Kingston or Transcend? Nvme SSDs Compared in 2026
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This kingston vs transcend nvme SSD comparison looks at two distinct drives. Both use SATA III interfaces for reliable data transfer. However, they differ significantly in physical design and capacity. The Kingston A400 is a larger 2.5-inch drive with more storage space. The Transcend MTS420S is a compact M.2 2242 unit with a smaller capacity. You need to check your device slots before buying either option.
Key differences
| Aspect | Kingston A400 480GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch | M.2 2242 |
| Storage Capacity | 480GB | 120GB |
| Read Speed | 500MB/s | 560MB/s |
| Write Speed | 450MB/s | 500MB/s |
| Cache Type | not listed | SLC Cache |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Kingston A400 480GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD if
- You need more storage space for your operating system and files.
- Your computer or desktop case uses standard 2.5-inch drive bays.
- You want a drive with a higher maximum write throughput.
Choose Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD if
- You are installing the SSD in a slim laptop or mini-PC.
- Your motherboard only has M.2 2242 slots available.
- You prefer a drive that specifies SLC caching for performance.
Verdict: The Kingston A400 is the better choice if you need more storage and have space for a 2.5-inch drive. The Transcend MTS420S fits systems with limited room, such as compact laptops. Choose based on your physical slot requirements and storage needs.
Kingston vs Transcend SSD Comparison
Storage capacity
You get significantly more space with the Kingston A400. It offers 480GB of storage, which is four times the capacity of the Transcend MTS420S. The Transcend drive only provides 120GB. This difference matters if you plan to store large files, install multiple games, or keep a substantial media library. The Kingston model also comes in higher capacity options up to 960GB. The Transcend model goes up to 2TB in other variants, but the specific 120GB unit you are comparing here is quite small. For most users needing a primary drive, the Kingston capacity is more practical for daily use without constant management.
Physical form factor
These drives use completely different physical designs. The Kingston A400 is a standard 2.5-inch drive with a 7mm height. It fits into traditional laptop bays and desktops with SATA ports. The Transcend MTS420S is an M.2 2242 drive. It is much smaller, measuring 42mm in length. It uses a B+M key interface. This form factor is common in newer ultrabooks and small form factor PCs that lack 2.5-inch bays. You must check your motherboard or laptop slots to see which shape fits. They are not interchangeable. The Kingston is for older or standard systems, while the Transcend is for compact, modern designs.
Transfer speeds
Both drives use the SATA III interface, which caps theoretical bandwidth at 6Gb/s. In practice, the Transcend MTS420S has slightly faster advertised speeds. It reaches up to 560MB/s for reads and 500MB/s for writes. The Kingston A400 tops out at 500MB/s reads and 450MB/s writes. The difference is small, but the Transcend edges ahead in sequential performance. This may result in slightly quicker file transfers and application loads. However, both drives operate within the same SATA speed tier. You will not notice a massive gap in everyday tasks like booting Windows or opening documents. The Transcend is marginally faster.
Cache technology
The Transcend MTS420S explicitly lists SLC Cache technology in its specifications. This feature uses a portion of the drive as a high-speed buffer to accelerate write speeds, especially during large file transfers. The Kingston A400 data does not mention any specific cache type. It relies on standard DRAM-less or SLC caching methods typical for budget SATA drives. The presence of explicit SLC caching in the Transcend specs suggests better sustained write performance under load. For the Kingston, this detail is not provided in the published data. If sustained writes are important to you, the Transcend specification offers a clearer advantage here.
NAND flash type
The Transcend MTS420S uses 3D TLC NAND flash memory chips. This is a common type of flash memory that balances cost, density, and performance. The Kingston A400 data does not specify the NAND type. It is likely TLC or QLC, but without explicit data, we cannot confirm. 3D TLC is generally reliable for consumer use. The Transcend specification gives you more information about the internal components. The Kingston remains a mystery in this regard. For buyers who care about the specific memory architecture, the Transcend provides a verified detail. The Kingston leaves this aspect unconfirmed in the provided specs.
Which Kingston or Transcend SSD fits you
You need high capacity for a desktop PC
The Kingston A400 provides 480GB of storage, which is four times the space of the Transcend option. This larger capacity allows you to store more applications, games, and files. It uses a standard 2.5-inch SATA III interface, making it easy to install in most desktop towers and larger laptops that accept this form factor.
You have a small M.2 slot available
The Transcend MTS420S uses a compact M.2 2242 form factor, fitting into narrow slots where larger drives will not. This makes it ideal for slim notebooks or mini PCs with limited internal space. You get SATA III speeds up to 560MB/s read, ensuring fast performance without requiring the physical footprint of a 2.5-inch drive.
You want SLC cache for better consistency
The Transcend drive includes SLC cache technology, which can improve write performance consistency compared to standard TLC-only configurations. This helps maintain faster speeds during larger file transfers. The Kingston A400 does not list this feature in its specifications. If consistent write speeds matter for your workflow, this cache provides a practical advantage.
You prioritize maximum storage over size
The Kingston A400 offers 480GB, significantly more than the 120GB available on the Transcend model. This extra space is useful if you are replacing a traditional hard drive and want to maximize your available storage. The 500MB/s read speed is sufficient for general use, while the larger capacity reduces the need for frequent file management.
