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Transcend MSA230 128GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 550MB/s, Mini SATA III 6G/s Internal Solid State Drive for Ultrabook/Desktop/Tablet/PC/GPS/Server, 3D TLC NAND Flash, LDPC Error Correction, ECC
Transcend

Transcend MSA230 128GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache

Bottom line: The Transcend MSA230 128GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache ($59.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): DDR3 DRAM cache, rare at 128GB where most mSATA rivals ship DRAM-less; main trade-off: 128GB fills fast: Windows 11 plus a few apps leaves little headroom.

$59.99

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Buy on Amazon — $59.99 Compare to similar ssds & storage

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For SSDs and PC storage upgrades, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ DDR3 DRAM cache, rare at 128GB where most mSATA rivals ship DRAM-less
  • ✓ Up to 550MB/s read and 400MB/s write saturates the SATA III 6Gb/s bus
  • ✓ LDPC error correction plus ECC guards data integrity in always-on systems
  • ✓ 3D TLC NAND gives better endurance and density than planar TLC at this size

Cons

  • ✗ 128GB fills fast: Windows 11 plus a few apps leaves little headroom
  • ✗ mSATA is a legacy interface, so it will not fit newer M.2 NVMe slots
  • ✗ SATA III caps throughput far below NVMe drives at similar prices
  • ✗ 400MB/s write trails the 550MB/s read figure on large file transfers

Manufacturer description

The Transcend MSA230 128GB mSATA SSD is a compact storage upgrade for systems that still rely on the mini SATA form factor: ultrabooks, small-form-factor desktops, industrial PCs, GPS units, and legacy servers where a full 2.5-inch drive will not fit. Transcend pairs 3D TLC NAND with a DDR3 DRAM cache, and that cache is the detail worth noting, since most budget mSATA drives at this capacity are DRAM-less. It keeps small random writes and everyday system responsiveness consistent instead of collapsing once an SLC buffer fills. Over the SATA III 6Gb/s interface the MSA230 is rated up to…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Transcend MSA230 128GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache 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 fit my laptop or is it the same as M.2?

It is mSATA (mini SATA), not M.2. The connectors are not interchangeable, so confirm your ultrabook, desktop, tablet, or GPS unit has a dedicated mSATA slot before ordering.

Does the MSA230 have a DRAM cache?

Yes. Transcend includes a DDR3 DRAM cache, which speeds up data access and keeps system responsiveness steadier than the DRAM-less budget drives common at 128GB.

How fast is it in real use?

Transcend rates it up to 550MB/s sequential read and 400MB/s sequential write over SATA III 6Gb/s, which is at the practical ceiling of the SATA interface.

Is 128GB enough for a boot drive?

It is workable for a lean OS install, a boot partition, or an embedded and GPS role, but a modern Windows install plus games or media will run out of room quickly.

What warranty does Transcend provide?

The MSA230 carries a three-year limited warranty. Check the product listing for current regional terms and registration requirements before you buy.

Key Features

  • 3D NAND Flash Memory: Utilizes advanced 3D NAND technology to increase storage density and reliability.
  • DDR3 DRAM Cache: Incorporates a DDR3 DRAM cache to accelerate data access and improve overall system responsiveness.
  • Advanced Error Correction: Features Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) error correction code to ensure data integrity and prolong the drive's lifespan.
  • High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports the SATA III 6Gb/s interface, delivering read speeds up to 550 MB/s and write speeds up to 400 MB/s for faster boot times and application launches.
  • Three-year Limited Warranty

Full Specifications

BrandTranscend
Weight6g
Model NameMSA230S
Read Speed550 megabytes_per_second
Form FactormSATA
Media Speed400
Model NumberTS128GMSA230S
CompatibilityPC
Built-In MediamSATA SSD
Hard Disk Size128 GB
Item Type NameMSA230S
DDR3 DRAM CacheIncorporates a DDR3 DRAM cache to accelerate data access and improve overall system responsiveness.
Hard-Drive Size128 GB
Mfr Part NumberTS128GMSA230S
Number of Items1
Special FeatureBackward Compatible
Hardware PlatformPC, laptop
Installation TypeInternal Hard Drive
Compatible DevicesSlim Servers, Tablet PCs, Ultrabooks
Data Transfer Rate550 megabytes_per_second
Full listing titleTranscend MSA230 128GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 550MB/s, Mini SATA III 6G/s Internal Solid State Drive for Ultrabook/Desktop/Tablet/PC/GPS/Server, 3D TLC NAND Flash, LDPC Error Correction, ECC

Ready to buy?

Transcend MSA230 128GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 550MB/s, Mini SATA III 6G/s Internal Solid State Drive for Ultrabook/Desktop/Tablet/PC/GPS/Server, 3D TLC NAND Flash, LDPC Error Correction, ECC 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.

Buy on Amazon — $59.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

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Transcend MSA230 128GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 550MB/s, Mini SATA III 6G/s Internal Solid State Drive for Ultrabook/Desktop/Tablet/PC/GPS/Server, 3D TLC NAND Flash, LDPC Error Correction, ECC
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