TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 1TB SLC Cache 3D NAND QLC 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive SSD (R/W Speed up to 550/470 MB/s) T253TY001T0C101
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 1TB, 2.5-inch SATA III SSD with 550/470 MB/s sequential speeds and QLC NAND is for budget-conscious users upgrading from an HDD.
This 1TB SATA III SSD is a practical choice for breathing new life into older systems still running on mechanical hard drives, thanks to its 2.5-inch form factor and 550/470 MB/s speeds. However, its QLC NAND and DRAM-less design mean it's not suited for demanding, sustained write operations or as a primary drive in a performance-critical setup.
If you need better sustained performance and durability, look for SATA SSDs that explicitly state TLC NAND and include a DRAM cache, or consider an NVMe SSD if your system supports it.
Regret Score™
Low RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Offers 1TB of storage capacity for games and files.
- Achieves sequential read speeds up to 550 MB/s, significantly faster than traditional hard drives.
- Features a 2.5-inch form factor, ensuring broad compatibility with older laptops and desktops.
- Includes S.M.A.R.T. technology and TRIM support for optimized performance and monitoring.
- Built with ECC and Wear-Leveling technology to enhance data reliability and lifespan.
- Designed to be shock-resistant and vibration-resistant, reducing noise compared to HDDs.
Cons
- Utilizes QLC NAND, which typically has lower endurance and slower sustained write speeds than TLC NAND.
- Lacks a dedicated DRAM cache, potentially leading to performance degradation during heavy, sustained write operations.
- Sequential write speed of 470 MB/s is on the lower end for SATA III SSDs.
- SATA III interface is limited to approximately 600 MB/s, making it slower than NVMe alternatives.
Dimension Scores
The 550/470 MB/s sequential speeds are typical for a budget SATA III SSD, offering a substantial upgrade over HDDs but not pushing the SATA interface limit.
While it includes S.M.A.R.T., TRIM, ECC, and Wear-Leveling, the DRAM-less QLC architecture raises concerns about sustained performance and long-term endurance under heavy use.
1TB is a widely useful capacity, offering ample space for an operating system, applications, and a substantial game library for many users.
The 2.5-inch SATA III form factor ensures near-universal compatibility with a vast range of older laptops, desktops, and even some gaming consoles.
Best For
- Upgrading an aging laptop or desktop currently using a mechanical hard drive.
- Adding secondary storage for game libraries where loading times are prioritized over constant large file transfers.
- Users on a strict budget needing a capacity boost and speed improvement over an HDD.
Not Recommended For
- Primary drive in a high-performance gaming PC or workstation build.
- Professional users performing frequent, large file transfers or video editing.
- Anyone needing top-tier sustained write performance and maximum drive longevity.
Watch Out For
- The DRAM-less design means performance can drop significantly during heavy, sustained write tasks, as the drive relies on slower NAND for mapping tables.
- QLC NAND generally has lower write endurance (TBW) compared to TLC or MLC, potentially shortening its lifespan under heavy write workloads.
- Some users have reported concerns regarding inconsistent performance or durability over time, which could be linked to its budget-oriented architecture.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CYFSR463 |
| Brand | TEAMGROUP |
| Color | Black |
| Series | VULCAN Z QLC |
| Hard Drive | 4 TB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 1.59 ounces |
| Manufacturer | TEAMGROUP |
| Special Feature | Dust Resistant |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | T253TY001T0C101 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Gaming Console, Laptop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.94 x 27.52 x 3.94 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.94 x 27.52 x 3.94 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
What Buyers Say
Many users found this SSD to be a cost-effective upgrade, especially for older systems, noting significantly faster boot times and game loading compared to traditional HDDs. However, some concerns arose regarding its long-term reliability and performance consistency, likely due to its DRAM-less QLC architecture, particularly under heavy write conditions.
“My old laptop was dragging, this thing made it feel new again for like fifty bucks, but I hope it lasts because I heard these budget ones can die fast if you hammer them with big files.”
Common Praise
- Boots Windows in under 30 seconds after replacing an HDD.
- Games load much faster than from a hard drive.
- Easy to install in laptops and desktops.
- Offers a noticeable speed bump for older machines.
- Much quieter and uses less power than a traditional hard drive.
Common Complaints
- Performance can degrade with heavy, sustained writes due to the lack of a DRAM cache.
- Some users reported inconsistent performance or premature failures over time.
- Not as fast as NVMe drives, which is expected for SATA but still a point of comparison for some users.
- The QLC NAND type is perceived as less durable for intensive workloads compared to TLC.
Ownership Tips
- Performance can drop significantly once the SLC cache is full, especially with large file transfers.
- It's much quieter and uses less power than an HDD, contributing to better laptop battery life.
- The actual usable capacity is slightly less than 1TB after formatting, as with all storage devices.
- While fast for booting and game loading, don't expect NVMe-level speeds for moving huge video files around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD suitable for gaming?
Yes, it will significantly reduce game loading times and improve overall system responsiveness compared to a traditional hard drive, making it a viable upgrade for gaming on older systems.
Does this SSD have a DRAM cache?
No, this model is DRAM-less. This design choice helps keep costs down but can lead to performance degradation during heavy, sustained write operations.
What is the warranty for this SSD?
The TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z comes with a 3-year or TBW (Terabytes Written) limited warranty, based on whichever comes first.
Can I install this SSD in my laptop?
Absolutely. Its 2.5-inch form factor and SATA III interface are standard for most laptops and desktops that use 2.5-inch drives, making installation straightforward.
What does QLC NAND mean for performance and lifespan?
QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND stores more data per cell, which lowers manufacturing costs. However, it generally results in lower endurance (fewer write cycles) and slower sustained write speeds once the faster SLC cache is exhausted, compared to TLC or MLC NAND.
Buying Guide
You're looking at a SATA SSD, which is the slowest type of modern SSD but still way faster than old hard drives. This one uses QLC NAND and skips a DRAM cache, which keeps the price down but means it's not built for constant, heavy writing. Think of it as a speed boost for everyday tasks and game loading, not a workhorse for professional video editing.
SATA III (Serial ATA-600)
2.5 Inches
QLC NAND
SLC Cache
Alternatives
If you need faster sustained performance or higher endurance for heavy workloads, look for SATA SSDs with TLC NAND and a dedicated DRAM cache, or consider an NVMe SSD if your motherboard has an M.2 slot and you want significantly higher speeds.
You Might Also Like
Seagate IronWolf Pro SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS Hard Drive, 2-Pack - 8TB
$300-$599A 2-pack of 8TB 7200 RPM CMR internal hard drives with 256MB cache, built for 24/7 multi-bay NAS environments.
QNAP TS-453E-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
$600+A 4-bay diskless NAS with an Intel Celeron J6412, 8GB DDR4 RAM, dual 2.5GbE, and M.2 NVMe slots for businesses needing long-term support.
Seagate Exos 28TB Internal Hard Drive HDD - 3.5 in CMR SATA 6Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 512MB Cache, 2.5M MTBF - ST28000NM000C (Renewed)
$300-$599This 28TB, 7200 RPM, 3.5-inch CMR SATA 6Gb/s renewed hard drive is for serious data hoarders needing massive capacity at a lower price point.
1TB G-Drive ArmorATD Rugged, Durable Portable External HDD, Up to 130MB/s, USB-C (5Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 1 – SDPHE1G-001T
$50-$99A 1TB mechanical hard drive with a 130MB/s read speed and USB-C (5Gbps) connectivity, built for users needing rugged, portable storage for school or creative projects.