Transcend or Addlink? Nvme SSDs Compared in 2026
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
When you look at transcend vs addlink nvme SSD options, you quickly see these drives serve different physical needs. Both units use SATA III interfaces and SLC caching to manage data efficiently. The main difference lies in their physical shape and capacity. One is a compact M.2 stick for tight spaces, while the other is a standard 2.5-inch block for desktops and consoles. You need to match the form factor to your device slots.
Key differences
| Aspect | Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD | Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | M.2 2242 | 2.5 inch |
| Interface | SATA III | SATA III |
| Max Read Speed | 560MB/sec | 500MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 500MB/sec | 450MB/s |
| Storage Capacity | 120GB | 512GB |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD if
- You need a small M.2 drive for a laptop or mini PC.
- You want the highest listed read speed of 560MB/sec.
- You are upgrading a device that only accepts 2242 size drives.
Choose Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD if
- You need more storage space with 512GB capacity.
- You are installing the drive in a desktop or PlayStation 4.
- You prefer the standard 2.5-inch form factor for easy mounting.
Verdict: Choose the Transcend if you are limited by space and need an M.2 2242 form factor with slightly higher peak speeds. Pick the Addlink if you require a larger 512GB capacity or need a standard 2.5-inch drive for a desktop or console.
Transcend vs Addlink SSD Specs
form factor
The Transcend drive uses an M.2 2242 form factor. This compact shape measures 42mm in length. It fits into slots designed for smaller M.2 modules. The Addlink unit uses a standard 2.5-inch drive shape. It measures 100mm by 70mm. This size fits traditional drive bays. It also works in laptops and consoles like the PS4. You must choose the shape that matches your device. The Transcend is better for tight spaces. The Addlink is better for standard bays.
storage capacity
You are comparing a 120GB Transcend drive against a 512GB Addlink drive. The Transcend model shown has 120GB of space. The Addlink model shown has 512GB of space. The Addlink offers more than four times the storage. If you need to store many files, the Addlink is the clear choice. The Transcend is suitable for light tasks. You can check if the Transcend comes in larger sizes, but this specific model is small. The Addlink provides more room for your data.
transfer speed
Both drives use the SATA III interface. The Transcend lists a max read speed of 560MB/sec. It lists a max write speed of 500MB/sec. The Addlink lists a max read speed of 500MB/s. It lists a max write speed of 450MB/s. The Transcend has slightly higher numbers on paper. The difference is small in real use. Both rely on SLC caching to boost performance. You will see fast boots and app launches on either drive. The Transcend has a slight edge in peak speeds.
nand type
The Addlink drive explicitly uses 3D NAND flash memory. This type of memory stacks cells vertically. It often offers better endurance and density. The Transcend data also mentions premium 3D TLC NAND chips. Both drives use advanced 3D NAND technology. This means you get good reliability and performance from both. The NAND type is similar in both cases. You do not need to worry about older planar NAND here. Both products use modern memory structures.
compatibility
The Addlink drive is noted as a perfect upgrade for PlayStation 4 systems. Its 7mm slim profile fits directly into the console. You do not need adapters for this use. The Transcend drive is an M.2 2242 module. It fits into laptops or desktops with that specific slot. It does not fit into a standard 2.5-inch bay. If you are upgrading a console or a desktop with a SATA bay, the Addlink is the only choice. The Transcend is for M.2 slots only.
Which Transcend or Addlink SSD fits you
Upgrading a PS4 console with standard drive bay
The Addlink S20 uses a 2.5-inch form factor. This standard size fits directly into PlayStation 4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro drives. You do not need adapters. The 512GB capacity provides ample space for games. The SATA III interface ensures compatibility with existing console hardware without modification.
Building a compact mini-PC with M.2 slot
The Transcend drive uses an M.2 2242 form factor. This compact shape measures only 42mm in length. It fits into slots designed for smaller M.2 modules. The SATA III interface provides up to 560MB/sec read speeds. This size is ideal for tight spaces where a larger 2.5-inch drive will not fit.
Seeking higher capacity for general desktop storage
The Addlink S20 offers a 512GB storage capacity. This is larger than the 120GB option available in the Transcend drive. Both use SATA III and SLC caching. The 2.5-inch form factor is standard for desktops. You get more storage space for your data, which helps with large files and multiple applications.
The products compared
Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD
Best for: Small form factor laptops needing 2242 SSDs
- 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 MTS420S is a 120GB M.2 2242 SATA III SSD. It offers read speeds up to 560MB/sec and write speeds up to 500MB/sec. The drive uses 3D TLC NAND flash with SLC caching. It supports Trim and NCQ commands. You should choose this if you need a compact drive for older laptops or small form factor builds that require the 2242 size.
