Transcend 128GB M.2 2280 SSD
Bottom line: The Transcend 128GB M.2 2280 SSD: PCIe Gen3 x4 and NVMe 1.3 - reads up to 1,500 MB/s, far past SATA's ceiling; main trade-off: 128GB fills fast - Windows plus a few modern games leaves little headroom.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ PCIe Gen3 x4 and NVMe 1.3 - reads up to 1,500 MB/s, far past SATA's ceiling
- ✓ LDPC error correction plus a RAID engine for data-integrity protection
- ✓ SLC cache absorbs write bursts, lifting short-transfer speeds above the 400 MB/s rating
- ✓ Dynamic thermal throttling protects the controller during long sustained sessions
Cons
- ✗ 128GB fills fast - Windows plus a few modern games leaves little headroom
- ✗ 400 MB/s sequential write is low for a Gen3 x4 drive; reads outpace writes ~3.75x
- ✗ 3D TLC NAND writes slower than MLC once the SLC cache is exhausted
- ✗ Thermal throttling means sustained large transfers can drop below peak speeds
Manufacturer description
The Transcend 128GB M.2 2280 SSD (PCIe SSD 110S, model TS128GMTE110S) is a compact NVMe drive built for boot duty and light workload acceleration in Ultrabooks, laptops, and desktops with a free M.2 2280 slot. It runs over a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface on the NVMe 1.3 standard, delivering sequential reads up to 1,500 MB/s and writes up to 400 MB/s - a meaningful jump over SATA for OS loading, application launches, and project file transfers. Inside, 3D TLC NAND flash is paired with an SLC caching layer that absorbs bursts of incoming data, so short write sessions complete at higher speed than the…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Transcend 128GB M.2 2280 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
How fast is the Transcend 110S 128GB SSD?
Transcend rates it at up to 1,500 MB/s sequential read and up to 400 MB/s sequential write over a PCIe Gen3 x4 link using the NVMe 1.3 standard. The built-in SLC cache can push short write bursts above the sustained write figure.
Will this SSD fit my laptop or desktop?
It is an M.2 2280 (80mm) drive that requires an M.2 slot wired for PCIe NVMe. It is listed as compatible with Ultrabooks, laptops, and desktops, but check your motherboard or laptop manual - M.2 slots that are SATA-only will not accept an NVMe drive.
Is 128GB enough storage for a gaming PC?
128GB works best as a boot and application drive rather than a game library. Windows plus a handful of programs consumes much of it, so most gaming builds pair a drive this size with a larger secondary drive for games.
What is LDPC error correction and does it matter?
LDPC (Low-Density Parity Check) coding detects and corrects bit errors as NAND cells age, and Transcend pairs it with a RAID engine on this drive. Together they are the drive's data-integrity layer, which matters most on TLC NAND over a long service life.
Does this drive overheat during large file transfers?
Transcend builds in a dynamic thermal throttling mechanism that reduces performance if the controller gets too hot, so sustained large transfers may run below the peak 1,500 MB/s read rating. That is a protective behavior rather than a fault.
Key Features
- Adopts PCIe Gen3 x4 interface and NVMe 1.3 standard
- TS128GMTE110S
- Sequential Read/Write -up to 1,500/400 MB/s
- Engineered with a RAID engine and LDPC (Low-Density Parity check) coding to ensure data integrity; built-in SLC caching technology for exceptional transfer speeds
- Engineered dynamic thermal throttling mechanism
Full Specifications
| Brand | Transcend |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | MTE110S |
| Read Speed | 1500 megabytes_per_second |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | M2 |
| Media Speed | 400 |
| Model Number | TS128GMTE110S |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | SSD |
| Item Type Name | MTE110S |
| Hard-Drive Size | 128 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | TS128GMTE110S |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Hardware Platform | Linux |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1800 megabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | 3D Tlc Nand Flash |
| Full listing title | Transcend 128GB M.2 2280 SSD, Up to 1,500 MB/s, Compatible w/Ultrabook Laptop PC Desktop, PCIe NVMe Gen3x4 SSD, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC Error Correction ECC, SLC Cache |
Ready to buy?
Transcend 128GB M.2 2280 SSD, Up to 1,500 MB/s, Compatible w/Ultrabook Laptop PC Desktop, PCIe NVMe Gen3x4 SSD, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC Error Correction ECC, 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.
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