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Transcend 128GB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD, MTS430S B+M Key with DRAM Cache, Up to 560MB/s, 3D TLC NAND Internal SSD for Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, SLC Cache, LDPC Error Correction
Transcend

Transcend 128GB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD

Bottom line: The Transcend 128GB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD: Dedicated DDR3 DRAM cache, rare at this capacity and price; main trade-off: SATA-only B+M key: will not run in an NVMe or PCIe M.2 slot.

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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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Dedicated DDR3 DRAM cache, rare at this capacity and price
  • ✓ 42mm 2242 length fits Ultrabooks and NUCs that reject 2280 drives
  • ✓ Up to 560MB/s read, 350MB/s write over SATA III 6Gb/s
  • ✓ LDPC error correction plus a RAID engine guard data integrity
  • ✓ DevSleep cuts idle draw on battery with instant wake

Cons

  • ✗ SATA-only B+M key: will not run in an NVMe or PCIe M.2 slot
  • ✗ 128GB fills fast as a boot drive with a few modern games
  • ✗ 350MB/s write trails the 560MB/s read on large file copies
  • ✗ 70TB TBW is modest for write-heavy or cache-drive duty

Manufacturer description

The Transcend MTS430S is a 128GB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD built for the machines standard 80mm drives will not fit. At just 42mm long, this B+M key module drops into Ultrabooks, thin-and-light laptops, NUCs, and mini-PCs where a 2280 slot was never an option. Transcend pairs 3D TLC NAND with a dedicated DDR3 DRAM cache, which most budget drives in this size omit, plus SLC caching to reach sequential speeds of up to 560MB/s read and 350MB/s write over the SATA III 6Gb/s interface. Endurance is rated at 70TB written, backed by a RAID engine and LDPC error correction that catch and repair bit…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Transcend 128GB M.2 2242 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 this SSD work in my laptop's M.2 slot?

Only if the slot supports the SATA protocol. This is an M.2 SATA III 6Gb/s drive with a B+M key and is not compatible with NVMe or PCIe slots. Check your device's specifications for M.2 SATA support before ordering.

What does the 2242 form factor mean, and will it fit a 2280 slot?

2242 means the drive is 22mm wide and 42mm long, about half the length of a standard 2280 module. Many boards with a 2280 slot include a 42mm mounting point, but confirm your machine has one or use a 2242-to-2280 adapter bracket.

How fast is the Transcend MTS430S?

Transcend rates it at up to 560MB/s sequential read and 350MB/s sequential write. The built-in DDR3 DRAM cache and SLC caching help keep latency low, though actual speeds vary with your controller and workload.

Does it have DRAM, or is it a DRAM-less drive?

It has a dedicated DDR3 DRAM cache. That sets it apart from DRAM-less budget SSDs, which lean on host memory and typically show higher access latency under sustained random workloads.

How long will this drive last?

It is rated for 70TB total bytes written using 3D TLC NAND, with a RAID engine and LDPC error correction for data integrity. S.M.A.R.T. reporting lets you track remaining endurance. Check the product listing for current warranty terms.

Key Features

  • [IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY] M.2 SATA III ONLY This SSD is an M.2 SATA III 6Gb/s drive featuring a B+M Key. It is designed strictly for M.2 slots that support the SATA protocol. Please Note: This drive is NOT compatible with NVMe or PCIe slots. Please verify your device specifications before purchase to ensure compatibility.
  • [SPACE-SAVING] M.2 2242 FORM FACTOR With an ultra-compact length of only 42mm, the M.2 2242 form factor is significantly smaller than standard 80mm (2280) drives. It is the perfect upgrade solution for space-constrained devices such as Ultrabooks, thin-and-light laptops, NUCs, and mini-PCs.
  • [HIGH PERFORMANCE] BUILT-IN DRAM CACHE Unlike DRAM-less SSDs, the MTS430S features a dedicated DDR3 DRAM cache that significantly reduces data access latency. Combined with SLC caching technology, it delivers exceptional sequential speeds of up to 560MB/s Read and 350MB/s Write.
  • [ADVANCED DURABILITY] 3D TLC NAND & LDPC Built with high-quality 3D TLC NAND flash and a total bytes written (TBW) rating of 70TB. It utilizes a RAID engine and LDPC (Low-Density Parity Check) error correction to ensure data integrity, superior stability, and a prolonged lifespan for your critical data.
  • [EFFICIENCY] DEVSLEEP & SMART SUPPORT Supports SATA Device Sleep (DevSleep) mode, which conserves battery life by intelligently powering down the SSD when not in use while maintaining instant wake-up response. Fully compatible with S.M.A.R.T., TRIM, and NCQ commands for optimal drive health management.

Full Specifications

BrandTranscend
ColorGreen
Model NameMTS430S
Read Speed550 megabytes_per_second
Unit Count1 Count
Form FactorM2
Media Speed550
Model NumberTS128GMTS430S
CompatibilityPC
Built-In MediaSSD
Item Type NameTS128GMTS430S
Hard-Drive Size128 GB
Mfr Part NumberTS128GMTS430S
Number of Items1
Special Feature3D TLC NAND Flash, Built-in DDR3 DRAM Cache, LDPC Error Correction, RAID Engine, SLC Caching Technology
Hardware PlatformPC, laptop
Installation TypeInternal Hard Drive
Compatible DevicesLaptop
Data Transfer Rate560 megabytes_per_second
Enclosure Material3D NAND
Full listing titleTranscend 128GB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD, MTS430S B+M Key with DRAM Cache, Up to 560MB/s, 3D TLC NAND Internal SSD for Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, SLC Cache, LDPC Error Correction

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Transcend 128GB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD, MTS430S B+M Key with DRAM Cache, Up to 560MB/s, 3D TLC NAND Internal SSD for Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, SLC Cache, LDPC Error Correction 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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Transcend 128GB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD, MTS430S B+M Key with DRAM Cache, Up to 560MB/s, 3D TLC NAND Internal SSD for Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, SLC Cache, LDPC Error Correction
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