Mushkin
Mushkin Source-II
Bottom line: The Mushkin Source-II ($218.12 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Rated 560MB/s reads, 515MB/s writes, near the SATA III 6Gb/s ceiling; main trade-off: SATA interface caps speed far below NVMe M.2 drives.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Rated 560MB/s reads, 515MB/s writes, near the SATA III 6Gb/s ceiling
- ✓ Up to 75,000 IOPS 4KB random read and write for quicker boots and app launches
- ✓ 7mm 2.5-inch form factor fits slim laptop bays and standard desktop cages
- ✓ Listed compatibility with PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation and Xbox
- ✓ 3D vertical TLC NAND paired with a Silicon Motion SM2259XT controller
Cons
- ✗ SATA interface caps speed far below NVMe M.2 drives
- ✗ 512GB fills quickly with modern game installs
- ✗ Endurance (TBW) rating not stated in the listing
- ✗ Desktop cases without 2.5-inch bays need a separate adapter
Manufacturer description
The Mushkin Source-II 512GB is a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD for replacing an aging hard drive or adding fast storage to a system without an M.2 slot. It uses 3D vertical TLC NAND with a Silicon Motion SM2259XT controller and is rated for up to 560MB/s sequential reads and 515MB/s sequential writes. That is close to the limit of the SATA 6Gb/s interface, so you get most of the speed SATA can offer. Random performance is rated at up to 75,000 IOPS for 4KB reads and 75,000 IOPS for 4KB writes. Those small-block operations are what make boot times, app launches and file searches feel quicker than on…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Mushkin Source-II using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the ssds & storage category. Mushkin'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 Mushkin Source-II 512GB SSD?
Mushkin rates it for up to 560MB/s sequential reads and 515MB/s sequential writes, plus up to 75,000 IOPS for 4KB random reads and 75,000 IOPS for 4KB random writes.
Will the Mushkin Source-II fit in my laptop?
It is a standard 2.5-inch drive with a 7mm height, which fits most laptops that have a 2.5-inch SATA bay. Check your laptop's manual to confirm it has a 2.5-inch SATA bay and not only an M.2 slot.
Does the Mushkin Source-II work with Mac, Linux, PlayStation or Xbox?
Mushkin lists compatibility with PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation and Xbox. For consoles, check which internal or external storage options your console model supports before you buy.
What controller and NAND does the Mushkin Source-II use?
It uses a Silicon Motion SM2259XT controller with 3D vertical TLC NAND flash, connected over SATA III at 6Gb/s.
What warranty comes with the Mushkin Source-II 512GB?
The product details do not state warranty terms. Check the current product listing or Mushkin's support site for coverage length and endurance limits.
Key Features
- SATA-III 2.5" 6Gbit/s 3D-TLC 7mm SSD
- Compatibility: PC / Mac / Linux / PlayStation / Xbox
- Max Read: 560MB/s ; Max Write: 515MB/s
- Silicon Motion Controller: SMI SM2259XT
- 4KB Random Read: Up to 75,000 IOPS ; Write: Up to 75,000 IOPS
Full Specifications
| Brand | Mushkin |
|---|---|
| Color | Black/Yellow |
| Max Read | 560MB/s ; Max Write: 515MB/s |
| Model Name | MKNSSDS2 |
| Read Speed | 560 megabytes_per_second |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Media Speed | 450 MB/s |
| Model Number | MKNSSDS2 |
| Compatibility | PC / Mac / Linux / PlayStation / Xbox |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB |
| 4KB Random Read | Up to 75,000 IOPS ; Write: Up to 75,000 IOPS |
| Hard-Drive Size | 512 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | MKNSSDEL512GB |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Hardware Platform | PC / Mac / Linux |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Mac, Gaming Console |
| Data Transfer Rate | 6 gigabytes_per_second |
| Hard Disk Interface | SATA 6 GB/s |
| Warranty Description | 3-Year Limited Replacement Warranty |
| Full listing title | Mushkin Source-II - Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - 2.5 Inch - SATA III - 6Gb/s - 3D Vertical TLC - 7mm (512GB Element) |
Ready to buy?
Mushkin Source-II - Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - 2.5 Inch - SATA III - 6Gb/s - 3D Vertical TLC - 7mm (512GB Element) 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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