Transcend
Transcend MTS820 120GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD
Bottom line: The Transcend MTS820 120GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD ($37.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Up to 560MB/s reads and 510MB/s writes over SATA III 6Gb/s; main trade-off: 120GB fills quickly with a modern OS, updates and apps.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Up to 560MB/s reads and 510MB/s writes over SATA III 6Gb/s
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits Ultrabooks and thin notebooks
- ✓ B+M key notch for broad M.2 SATA slot compatibility
- ✓ 3D TLC NAND with SLC cache and LDPC ECC error correction
- ✓ TRIM, S.M.A.R.T. and NCQ support plus a 3-year warranty
Cons
- ✗ 120GB fills quickly with a modern OS, updates and apps
- ✗ SATA III caps speeds well below PCIe NVMe M.2 drives
- ✗ Will not work in NVMe-only M.2 slots; check your board first
- ✗ Sustained large writes may slow once the SLC cache fills
Manufacturer description
The Transcend MTS820 is a 120GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD built for Ultrabooks, thin notebooks and small form factor desktops where a 2.5-inch drive will not fit. It uses the SATA III 6Gb/s interface, so it works in M.2 slots wired for SATA rather than NVMe-only sockets, and its B+M key notch fits both keying styles. Transcend rates sequential reads at up to 560MB/s and writes at up to 510MB/s, a clear step up from a spinning laptop hard drive for boot times and app launches. The drive pairs 3D TLC NAND flash with an SLC cache to keep burst writes quick, while LDPC error correction and ECC help…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Transcend MTS820 120GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD 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 the Transcend MTS820 work in my laptop's M.2 slot?
It needs an M.2 2280 (80mm) slot that supports SATA. The B+M key notch fits B- and M-keyed sockets, but slots that only support NVMe/PCIe will not detect it, so confirm SATA support in your laptop or motherboard manual.
How fast is the MTS820 120GB SSD?
Transcend rates it at up to 560MB/s sequential read and up to 510MB/s sequential write over the SATA III 6Gb/s interface. Actual speeds depend on your host controller and workload.
Is 120GB enough storage?
120GB works well as a boot drive for an operating system and core applications, or to revive an older Ultrabook. If you plan to store large games or media libraries, pair it with a second drive or choose a higher capacity.
What warranty comes with the Transcend MTS820?
Transcend backs the MTS820 with a 3-year warranty. Check the product listing or Transcend's website for current warranty terms and conditions.
Does the MTS820 support TRIM and drive health monitoring?
Yes. It supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T. and NCQ commands, and uses 3D TLC NAND with an SLC cache and LDPC error correction with ECC to maintain performance and data integrity.
Key Features
- 120GB 80mm M.2 SSD - SATA III 6GB/s interface
- Read speed up to 560MB/sec - write speed up to 510MB/sec
- Built using premium 3D TLC NAND flash memory chips
- Supports Trim, s.M.A.R.To., NCQ commands
- Backed by Transcend 3-year warranty
Full Specifications
| Brand | Transcend |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | MTS820S |
| Read Speed | 560 megabytes_per_second |
| Form Factor | M2 |
| Media Speed | 510 megabits_per_second |
| Model Number | TS120GMTS820S |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | 1 |
| Hard-Drive Size | 120 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | TS120GMTS820S |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Hardware Platform | laptop |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Tablet |
| Data Transfer Rate | 6 gigabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | 3D TLC NAND flash memory chips |
| Additional Features | Portable |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Full listing title | Transcend MTS820 120GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD, Up to 500MB/s, Compatible w/Ultrabook Laptop PC Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC/Error Correction ECC/B+M Key/SLC Cache |
Ready to buy?
Transcend MTS820 120GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD, Up to 500MB/s, Compatible w/Ultrabook Laptop PC Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC/Error Correction ECC/B+M Key/SLC Cache 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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