Transcend
Transcend MSA230 64GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache
Bottom line: The Transcend MSA230 64GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache ($44.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): DDR3 DRAM cache is rare at 64GB, keeping small random I/O responsive; main trade-off: 64GB fills fast: OS and a few apps, not a media or game library.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ DDR3 DRAM cache is rare at 64GB, keeping small random I/O responsive
- ✓ LDPC error correction plus ECC guards data integrity and extends NAND life
- ✓ 3D TLC NAND raises density and endurance over older planar TLC
- ✓ Mini SATA III 6Gb/s interface, rated up to 350MB/s
Cons
- ✗ 64GB fills fast: OS and a few apps, not a media or game library
- ✗ 350MB/s trails any NVMe drive at a similar price point
- ✗ mSATA is a legacy slot; newer laptops ship M.2 only
- ✗ Three-year limited warranty, shorter than the five years many SSDs carry
Manufacturer description
The Transcend MSA230 is a 64GB mSATA solid state drive built for the tight spaces that full-size 2.5-inch drives cannot reach: ultrabooks, thin-and-light tablets, GPS units, embedded PCs, and server boot slots. It runs over the Mini SATA III 6Gb/s interface and pairs 3D TLC NAND with a DDR3 DRAM cache, an unusual pairing in this capacity class where DRAM-less controllers are the norm. That cache is what keeps small random reads and writes responsive instead of stalling, so boot times and application launches stay quick even as the drive fills. Transcend rates the MSA230 at up to 350MB/s…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Transcend MSA230 64GB 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?
Only if it has a Mini SATA (mSATA) slot. mSATA and M.2 are not interchangeable despite similar size, so check your manual or open the panel and confirm the slot type before ordering.
How fast is the Transcend MSA230?
Transcend rates it at up to 350MB/s over the SATA III 6Gb/s interface. Real-world speeds vary by workload, host controller, and how full the drive is.
Is 64GB enough for Windows?
It fits a Windows install plus core applications, but leaves little room for large updates, games, or media. Plan on a second drive or external storage for files.
Does it have a DRAM cache?
Yes. It uses a DDR3 DRAM cache, which speeds up data access and keeps the system responsive under small random reads and writes. Many budget SSDs at this capacity omit DRAM entirely.
What is the warranty?
Transcend covers the MSA230 with a three-year limited warranty. Check the product listing for current terms and regional coverage before purchasing.
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
| Brand | Transcend |
|---|---|
| Color | Schwarz/ Orange |
| Weight | 6g |
| Model Name | MSA230S |
| Read Speed | 550 Megabytes Per Second |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Form Factor | mSATA |
| Media Speed | 200 |
| Model Number | TS64GMSA230S |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | mSATA SSD |
| Item Type Name | MSA230S |
| DDR3 DRAM Cache | Incorporates a DDR3 DRAM cache to accelerate data access and improve overall system responsiveness. |
| Hard-Drive Size | 64 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | TS64GMSA230S |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Hardware Platform | PC, laptop |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Slim Servers, Tablet PCs, Ultrabooks |
| Full listing title | Transcend MSA230 64GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 350MB/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 64GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 350MB/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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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