Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This transcend 120gb mts420s m 2 sata review looks at a compact storage solution for tight spaces. The drive uses an M.2 2242 form factor, making it ideal for mini PCs or older laptops with limited room. It connects via the SATA III 6GB/s interface, ensuring broad compatibility with most systems that support this standard. You get read speeds up to 560MB/sec and write speeds up to 500MB/sec. These figures are typical for SATA drives but reliable for everyday tasks. The 120GB capacity is modest, so you will need to manage your storage carefully.
What stands out
- Compact M.2 2242 size fits small chassis
- SATA III interface for wide compatibility
- Read speeds up to 560MB/sec
- SLC Cache improves burst performance
Who it fits
Good fit for
This SSD suits users with older motherboards or mini PCs that only have M.2 2242 slots. If you need a simple, plug-and-play upgrade for light office work or web browsing, the SATA III interface provides sufficient speed. The 120GB capacity is enough for an operating system and essential applications, but not large media libraries. It is also a good choice for building a small, quiet desktop where space is at a premium and high-end NVMe speeds are unnecessary.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you need high capacity. The 120GB limit fills up quickly with modern operating systems and games. If you require faster data transfer rates, this SATA drive is slower than NVMe options. Users with newer motherboards supporting M.2 2280 NVMe slots will get better performance and value from those drives. This model is not suitable for heavy gaming, video editing, or large file transfers where speed and space are critical.
Verdict: The Transcend MTS420S is a practical, compact SSD for legacy systems or tight spaces. It delivers standard SATA speeds in a small package, making it a solid choice for basic computing needs.
Key specs explained for this drive
Storage Capacity: 120GB
This value tells you how much data the drive can hold. One hundred twenty gigabytes fits a standard operating system, several applications, and a modest library of documents. It is not enough for large media collections or extensive game libraries. You should choose this size if you need basic storage for a secondary drive or a specific legacy system with limited space needs.
Interface: SATA III 6GB/s
This indicates the connection standard and maximum data transfer rate. The SATA III interface provides a theoretical bandwidth of six gigabytes per second. This is the same standard used by most traditional 2.5-inch SSDs. You will get consistent performance across older and newer motherboards that support this interface, ensuring broad compatibility without needing newer PCIe lanes.
Max Read Speed: up to 560MB/sec
This number represents how fast the drive can retrieve data from the NAND chips. Five hundred sixty megabytes per second is near the maximum limit for SATA III drives. This speed allows for quick boot times and rapid loading of applications. It is significantly faster than mechanical hard drives, providing a noticeable improvement in system responsiveness for everyday tasks.
Max Write Speed: up to 500MB/sec
This value shows how quickly the drive can save new data. Five hundred megabytes per second ensures efficient file transfers and software installations. While slightly lower than read speeds, this rate is still very capable for daily use. It helps maintain system fluidity when you are saving large files or updating the operating system without significant delays.
Cache Type: SLC Cache
This feature uses a portion of the drive as high-speed single-level cell memory. It temporarily boosts write speeds for bursty data transfers. This helps maintain performance during short, intensive tasks like copying multiple small files. Once the cache fills, speeds may drop to the native TLC rate. This mechanism provides a smoother experience for typical desktop workloads.
Physical dimensions and build materials
The Transcend MTS420S is an M.2 2242 drive, meaning it measures approximately 42 millimeters in length. According to the listing, the unit is about 0.87 inches long, 0.15 inches wide, and 3.15 inches high. This compact footprint is designed for systems with limited internal space. You will likely find this size useful in mini PCs or older laptops that cannot accommodate the standard 2280 M.2 modules. The drive features a B+M key interface, which ensures it fits only into compatible M.2 slots that support SATA protocols. This physical constraint prevents you from installing it in slots reserved for NVMe drives, avoiding potential hardware conflicts.
The listing describes the color as multicoloured, though the casing is typically a simple printed label over the controller and NAND chips. There are no visible moving parts, so the device relies entirely on 3D TLC NAND flash memory for storage. This solid-state construction means the drive has no mechanical components to fail from vibration or shock. You do not need to worry about alignment issues or loose screws during installation, as the drive is secured by a single mounting screw at the end of the module. The low profile and fixed layout make it a straightforward upgrade for constrained environments where space is the primary concern.
