Transcend
Transcend MTS425 M.2 2242 SATA III SSD 1TB
Bottom line: The Transcend MTS425 M.2 2242 SATA III SSD 1TB ($209.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Up to 550MB/s reads, effectively saturating the SATA III ceiling; main trade-off: SATA III caps throughput far below any NVMe M.2 drive.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Up to 550MB/s reads, effectively saturating the SATA III ceiling
- ✓ Short 2242 length fits ultrabook and mini-PC slots 2280 drives can't
- ✓ SLC cache absorbs write bursts, keeping app launches snappy
- ✓ LDPC error correction plus RAID engine guard against data corruption
- ✓ DevSleep idles the SATA interface to stretch laptop battery life
Cons
- ✗ SATA III caps throughput far below any NVMe M.2 drive
- ✗ B+M key is SATA-only; won't work in NVMe-only 2242 slots
- ✗ 3-year warranty trails the 5-year coverage common on rival SSDs
- ✗ 3D TLC without DRAM cache means sustained writes drop past SLC
Manufacturer description
The Transcend MTS425 is a 1TB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD built for the short-slot drive bays found in ultrabooks, mini PCs, and compact laptops where a full-length 2280 drive simply will not fit. Rated at up to 550MB/s sequential read, it saturates the SATA III interface and delivers a clear jump over the mechanical or entry-level drives it usually replaces. Built-in SLC caching absorbs bursts of writes so boot times, application launches, and file copies stay responsive under everyday load. The 3D TLC NAND is backed by LDPC error correction and a RAID engine that detect and correct transfer…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Transcend MTS425 M.2 2242 SATA III SSD 1TB 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 MTS425 fit my laptop?
It fits M.2 2242 slots (42mm long) with a B+M key edge connector running SATA III. Measure your existing drive or check your laptop manual: a 2280 slot is 80mm and needs a spacer or adapter, and the slot must support SATA, not NVMe-only.
How fast is this SSD?
Transcend rates it at up to 550MB/s sequential read, which is essentially the maximum the SATA III interface allows. Built-in SLC caching boosts short write bursts; sustained large transfers will settle lower once the cache fills.
Is the Transcend MTS425 reliable?
It uses 3D TLC NAND with LDPC error correction and a RAID engine that detect and correct transfer errors to prevent data corruption. Transcend backs it with a three-year limited warranty.
Does it come with cloning or monitoring software?
Yes. Transcend SSD Scope is a free utility that reports drive health and SMART status, updates firmware, and optimizes performance. Download it from Transcend's support site after installing the drive.
Is this SSD good for a laptop upgrade over an NVMe drive?
Choose it when your machine only has a 2242 SATA slot, which is common in ultrabooks, thin clients, and mini PCs. If your slot supports NVMe, an NVMe drive will be several times faster; DevSleep here helps battery life on SATA-limited systems.
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 | 550 Megabytes Per Second |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Form Factor | M2 SATA 2242 |
| Media Speed | 550 |
| Model Number | TS1TMTS425S |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| Hard-Drive Size | 1 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | TS1TMTS425S |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Shock Resistant |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Data Transfer Rate | 550 Megabytes Per Second |
| Enclosure Material | 3D Tlc Nand Flash |
| Additional Features | Shock Resistant |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Full listing title | Transcend MTS425 M.2 2242 SATA III SSD 1TB, Up to 550MB/s, Compatible with Ultrabook, Laptop, PC, Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC Error Correction, SLC Cache, B+M Key |
Ready to buy?
Transcend MTS425 M.2 2242 SATA III SSD 1TB, Up to 550MB/s, Compatible with Ultrabook, Laptop, PC, Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal Solid State Drive, LDPC Error Correction, 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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