Pros
- SATA III 6GB/s interface
- Read speeds up to 560MB/sec
- Compact M.2 2242 form factor
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Small 120GB capacity
- Only 42mm length limits compatibility
- No PCIe or NVMe speeds
Good fit if
- You need a 2242 size for a specific slot
- You are upgrading an older laptop with SATA
- You only need light storage for basic tasks
Skip if
- You need more than 120GB of space
- Your motherboard only supports M.2 2280 drives
- You want faster NVMe performance
Verdict: Transcend MTS420S 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD is a reliable option for users with strict space constraints. It fits perfectly in devices requiring the shorter 2242 module.
Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
Best for: PlayStation 4 and legacy PC SATA upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB
- Interface
- SATA III
- Form Factor
- 2.5 inch
- Max Read Speed
- 500MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 450MB/s
- Cache Type
- SLC Caching
View on Amazon: Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD Affiliate link
This 2.5-inch internal drive uses a SATA III interface and 3D NAND flash to provide 512GB of storage. It reaches sequential speeds of up to 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write with built-in SLC caching. With its 7mm slim casing, you can fit it directly into compatible laptops, desktops, or PlayStation 4 consoles needing a straightforward storage replacement.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach up to 500MB/s
- SLC caching preserves responsive write performance
- Slim 7mm form factor fits PlayStation 4 drive bays
- Backed by a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- SATA III ceiling limits maximum read speed to 500MB/s
- Peak write speed reaches 450MB/s
Good fit if
- You need a direct drop-in drive for a PlayStation 4 console.
- You want 512GB of 3D NAND storage in a 2.5-inch SATA bay.
Skip if
- You require high-speed NVMe throughput beyond SATA limits.
- You need an M.2 form factor rather than a 2.5-inch case.
Verdict: Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD delivers dependable SATA III speeds for users upgrading older desktop bays, laptops, or PlayStation 4 consoles.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD | Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 120GB | 512GB |
| Interface | SATA III 6GB/s | SATA III |
| Form Factor | not stated | 2.5 inch |
| Max Read Speed | 560MB/sec | 500MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 500MB/sec | 450MB/s |
| Cache Type | SLC Cache | SLC Caching |
| Compatibility | Laptop, Desktop | not stated |
| NAND Type | not stated | 3D NAND |
| Size | 120GB | 512GB |
| Dimensions | 0.87 × 0.15 × 3.15 inches | 3.94 × 2.75 × 0.28 inches |
| Color | Multicoloured | S20 |
| Model | TS120GMTS420S | ad512GBS20S3S |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these SSDs for PS4 upgrades?
Yes, but only the Addlink S20 works directly. It uses a standard 2.5-inch form factor that fits PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro drive bays without adapters. The Transcend MTS420S is an M.2 2242 drive. This smaller shape does not fit standard console bays. You would need a different drive for your PlayStation.
Which drive is better for small laptops?
The Transcend 120GB M.2 2242 is the better choice. It is designed for devices with strict space constraints. Its compact 2242 module fits slots built for smaller M.2 drives. The Addlink S20 is a 2.5-inch drive. It is too large for most ultrabooks or compact laptop chassis that require M.2 form factors.
Do these drives use NVMe or SATA?
Both drives use the SATA III interface. Despite the guide title, neither product listed here is an NVMe drive. They both rely on SATA III connections for data transfer. The Addlink S20 also features 3D NAND and SLC cache. The Transcend drive uses SLC cache as well. Neither uses the PCIe NVMe protocol.
How much storage does the Addlink S20 offer?
The Addlink S20 offers 512GB of storage. This capacity is suitable for users needing more space than the 120GB Transcend drive provides. It is ideal for expanding laptop storage or upgrading game consoles. The Transcend option is limited to 120GB, which is sufficient for basic OS installations but less for media libraries.
What is the physical size of the Transcend drive?
The Transcend MTS420S measures 0.87 inches in length and 0.15 inches in width. It is a short M.2 module. This specific 2242 size is distinct from the more common 2280 modules. You must check your device manual to ensure it supports this shorter length. The Addlink drive is much larger at 3.94 inches long.
Is SLC cache important for these drives?
SLC caching helps manage data efficiency by writing data faster in a temporary buffer. Both the Transcend and Addlink drives utilize SLC cache technology. This feature can improve burst write speeds for small files. It helps maintain performance during heavy tasks before the cache fills up. It is a standard feature in both these SATA SSDs.