Transcend
Transcend 500GB MTS425S M.2 SATA III 2242 SSD, SLC Cache, B+M Key
Bottom line: The Transcend 500GB MTS425S M.2 SATA III 2242 SSD: 2242 length fits ultrabooks and mini PCs where 2280 drives will not physically seat; main trade-off: SATA III caps throughput around 6Gb/s, far below any NVMe drive.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 2242 length fits ultrabooks and mini PCs where 2280 drives will not physically seat
- ✓ SLC cache absorbs write bursts, cutting boot and app launch times
- ✓ B+M key works in both B-key and M-key M.2 SATA slots
- ✓ LDPC error correction plus RAID engine guards against silent data corruption
- ✓ DevSleep idles the SATA interface to extend laptop battery runtime
Cons
- ✗ SATA III caps throughput around 6Gb/s, far below any NVMe drive
- ✗ 500GB fills fast if you store modern game installs or large video files
- ✗ Three-year warranty trails the five-year term common on rival SSDs
- ✗ SSD Scope health software is Windows-oriented, less useful on Linux or macOS
Manufacturer description
The Transcend MTS425S packs 500GB of SATA III storage into a 2242 M.2 stick, the short form factor that fits ultrabooks, mini PCs, and handhelds where a full 2280 drive simply will not seat. Its B+M key edge connector keeps it compatible with the widest range of M.2 SATA slots, making it a practical capacity upgrade for older laptops and compact builds that never supported NVMe. Built-in SLC caching absorbs incoming writes at higher speed, so boot times and application launches feel noticeably tighter than the mechanical or low-end drive you are replacing. A RAID engine paired with LDPC…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Transcend 500GB MTS425S M.2 SATA III 2242 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 fit my laptop's M.2 slot?
It is a 2242 drive, 22mm wide and 42mm long, with a B+M key connector that seats in both B-key and M-key M.2 SATA slots. Confirm your system accepts 2242 length and supports SATA (not NVMe-only) M.2 before ordering.
Is this an NVMe SSD?
No. The MTS425S is M.2 SATA III, not NVMe. It uses the SATA interface over the M.2 slot, so it will not work in a slot that is wired NVMe-only, and its ceiling is SATA speed rather than PCIe speed.
What does the SLC cache actually do?
It reserves a fast single-level-cell region that absorbs incoming writes before they are folded into the main NAND. In practice that means quicker file copies and snappier system responsiveness during normal desktop and boot workloads.
How long is the warranty?
Transcend covers this drive with a three-year limited warranty. Check the current product listing for regional terms and the registration steps Transcend requires to activate coverage.
Key Features
- Built-in SLC caching technology for exceptional transfer speeds. Saves loading times and boosts system responsiveness
- RAID engine and LDPC coding. Detects and corrects transfer errors to prevent data corruption
- DevSleep. Intelligently shuts down SATA interface when not in use to prolong device's battery life
- Transcend SSD Scope is advanced, user-friendly software that makes it easy to ensure your Transcend SSD remains healthy, and continues to run fast with no errors. It determines the condition and optimizing the performance of your drive.
- Three-year Limited Warranty
Full Specifications
| Brand | Transcend |
|---|---|
| Model Name | MTS425S |
| Read Speed | 530 megabytes_per_second |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | M2 SATA 2242 |
| Media Speed | 530 |
| Model Number | TS500GMTS425S |
| Built-In Media | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Size | 500 GB |
| Hard-Drive Size | 500 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | TS500GMTS425S |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Shock Resistant |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Data Transfer Rate | 530 megabytes_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | 3D Tlc Nand Flash |
| Additional Features | Shock Resistant |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Warranty Description | 5 year limited warranty |
Ready to buy?
Transcend 500GB MTS425S M.2 SATA III 2242 SSD, SLC Cache, 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.
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