The products compared
Kingston A400 480GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
Best for: SATA-based system upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 480GB
- Interface
- SATA Rev. 3.0 (6Gb/s)
- Form Factor
- 2.5"
- Max Read Speed
- 500MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 450MB/s
- Dimensions
- 3.94 × 0.28 × 2.75 inches
View on Amazon: Kingston A400 480GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD Affiliate link
The Kingston A400 is a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD designed to replace traditional hard drives. It offers 480GB of storage with sequential read speeds up to 500MB/s and write speeds up to 450MB/s. Its 7mm form factor fits slimmer notebooks and systems with limited space. You get a reliable upgrade for faster boot times and file transfers without needing NVMe slots.
Pros
- 2.5-inch form factor fits most desktops and laptops
- SATA III interface ensures broad compatibility
- Sequential read speeds reach 500MB/s
- Operating temperature range supports 0°C to 70°C
Cons
- SATA III interface limits speeds compared to NVMe drives
- 2.5-inch size is bulkier than M.2 modules
- No SLC cache mentioned for sustained write performance
Good fit if
- You need a drop-in replacement for a 2.5-inch drive bay
- You want faster boot times without changing your motherboard
- You prefer standard SATA connectivity for compatibility
Skip if
- You require the highest possible transfer speeds
- You have only M.2 slots available
- You need NVMe protocol performance
Verdict: Kingston A400 480GB 2.5" SATA SSD is a straightforward upgrade for users sticking with SATA connections. It delivers solid speed improvements over mechanical drives for everyday tasks and system responsiveness.
Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD
Best for: small form factor SATA upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 120GB
- Interface
- SATA III 6GB/s
- Max Read Speed
- 560MB/sec
- Max Write Speed
- 500MB/sec
- Cache Type
- SLC Cache
- Form Factor
- M.2 2242
View on Amazon: Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD Affiliate link
This is a 120GB M.2 2242 SSD using the SATA III interface. It offers read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 500MB/s. The drive uses 3D TLC NAND flash with SLC Cache. It is a compact storage solution for systems requiring the smaller 2242 form factor. You get a 3-year warranty with this Transcend model.
Pros
- SATA III 6GB/s interface
- Read speeds up to 560MB/s
- Compact M.2 2242 form factor
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Small 120GB storage capacity
- Limited to SATA III speeds
- Only 120GB option available in this specific listing
Good fit if
- You need a compact M.2 2242 drive
- You are upgrading an older system with SATA support
- You require a reliable budget storage option
Skip if
- You need NVMe speeds
- You require large storage capacity
- You need the standard M.2 2280 size
Verdict: Transcend 120GB M.2 SATA SSD is a practical choice for users needing a small form factor drive. It fits older laptops or mini PCs that require the 2242 size.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Kingston A400 480GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 480GB | 120GB |
| Interface | SATA Rev. 3.0 (6Gb/s) | SATA III 6GB/s |
| Form Factor | 2.5" | not stated |
| Max Read Speed | 500MB/s | 560MB/sec |
| Max Write Speed | 450MB/s | 500MB/sec |
| Cache Type | not stated | SLC Cache |
| Compatibility | not stated | Laptop, Desktop |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 0.28 × 2.75 inches | 0.87 × 0.15 × 3.15 inches |
| Weight | 1.44 ounces | not stated |
| Size | 480 GB | 120GB |
| Color | Black | Multicoloured |
| Model | SA400S37/480G | TS120GMTS420S |
Frequently asked questions
Are these Kingston and Transcend drives NVMe SSDs?
No. Both drives in this comparison use the SATA III interface. The Kingston A400 connects via a standard 2.5-inch SATA port. The Transcend MTS420S uses an M.2 2242 form factor but still relies on SATA III for data transfer. Neither drive utilizes the NVMe protocol for faster communication with your system.
What is the difference in storage capacity between these two SSDs?
The Kingston A400 offers 480GB of storage, while the Transcend MTS420S provides only 120GB. The Kingston drive gives you four times the space. This makes the A400 better for storing more files, applications, and games compared to the smaller Transcend option.
Which drive is better for a small form factor PC?
The Transcend MTS420S is designed for small form factor upgrades. It uses the compact M.2 2242 size, which fits into older laptops or mini PCs with limited space. The Kingston A400 is a larger 2.5-inch drive, which requires more physical room inside your chassis.
Does the Transcend SSD use cache memory?
Yes. The Transcend MTS420S includes SLC Cache technology. This cache helps manage data writes more efficiently, potentially improving performance during burst transfers. The Kingston A400 specifications do not list a specific cache type in the provided data.
Can I use the Kingston A400 in a laptop?
You can use it if your laptop has a 2.5-inch drive bay. It is a standard SATA III drive that fits most older laptops and desktops. However, it will not fit in modern ultrabooks or thin laptops that only support M.2 slots.
What physical size is the Transcend SSD?
The Transcend MTS420S measures 0.87 inches in length, 0.15 inches in width, and 3.15 inches in height. It is a very compact M.2 2242 drive. This small footprint makes it ideal for systems where space is at a premium.