Transcend MTS830 512GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD with Dram Cache
Bottom line: The Transcend MTS830 512GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD with Dram Cache ($129.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): DDR3 DRAM cache speeds access to your most-used data; main trade-off: SATA III interface caps speeds far below NVMe M.2 drives.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ DDR3 DRAM cache speeds access to your most-used data
- ✓ Sequential reads up to 560MB/s, writes up to 520MB/s
- ✓ 3D TLC NAND stacks cells for higher endurance vs planar
- ✓ LDPC ECC guards data integrity during transfers
- ✓ M.2 2280 fits ultrabooks and thin, light notebooks
Cons
- ✗ SATA III interface caps speeds far below NVMe M.2 drives
- ✗ 512GB fills quickly with large modern game installs
- ✗ B+M key SATA won't run in NVMe-only M.2 slots
- ✗ 520MB/s write trails the fastest current SATA rivals
Manufacturer description
Transcend ultra-compact SATA III 6GB/s M.2 SSD 830S addresses the high-performance needs and strict size limitations of small form factor devices, Best suited for Ultrabook's and thin, light notebooks. Boasting high-quality flash chips, DDR3 DRAM cache, and enhanced firmware algorithms, Transcend M.2 SSD 830S delivers optimal reliability.
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Transcend MTS830 512GB M.2 2280 SATA III 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.
Key Features
- 3D NAND Flash Memory: Utilizes 3D NAND technology, stacking memory cells vertically to overcome density limitations of planar NAND, delivering enhanced performance and endurance.
- High-Speed Performance: Offers sequential read speeds up to 560 MB/s and write speeds up to 520 MB/s, ensuring quick data access and transfer.
- DDR3 DRAM Cache: Equipped with a DDR3 DRAM cache, which stores a temporary copy of the most active data to shorten access times and enhance overall performance.
- Advanced Error Correction: Features Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) coding to ensure data integrity and prevent data corruption during transfers.
- Compact Form Factor: Compliant with M.2 2280 form factor, making it ideal for space-constrained devices without compromising on storage capacity.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Transcend |
|---|---|
| Color | Green |
| Model Name | MTS830S |
| Read Speed | 560 Megabytes Per Second |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
| Media Speed | 500 |
| Model Number | TS512GMTS830S |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | SSD |
| DDR3 DRAM Cache | Equipped with a DDR3 DRAM cache, which stores a temporary copy of the most active data to shorten access times and enhance overall performance. |
| Hard-Drive Size | 512 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | TS512GMTS830S |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Backward Compatible |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Data Transfer Rate | 560 Megabits Per Second |
| Enclosure Material | 3D Nand Flash Memory |
| Additional Features | Backward Compatible |
| Full listing title | Transcend MTS830 512GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 560MB/s, Compatible w/Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC Error Correction ECC, B+M Key |
Ready to buy?
Transcend MTS830 512GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 560MB/s, Compatible w/Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC Error Correction ECC, B+M Key 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 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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