Setup and everyday use details
Installing this drive is straightforward if your system supports the M.2 2242 form factor. The B+M key interface ensures compatibility with standard SATA slots. You will need to secure the drive in the available slot. The listing confirms support for Trim, s.M.A.R.T., and NCQ commands. These features help maintain performance over time and allow the operating system to manage data efficiently. The SATA III 6GB/s interface connects to most modern motherboards. This connection type is widely supported, so you do not need special adapters for basic installation. Daily use relies on the stated speeds. The drive offers read speeds up to 560MB/sec and write speeds up to 500MB/sec. These numbers indicate how fast data moves between the drive and your system. The use of 3D TLC NAND flash memory chips provides a balance of capacity and endurance. The SLC cache helps handle burst writes, which is useful when copying large files. With 120GB of space, you can install an operating system and essential applications. You will have room for documents and smaller media files. The drive is backed by a three-year warranty from Transcend. This support adds confidence for long-term use. The compact size makes it ideal for mini PCs or laptops with limited internal space. You can upgrade storage without changing your entire setup. The multicolored design is purely aesthetic and does not affect performance. Overall, this drive fits well into systems where space is at a premium.
Before you buy this SSD
You should verify your motherboard supports the M.2 2242 form factor before purchasing. This drive is significantly shorter than standard 2280 modules. Ensure your system has the correct B+M key slot available. You will need an M.2 screw or bracket to secure the unit properly. Check that your BIOS recognizes SATA drives in M.2 slots, as some older systems may not. This 120GB capacity is best for boot drives or light office tasks. It is not suitable for large game libraries or video editing projects. Consider the 2TB or 1TB options if you need more space. The SATA III interface limits speeds to around 560MB/sec read. If your system supports NVMe, other options in this guide offer faster performance. This drive fits niche use cases where space is tight. Keep your system updated to maintain optimal compatibility with TRIM commands.
Check before you buy
- Verify motherboard supports M.2 2242 form factor
- Check for available B+M key M.2 slot
- Confirm BIOS recognizes SATA in M.2 slot
- Ensure you have mounting screw or bracket
- Consider larger capacity if you store media
The product at a glance
Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD
Best for: compact SATA storage needs
- 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 Transcend drive uses the M.2 2242 form factor, measuring 42mm in length. It connects via SATA III 6GB/s interface. You get sequential read speeds up to 560MB/sec and write speeds up to 500MB/sec. The unit relies on 3D TLC NAND flash with SLC Cache. It supports Trim and NCQ commands. This 120GB capacity suits users needing compact storage for legacy systems or specific industrial applications.
Pros
- SATA III 6GB/s interface for broad compatibility
- Read speeds up to 560MB/sec
- Compact M.2 2242 form factor
- Includes SLC Cache for performance
Cons
- Small 120GB storage capacity
- Limited to SATA III interface speeds
- No NVMe PCIe option available
Good fit if
- You need a short M.2 drive for tight spaces
- You require SATA compatibility for older motherboards
- You have light storage needs under 120GB
Skip if
- You need large storage capacity over 500GB
- You require NVMe PCIe speeds
- You need high-capacity gaming or media storage
Verdict: Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD fits users needing compact SATA storage. It works well for specific small-form-factor builds. It is not ideal for high-capacity needs.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Compatibility | Laptop, Desktop |
| Dimensions | 0.87 × 0.15 × 3.15 inches |
| Size | 120GB |
| Color | Multicoloured |
| Model | TS120GMTS420S |
Frequently asked questions
Is this drive compatible with my laptop?
It works if your system has an M.2 2242 slot with a B+M key. The SATA III interface ensures broad support for older and newer motherboards. You must check your manual for the specific form factor. Standard 2280 slots will not accept this shorter drive. Verify physical clearance before buying.
How much storage does the Transcend MTS420S offer?
It provides 120GB of total capacity. This fits a standard operating system, essential applications, and a modest amount of documents. It is not suitable for large media libraries or extensive game installations. You should plan your file storage carefully to avoid filling the drive quickly.
What interface does this SSD use?
It uses the SATA III interface. This connects via the M.2 connector but operates at SATA speeds. It does not use the faster NVMe protocol. You will get typical SATA performance levels. This is ideal for systems that do not support NVMe drives.
Does it have DRAM cache?
The specifications list an SLC cache. This is a portion of the NAND flash used to speed up writes. It does not have a dedicated DRAM chip. This setup helps with moderate workloads. Heavy sustained writes may slow down as the cache fills.
Can I use this in a desktop PC?
Yes, if your motherboard has an M.2 2242 SATA slot. Many standard desktop boards only offer 2280 slots. You may need an adapter bracket if the slot is larger. Check your manual for supported lengths. It is primarily designed for compact builds.
What are the physical dimensions of this SSD?
It measures 0.87 inches in length, 0.15 inches in width, and 3.15 inches in height. This corresponds to the 2242 form factor. It is significantly smaller than the common 2280 size. Ensure your chassis has enough room for this specific compact shape.