Kingston or TEAMGROUP? Nvme SSDs Compared in 2026
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This TEAMGROUP vs kingston nvme SSD comparison looks at two budget drives. Both use SATA III interfaces for reliable performance. The Kingston A400 is a 2.5-inch drive with 480GB capacity. The TEAMGROUP MS30 is a compact M.2 2280 model with 256GB storage. You need to check your motherboard slots and space requirements. One fits traditional bays while the other suits modern slim devices. Both offer decent speeds for everyday tasks.
Key differences
| Aspect | Kingston A400 480GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | TEAMGROUP MS30 256GB M.2 SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch | M.2 2280 |
| Storage Capacity | 480GB | 256GB |
| Max Write Speed | 450MB/s | 400MB/s |
| NAND Type | not listed | 3D NAND TLC |
| Cache Technology | 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 documents and media.
- Your computer has a standard 2.5-inch drive bay.
- You want slightly faster write speeds for file transfers.
Choose TEAMGROUP MS30 256GB M.2 SATA SSD if
- Your system requires a compact M.2 slot.
- You are upgrading a slim laptop or desktop.
- You value specific NAND and cache specifications.
Verdict: Choose the Kingston A400 if you prioritize capacity and fit standard drive bays. Pick the TEAMGROUP MS30 if your device only supports M.2 modules. Both drives offer similar read speeds for general use.
Kingston vs Teamgroup SSD Specs
Form factor
The Kingston A400 uses a traditional 2.5-inch chassis. This standard size fits most desktops and older laptops with dedicated drive bays. It measures 3.94 inches long and 2.75 inches wide. The TEAMGROUP MS30 uses the M.2 2280 form factor. This smaller card plugs directly into the motherboard. It measures only 3.15 inches long and 0.87 inches wide. If your system has limited space or lacks a 2.5-inch bay, the M.2 drive is the better fit. However, the 2.5-inch drive offers more flexibility for legacy systems.
Storage capacity
The Kingston A400 offers 480GB of storage. This provides more room for operating systems, applications, and large files. The TEAMGROUP MS30 provides 256GB of storage. While sufficient for a boot drive and essential programs, it holds less data overall. You can choose different capacities for the Kingston model, ranging from 120GB to 960GB. The TEAMGROUP model is available in 256GB and 2TB options. If you need more space without buying a second drive, the Kingston A400 has the advantage in this specific configuration.
Transfer speed
Both drives use the SATA III interface with a 6Gb/s connection. The Kingston A400 reaches up to 500MB/s for reads and 450MB/s for writes. The TEAMGROUP MS30 reaches up to 500MB/s for reads but only 400MB/s for writes. This means the Kingston drive can save files slightly faster than the TEAMGROUP model. The difference is small but noticeable during large file transfers. Both speeds are limited by the SATA interface, so neither will outperform NVMe drives. For everyday tasks, both speeds feel responsive.
Cache technology
The TEAMGROUP MS30 features an SLC cache. This temporary buffer uses faster single-level cell memory to boost write speeds for larger files. The Kingston A400 data does not specify a cache type. SLC caching helps maintain higher speeds when copying many small files or large bursts of data. Without explicit data on the Kingston cache, the TEAMGROUP drive has a clear advantage in sustained write performance. This technology improves efficiency during heavy workloads. If you frequently transfer large datasets, the cache technology in the TEAMGROUP model is beneficial.
NAND type
The TEAMGROUP MS30 uses 3D NAND TLC memory. This type of flash memory stores three bits per cell, balancing cost and capacity. The Kingston A400 data does not specify the NAND type. 3D NAND offers better endurance and density than older planar NAND. TLC is common in budget drives and provides good performance for general use. Since the Kingston specifications do not confirm the NAND technology, we cannot compare them directly on this metric. The TEAMGROUP drive provides more transparency regarding its internal memory structure.
Physical dimensions
The Kingston A400 is thicker, measuring 0.28 inches in height. It weighs 1.44 ounces. The TEAMGROUP MS30 is much thinner at 0.14 inches. It weighs only 0.35 ounces. The slim profile of the M.2 drive makes it ideal for thin laptops and compact builds. The 2.5-inch drive is bulkier but easier to handle and install in standard bays. If you are building a small form factor PC, the lighter and thinner TEAMGROUP drive is easier to fit. For standard towers, the weight difference is negligible.
Which SSD fits your system best
Users with 2.5-inch drive bays needing more storage
The Kingston A400 offers 480GB of capacity in a standard 2.5-inch form factor. This size fits most desktops and older laptops with dedicated drive bays. You get 500MB/s read speeds, which is ideal for replacing a slow hard drive. The 450MB/s write speed ensures decent file transfer performance for general computing tasks.
Users with M.2 slots needing compact storage
The TEAMGROUP MS30 uses the M.2 2280 form factor, making it perfect for modern laptops and compact builds with limited space. It measures only 0.14 inches thick. You get 500MB/s read speeds and support for Intel Smart Response Technology. This allows you to use the drive as cache to boost overall system efficiency.
Users prioritizing higher capacity for the budget
If you need more space for applications or files, the Kingston A400 provides 480GB. The TEAMGROUP MS30 only offers 256GB. Both drives use SATA III interfaces for reliable performance. The Kingston drive also features a 7-millimeter form factor, allowing it to fit in slimmer notebooks where space is limited but capacity is key.
