty secondary storage needs. Its 2.5-inch form factor and SATA interface ensure broad compatibility, but the limited capacity and DRAM-less QLC NAND restrict its utility for anything beyond basic tasks.
If you need more than 120GB or consistent performance for daily use, look for SSDs with TLC NAND and a DRAM cache, or consider an NVMe drive if your motherboard supports it.
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Pros
- Uses the 2.5-inch form factor, compatible with many desktops and older laptops.
- Features a SATA III 6Gb/s interface, backward compatible with SATA II 3Gb/s systems.
- Includes Static and Dynamic Wear Leveling, Bad Block Management, and Low Power Management for drive longevity.
- Rated for 50TBW endurance, indicating its write durability.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty.
Cons
- The 120GB capacity is very limited for modern operating systems and applications.
- Utilizes QLC NAND, which generally offers lower endurance and performance compared to TLC or MLC.
- It's a DRAM-less drive, which can lead to significant performance degradation during sustained write operations.
- Reported write speeds of 320MB/s (ATTO) are below what many SATA SSDs achieve.
- User tests show actual write speeds can drop significantly lower than advertised during large file transfers.
Dimension Scores
Advertised read speeds of 450MB/s are average for SATA, but reported write speeds of 320MB/s and significant drops during sustained transfers are below category average.
While some users report good longevity for light use, the QLC NAND and DRAM-less design are generally less reliable for heavy workloads compared to other SSD types, though it has a 50TBW rating.
120GB is a very small capacity for modern operating systems and applications, making it a weak fit for most primary storage needs.
The 2.5-inch form factor and SATA III 6Gb/s interface offer broad compatibility with most desktops and many laptops.
Best For
- Revitalizing an old desktop or laptop with a slow hard drive for basic tasks like web browsing and email.
- Boot drive for a lightweight Linux distribution or older Windows versions.
- Secondary storage for small, infrequently accessed files or documents.
- Budget-constrained system builds where any SSD is an upgrade over an HDD.
Not Recommended For
- Primary drive for gaming or professional applications requiring fast load times and frequent writes.
- Users who regularly transfer large files or work with video editing.
- Systems needing significant storage capacity for multiple applications or large media libraries.
- Anyone expecting sustained high-speed performance for demanding workloads.
Watch Out For
- The 120GB capacity fills up extremely fast; one user mentioned their 120GB SSD is rated for 50TBW and they've already done 8TB, but health is still 100%.
- Sustained write speeds can drop dramatically after a few GBs, with one test showing it falling to 24.4 MB/s.
- Being a DRAM-less QLC drive means performance will suffer noticeably with heavy usage, not just on paper.
- Some users report the 'Elite' branding is misleading for an entry-level drive.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08LKMQ9T4 |
| Brand | Patriot Memory |
| Color | black / black |
| Series | Burst Elite |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Hard Drive | 120 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.353 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Patriot Memory |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Flash Memory Size | 120 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | PBE120GS25SSDR |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.94 x 2.76 x 0.28 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.94 x 2.76 x 0.28 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 120 GB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 |
What Buyers Say
People are mostly picking this up because it's cheap, not because it's a performance beast. The big takeaway from user feedback is that while it'll get your old machine booting faster than a hard drive, don't expect miracles, especially with big files. Several users on Reddit pointed out the irony of the 'Elite' name for what's clearly an entry-level, DRAM-less QLC drive. The performance really takes a hit when you try to move anything substantial, with one test showing write speeds plummeting to 24.4 MB/s after a few gigabytes. It's definitely a 'you get what you pay for' situation.
“Man, I just needed something to get my old laptop off that spinning rust, and this did the trick for like twenty bucks, but don't even think about putting your whole Steam library on it, it'll choke.”
Common Praise
- Makes older computers feel much faster compared to an HDD.
- Easy to install in compatible systems.
- Price point is very appealing for budget builds or upgrades.
- Some users report it lasting for several years with light usage.
Common Complaints
- Write speeds drop significantly during large file transfers.
- The 120GB capacity fills up too quickly for many users.
- Performance is not comparable to higher-end SSDs due to DRAM-less QLC design.
- The 'Elite' branding feels misleading for its entry-level performance.
Ownership Tips
- The initial speed boost is noticeable, but don't try to copy a 20GB game file, it'll crawl after the first few GBs.
- You'll be constantly managing storage if this is your only drive, 120GB disappears fast with Windows and a couple of apps.
- It runs cool and quiet, which is expected for any SSD, but worth noting if you're replacing a noisy HDD.
- For a basic boot drive, it holds up, but don't expect it to feel like a premium NVMe drive, ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of NAND flash does this SSD use?
This SSD uses QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND flash memory.
Is this SSD suitable for a laptop?
Yes, its 2.5-inch form factor makes it suitable for many laptops that use SATA drives.
What are the typical read and write speeds?
Patriot advertises sequential read speeds of up to 450MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 320MB/s (ATTO).
Does this SSD have a DRAM cache?
No, the Patriot Burst Elite is a DRAM-less SSD, utilizing an SMI SM2259XT controller.
What is the warranty period for this drive?
The Patriot Burst Elite 120GB SSD comes with a 3-year warranty.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an internal SSD like this, you need to think about what you're actually going to put on it. For a 120GB drive, you're mostly looking at a system drive for your operating system and maybe a few essential programs. Don't expect to store your entire photo collection or a bunch of modern games on it. The biggest thing to understand is that not all SSDs are created equal, and budget drives often cut corners in ways that affect performance, especially over time or with heavy use.
Capacity (120 GB)
This is how much data the drive can hold, like a digital closet. 120GB is pretty small; your operating system alone can take up 20-30GB, leaving little room for anything else. Think of it like a small carry-on bag – only for essentials.
Interface (SATA 3 6Gb/s)
This is the connection type to your computer's motherboard, like the road your data travels on. SATA 3 is a common, older standard, offering speeds up to 600MB/s. It's like a two-lane highway; faster than a dirt road (HDD) but not as fast as a superhighway (NVMe).
Drive Type (Solid State Drive)
Unlike traditional hard drives with spinning platters, SSDs use flash memory, making them much faster and more durable because there are no moving parts. It's the difference between reading a book from a physical page (HDD) and having it instantly appear on a screen (SSD).
Form Factor (2.5 Inches)
This refers to the physical size and shape of the drive. A 2.5-inch drive is standard for laptops and can fit into desktop drive bays, ensuring it physically fits into your computer. It's like choosing the right size battery for your device.
Alternatives
If 120GB isn't enough, look for drives with 240GB or 500GB capacity. For better sustained performance, search for SSDs that specify TLC NAND and include a DRAM cache, or consider NVMe SSDs if your system supports the M.2 slot.
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