Transcend
Transcend SSD230 256GB 2.5" SATA III 6Gb/s Internal SSD with DRAM
Bottom line: The Transcend SSD230 256GB 2.5" SATA III 6Gb/s Internal SSD with DRAM ($115.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): DRAM cache plus SLC caching holds write speed during large transfers, unlike DRAM-less drives; main trade-off: 256GB fills fast on a PS4 where single AAA titles run 50-100GB.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ DRAM cache plus SLC caching holds write speed during large transfers, unlike DRAM-less drives
- ✓ 7mm z-height fits slim laptop caddies and the PS4 internal bay without shims
- ✓ Up to 560MB/s read and 520MB/s write saturates the SATA III 6Gb/s ceiling
- ✓ LDPC coding and a RAID engine correct bit errors as the 3D TLC NAND ages
Cons
- ✗ 256GB fills fast on a PS4 where single AAA titles run 50-100GB
- ✗ SATA III caps throughput far below an NVMe drive in any M.2 slot
- ✗ 3D TLC write endurance trails MLC drives in write-heavy workloads
- ✗ 2.5-inch form factor needs a bracket or caddy in most modern desktop cases
Manufacturer description
The Transcend SSD230 256GB is a 2.5-inch SATA III drive built for straightforward storage upgrades in PS4 consoles, laptops, notebooks, and desktop PCs. Its 7mm z-height clears the caddy limits on slim notebooks and the PS4's internal drive bay, and the SATA III 6Gb/s interface pushes read speeds up to 560MB/s and writes up to 520MB/s, so game load times and boot sequences tighten noticeably against a spinning 5400RPM drive. What separates this Transcend SSD from budget DRAM-less drives is the onboard DRAM cache paired with an SLC caching layer, which keeps sustained write performance from…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Transcend SSD230 256GB 2.5" SATA III 6Gb/s Internal SSD with DRAM using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the ssds & storage category. Transcend's ssds & storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for ssds & storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this SSD work in a PS4 or PS4 Pro?
Yes. The drive uses the standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor at 7mm thickness, which is what the PS4 and PS4 Pro internal bay accepts. You will need to reinstall system software after swapping the drive.
How fast is the Transcend SSD230 256GB?
Transcend rates it at up to 560MB/s read and 520MB/s write over the SATA III 6Gb/s interface. Actual speeds depend on your controller, cable, and whether the port negotiates SATA III rather than SATA II.
Does this drive have DRAM cache?
Yes. The SSD230 includes onboard DRAM plus an SLC cache layer. That combination keeps sustained write speeds steadier during large file copies than DRAM-less budget SSDs at the same capacity.
Is 256GB enough storage for gaming?
It depends on library size. Modern AAA titles frequently run 50-100GB each, so 256GB holds roughly two to four large games plus system files. The SSD230 line goes up to 1TB if you need more headroom.
What warranty does the Transcend SSD230 come with?
Warranty terms vary by region and retailer. Check the current product listing and Transcend's support site for the coverage that applies to your purchase before you buy.
Key Features
- Standard 2. 5" form factor with mere 7mm thickness
- SATA III 6Gb/s interface
- Up to 1TB storage capacity
- Up to 560 MB/s read; 520 MB/s write
- 3D NAND flash memory
Full Specifications
| Brand | Transcend |
|---|---|
| Color | Silver |
| Model Name | SSD230S |
| Read Speed | 560 megabytes_per_second |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Media Speed | 500MB/s |
| Model Number | TS256GSSD230S |
| Compatibility | PS4 |
| Built-In Media | Quick Installation Guide, SSD230S, Warranty Card |
| Item Type Name | Transcend 256GB 3D TLC SATA III 6Gb/s 2.5" Solid State Drive 230 (TS256GSSD230S) |
| Hard-Drive Size | 256 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | TS256GSSD230S |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Hardware Platform | laptop |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Data Transfer Rate | 750 gigabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | 3D Nand Flash Memory |
| Additional Features | Portable |
| Full listing title | Transcend SSD230 256GB 2.5" SATA III 6Gb/s Internal SSD with DRAM, Up to 530MB/s, for PS4/ PCs/Laptops, Desktops/Notebooks, 3D TLC Internal Solid State Drive with SLC Cache, RAID Engine, LDPC Coding |
Ready to buy?
Transcend SSD230 256GB 2.5" SATA III 6Gb/s Internal SSD with DRAM, Up to 530MB/s, for PS4/ PCs/Laptops, Desktops/Notebooks, 3D TLC Internal Solid State Drive with SLC Cache, RAID Engine, LDPC Coding is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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