Transcend MTS825 250GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD
Bottom line: The Transcend MTS825 250GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD: Up to 500 MB/s sequential reads, far quicker than a laptop hard drive; main trade-off: SATA III caps speed at 6 Gbps, well below NVMe drives.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Up to 500 MB/s sequential reads, far quicker than a laptop hard drive
- ✓ B+M key edge fits M.2 sockets keyed for either B or M
- ✓ 3D TLC NAND with SLC cache keeps short write bursts quick
- ✓ LDPC coding and ECC error correction help protect data
- ✓ Standard 2280 length fits most laptop and desktop M.2 bays
Cons
- ✗ SATA III caps speed at 6 Gbps, well below NVMe drives
- ✗ Won't work in M.2 slots that only accept NVMe drives
- ✗ 250GB fills up fast with games or large media libraries
- ✗ 330 MB/s write speed trails the 500 MB/s read speed
Manufacturer description
The Transcend MTS825 is a 250GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD for older laptops, ultrabooks and desktops that have an M.2 slot. It is rated for sequential reads of up to 500 MB/s and writes of up to 330 MB/s over the 6 Gbps SATA interface. That is a clear step up from a spinning hard drive for boot times, app launches and file copies. Inside, Transcend uses 3D TLC NAND flash and an SLC cache to keep short bursts of writes fast. LDPC coding and ECC error correction help protect your data as the drive ages. The B+M key edge lets it fit M.2 sockets keyed for either B or M. Before you buy, confirm that…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Transcend MTS825 250GB M.2 2280 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 the Transcend MTS825 work in an NVMe-only M.2 slot?
No. The MTS825 is a SATA III drive. Even with its B+M key, the slot has to support SATA M.2 drives. Check your laptop or motherboard manual before you buy.
How fast is the MTS825 250GB?
It is rated for up to 500 MB/s sequential read and 330 MB/s sequential write over a 6 Gbps SATA III interface.
What size is this SSD, and will it fit my laptop?
It is an M.2 2280 drive, which is 22mm wide and 80mm long. It fits M.2 bays that support 2280-length SATA drives, which includes many ultrabooks, laptops and desktops.
What type of NAND flash does the MTS825 use?
It uses 3D TLC NAND flash with an SLC cache to speed up writes. LDPC coding and ECC error correction help keep your data intact.
What warranty comes with the Transcend MTS825?
The product details here don't list warranty terms. Check the current listing or Transcend's website for warranty length and TBW endurance figures.
Key Features
- SSD capacity: 250 GB
- SSD form factor: M.2
- Read speed: 500 MB/s
- Write speed: 330 MB/s
- Data transfer rate: 6 Gbps
Full Specifications
| Brand | Transcend |
|---|---|
| Color | blue |
| Model Name | MTS825S |
| Read Speed | 500 megabytes_per_second |
| Read speed | 500 MB/s |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | M2 |
| Media Speed | 330 MB/s |
| Write speed | 330 MB/s |
| Model Number | TS250GMTS825S |
| SSD capacity | 250 GB |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | SSD |
| Hard-Drive Size | 250 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | TS250GMTS825S |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| SSD form factor | M.2 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Hardware Platform | X86_64 |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Full listing title | Transcend MTS825 250GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD, Up to 500MB/s, Compatible w/Ultrabook Laptop PC Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC/Error Correction ECC/B+M Key/SLC Cache |
Ready to buy?
Transcend MTS825 250GB M.2 2280 SATA III SSD, Up to 500MB/s, Compatible w/Ultrabook Laptop PC Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC/Error Correction ECC/B+M Key/SLC Cache 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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