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Transcend MTS430 1TB M.2 2242 SATAIII SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 560MB/s, Compatible with Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal SSD, LDPC Error Correction, SLC Cache, B+M Key
Transcend

Transcend MTS430 1TB M.2 2242 SATAIII SSD with Dram Cache

Bottom line: The Transcend MTS430 1TB M.2 2242 SATAIII SSD with Dram Cache ($379.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): M.2 2242 short form factor fits ultrabook and mini PC slots that reject 2280 drives; main trade-off: 560 MB/s read caps out at SATA III speeds, roughly a seventh of a fast NVMe drive.

$379.99

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Buy on Amazon — $379.99 Compare to similar ssds & storage

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.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ M.2 2242 short form factor fits ultrabook and mini PC slots that reject 2280 drives
  • ✓ DDR3 DRAM cache cuts access latency versus DRAM-less budget 2242 SSDs
  • ✓ LDPC error correction plus RAID engine guard data integrity as 3D TLC cells wear
  • ✓ DevSleep low-power state extends battery life in laptops

Cons

  • ✗ 560 MB/s read caps out at SATA III speeds, roughly a seventh of a fast NVMe drive
  • ✗ B+M key SATA drive will not work in NVMe-only M.2 slots
  • ✗ Write speed of 500 MB/s trails the 560 MB/s read figure
  • ✗ SLC cache means sustained writes past the cache slow to native TLC speed

Manufacturer description

The Transcend MTS430 1TB is a compact M.2 2242 SATA III SSD built for the short-slot bays found in ultrabooks, mini PCs, and older laptops that won't accept a full-length 2280 drive. It reads at up to 560 MB/s and writes at up to 500 MB/s, saturating the SATA III interface rather than chasing NVMe numbers, so treat it as a capacity-and-compatibility upgrade over a mechanical hard drive or a smaller factory SSD. What separates the MTS430 from budget 2242 drives is the DDR3 DRAM cache, which shortens access times by keeping the mapping table off the NAND, plus an SLC cache layer that absorbs…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Transcend MTS430 1TB M.2 2242 SATAIII SSD with Dram Cache 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 an M.2 Type 2242 drive, meaning 42mm long, with a B+M key edge connector wired for SATA III. It fits short 42mm M.2 bays and B+M keyed SATA slots. Measure your slot or check your laptop manual before ordering, since a 2280 slot needs a spacer or standoff.

Is this an NVMe SSD?

No. The MTS430 is a SATA III M.2 drive rated up to 560 MB/s read and 500 MB/s write, which is the SATA interface ceiling. It will not work in an M.2 slot that only supports NVMe/PCIe, so confirm your slot supports SATA mode.

Does it have a DRAM cache?

Yes. Transcend includes a DDR3 DRAM cache for shorter access times, plus an SLC cache layer for write bursts. That is unusual at this form factor, where most 2242 drives are DRAM-less, and it helps keep random performance consistent.

How reliable is it for long-term use?

The drive uses 3D TLC NAND with LDPC error correction and a RAID engine for data integrity, and supports S.M.A.R.T. monitoring so you can track drive health. Check the product listing for current warranty terms.

Will it drain my laptop battery?

It supports the DevSleep ultra-low-power state along with TRIM and NCQ command sets, so it idles at very low draw when the system is asleep. That is the same power feature set found on drives designed for ultrabook use.

Key Features

  • Space-saving M.2 Type 2242 form factor
  • Up to 560 MB/s Read; 500 MB/s write
  • 3D NAND Flash memory
  • Raid engine and LDPC coding for data integrity; DDR3 DRAM cache for short Access times
  • Supports DevSleep Ultra low power state, s.M.A.R.To., trim, and NCQ commands

Full Specifications

BrandTranscend
ColorGreen
Model NameMTS430S
Read Speed560 Megabytes Per Second
Form FactorM2
Media SpeedUp to 500 MB/s
Model NumberTS1TMTS430S
CompatibilityPC
Built-In MediaSSD
Hard-Drive Size1 TB
Mfr Part NumberTS1TMTS430S
Number of Items1
Special FeatureBackward Compatible, TRIM Support
Hardware PlatformPC, x86_64
Installation TypeInternal Hard Drive
Compatible DevicesLaptop
Data Transfer Rate560 Megabytes Per Second
Enclosure Material3D NAND
Additional FeaturesBackward Compatible, TRIM Support
Hard Disk InterfaceSerial ATA
Full listing titleTranscend MTS430 1TB M.2 2242 SATAIII SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 560MB/s, Compatible with Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal SSD, LDPC Error Correction, SLC Cache, B+M Key

Ready to buy?

Transcend MTS430 1TB M.2 2242 SATAIII SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 560MB/s, Compatible with Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal SSD, 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.

Buy on Amazon — $379.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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Transcend MTS430 1TB M.2 2242 SATAIII SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 560MB/s, Compatible with Ultrabook/Laptop/PC/Desktop, 3D TLC NAND Flash Internal SSD, LDPC Error Correction, SLC Cache, B+M Key
$379.99
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