Users wanting cache technology for speed boosts
The TEAMGROUP MS30 includes SLC Cache and supports Intel Smart Response Technology. This feature lets you set the SSD as cache memory between your hard drive and computer. You get faster response times and improved working efficiency. The drive also supports advanced garbage collection and wear leveling to maintain performance and service life over time.
The products compared
Kingston A400 480GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
Best for: upgrading older laptops and desktops with 2.5-inch bays
- 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 read speeds up to 500MB/s and write speeds up to 450MB/s. The 7mm form factor fits slim notebooks and systems with limited space. It operates between 0°C and 70°C. This drive suits users seeking reliable performance for everyday tasks and system upgrades.
Pros
- Read speeds up to 500MB/s
- Write speeds up to 450MB/s
- Compact 7mm height for slim devices
- Backwards compatible with SATA Rev. 2.0
Cons
- SATA III interface limits speed compared to NVMe
- 2.5-inch form factor is bulkier than M.2 drives
- No included mounting hardware or cables
Good fit if
- You need a reliable HDD replacement for a desktop
- You are upgrading an older laptop with a 2.5-inch bay
- You want fast boot times and file transfers on a budget
Skip if
- You require NVMe speeds for heavy workloads
- Your system only supports M.2 slots
- You need more than 480GB in a single drive
Verdict: Kingston A400 480GB 2.5" SATA SSD provides solid SATA performance for standard storage needs. It is the right choice for users upgrading older systems with 2.5-inch drive bays who prioritize capacity and reliability over raw speed.
TEAMGROUP MS30 256GB M.2 SATA SSD
Best for: basic SATA M.2 upgrades and caching
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB
- Interface
- SATA III 6Gb/s
- Max Read Speed
- 500 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 400 MB/s
- Cache Type
- SLC Cache
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
View on Amazon: TEAMGROUP MS30 256GB M.2 SATA SSD Affiliate link
The TEAMGROUP MS30 is a 256GB M.2 2280 SATA III drive. It uses 3D TLC NAND with an SLC cache. Max read speeds reach 500 MB/s, and write speeds hit 400 MB/s. This interface matches standard SATA ports in laptops and desktops. It supports Intel Smart Response Technology for caching. You get a 3-year limited warranty based on TBW. It is a compact internal drive for system upgrades.
Pros
- SATA III 6Gb/s interface for broad compatibility
- 500 MB/s max read speed
- SLC cache improves burst performance
- Supports Intel Smart Response Technology
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- 256GB capacity is limited for large libraries
- 400 MB/s write speed lags behind NVMe drives
- SATA III interface caps throughput at 600 MB/s
Good fit if
- You need a cheap SATA M.2 upgrade
- You want Intel Smart Response Technology support
- You are replacing an HDD in a laptop
Skip if
- You require NVMe PCIe speeds
- You need more than 256GB storage
- You want high sequential write performance
Verdict: TEAMGROUP MS30 256GB SATA M.2 SSD delivers reliable SATA speeds for basic upgrades. It fits users who need Intel Smart Response Technology or have limited M.2 slots that only support SATA.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Kingston A400 480GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | TEAMGROUP MS30 256GB M.2 SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 480GB | 256GB |
| Interface | SATA Rev. 3.0 (6Gb/s) | SATA III 6Gb/s |
| Form Factor | 2.5" | not stated |
| Max Read Speed | 500MB/s | 500 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 450MB/s | 400 MB/s |
| Cache Type | not stated | SLC Cache |
| Compatibility | not stated | Laptop, Desktop |
| NAND Type | not stated | 3D NAND, TLC |
| Size | 480 GB | 256GB |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 0.28 × 2.75 inches | 0.87 × 3.15 × 0.14 inches |
| Weight | 1.44 ounces | 0.35 ounces |
| Color | Black | not stated |
| Model | SA400S37/480G | TM8PS7256G0C101 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kingston A400 an NVMe drive?
No, the Kingston A400 is a SATA SSD. It uses the SATA III interface and comes in a 2.5-inch form factor. This design connects via standard SATA cables rather than the PCIe lanes used by NVMe drives. It is suitable for upgrading older systems that have dedicated 2.5-inch drive bays.
Does the TEAMGROUP MS30 support NVMe protocol?
No, the TEAMGROUP MS30 is a SATA SSD. It utilizes the SATA III interface over an M.2 2280 connector. While it fits in M.2 slots, it does not use the NVMe protocol. It is designed for basic upgrades where only SATA speeds are available.
Which drive has more storage capacity?
The Kingston A400 offers more storage. It provides 480GB of space compared to the TEAMGROUP MS30’s 256GB. The A400 is a larger physical drive, while the MS30 is a compact M.2 module. Choose the Kingston if you need extra room for files and applications.
Can I use the TEAMGROUP MS30 for caching?
Yes, the TEAMGROUP MS30 is suitable for caching. It supports Intel Smart Response Technology for basic performance boosts. The drive uses TLC 3D NAND with an SLC cache. This makes it a practical choice for users looking to accelerate a slower primary hard drive.
What is the difference in physical size between these two?
The Kingston A400 is a bulky 2.5-inch drive. It measures 3.94 inches long and 2.75 inches wide. The TEAMGROUP MS30 is much smaller, measuring 3.15 inches long and 0.87 inches wide. The MS30 is designed for compact M.2 slots, while the A400 requires a standard drive bay.
Do both drives use the same interface speed?
Yes, both drives use the SATA III interface. They share the same underlying connection standard for data transfer. Neither drive offers the high speeds of NVMe models. You should expect similar bandwidth limits on both the Kingston A400 and the TEAMGROUP MS30 due to this shared interface.