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My review of the Transcend TS32GMTS400S: 32GB M.2 SATAIII SSD (2024)
Introduction
I recently installed the Transcend M.2 SSD 400S in my laptop to test it out. It gave me quite an improvement in speed. Setting it up was easy, and its performance has been consistent. However, the capacity is only 32GB, which may not be sufficient for some users, and initially, it ran hot. Nevertheless, it’s functioned well for my requirements - more on this below.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Storage Capacity | 32 GB | Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA | Brand | Transcend |
| Special Feature | Portable | Hard Disk Form Factor | 1.65 Inches |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Hard Drive | Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive | Hard Disk Size | 32 GB |
Photos
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Prices
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Transcend SSD Overview
When considering upgrading my storage, the Transcend M.2 SSD 400S stood out for several reasons. Firstly, its ultra-compact dimensions and SATA III 6Gb/s interface make it an excellent fit for slim and portable devices, especially Ultrabooks and sleek notebooks. The MLC NAND flash memory paired with a DDR3 DRAM cache ensures a smooth performance for most tasks.
Ultra-compact design suited for small form factor devices
Utilizes SATA III 6Gb/s interface for fast data transfer
Space-saving M.2 Type 2242 form factor
Mlc NAND flash memory and DDR3 DRAM cache
Supports DevSleep Ultra low power state, S.M.A.R.T., TRIM, and NCQ commands
The storage capacity of up to 32GB might seem modest compared to what is currently available in the market, but it’s ample for operating systems and essential applications. The support for advanced functions like Device Sleep Mode (DevSleep), which significantly extends battery life when inactive, is a crucial feature for mobility.
I was particularly impressed with the SSD’s read and write speeds (up to 500MB/s and 450MB/s, respectively) that the M.2 SSD 400S handles with ease, it proved to be significantly faster than a standard hard drive. Moreover, it provides an admirable 4k random file read and write IOPS of 70,000, which is a notable spec for heavy graphics and multimedia applications.
While I found the storage capacity ideal for my ThinkPad’s two-drive setup, the 32GB capacity could be restrictive if you’re looking to store a large volume of data directly on the drive. I have to admit, a 1TB option, if it was available at the time, would’ve been better for a vast storage requirement.
One minor issue was the heat generation during initial use, which seems to be a common trait in compact SSDs. However, this settled after a short period, and the performance remained consistent. Despite the excellent durability and error correction features, the pricing is a factor to consider; the SSD comes with a premium and may weigh a bit heavy on the wallet, especially when you compare it to larger capacity options from other brands that provide a better cost-per-gigabyte ratio.
In summary, from my personal use, the Transcend M.2 SSD 400S met the expectations for a high-performance, small form factor SSD. For those working with slim line notebooks or Ultrabooks and requiring an internal drive upgrade that doesn’t sacrifice performance for size, this SSD might be the right fit. However, the price and lower capacity could be a trade-off for some.
Performance and Compatibility
When evaluating the Transcend TS32GMTS400S 32GB M.2 SATAIII SSD, the first thing that struck me was its compactness and how it seems ideally crafted for small form factor devices. Utilizing the SATA III 6GB/s interface, it slipped into my Ultrabook with no snags, promising to bolster its performance due to the drive’s commendable speed metrics. Here’s a snapshot of my findings:
Pros:
The M.2 2242 form factor is a perfect fit for ultra-thin devices.
Supports DevSleep for conserving battery life, crucial for mobile device users.
The inclusion of mlc NAND flash memory and DDR3 DRAM cache assures quick data retrieval.
Cons:
At a maximum of 32GB, storage capacity might fall short for those with larger data needs.
Thermal management can be a concern, with the drive running hot initially.
Performance-wise, the Transcend M.2 SSD 400S lives up to its billing, offering impressive read and write speeds that can really kick your device’s responsiveness up a notch. For everyday computing chores and multimedia projects, the SSD handled everything with aplomb, never causing any stutters or pauses.
What intrigued me too was the SSD’s potential to serve as a cache. It truly transforms startup times, which can be a godsend if you’re impatient like me or in a rush. The 4k random file read and write speeds also merit a mention, standing at 70,000 IOPS; this makes a world of difference with graphic-intensive tasks, delivering a near-instantaneous response.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks – primarily, the constrained storage capacity. For my needs, the 32GB is a decent sweet spot, but for gamers or professionals needing substantial storage on the go, this could prove insufficient. Not to mention, higher capacity options appear to be unavailable or unclear, which can be a slight letdown.
Another point of consideration is the thermal aspect. It did run quite warm at the outset, although, to my relief, that dissipated over time. Still, it’s something to keep an eye on, especially in compact setups with less-than-ideal ventilation.
Overall, my experience with the Transcend TS32GMTS400S has been positive. It excels in the spaces it’s meant to – efficiency and form factor optimization. True, it’s not the one-size-fits-all storage solution, and you might want to weigh up the listed pros and cons before making the plunge. But if your use case aligns with what this SSD offers, it’s a solid piece of technology that won’t disappoint.
Installation and Setup Experiences
Installing the Transcend TS32GMTS400S 32GB M.2 SATA III SSD was a mixed bag of experiences. A highlight that stood out immediately:
- Ease of Installation: It easily slid into the WWAN slot of my ThinkPad, which made setup a breeze.
On the technical side, the installation process went smoothly when I replaced my old HDD. The compact nature of the SSD meant that it fit perfectly, and there were no unnecessary complications.
However, it’s worth noting that the device’s compatibility with my laptop’s battery management was questionable. After installation, I encountered some peculiar issues where the battery seemed to behave erratically. It required some troubleshooting, and eventually, I realized the problem lay not with the SSD, but with my laptop’s motherboard. It’s a relief to know the SSD wasn’t at fault, but the hassle was still a minor inconvenience.
Another point of note was the temperature. Initially, the SSD tended to get quite warm which was concerning but, over time, the temperature normalized and didn’t seem to affect performance.
On the plus side:
The SMART reporting was impressive, providing in-depth information about the drive’s status.
SATA III 6Gb/s interface ensured that I didn’t have to sacrifice performance for form factor.
However, not all was perfect. The availability and choice of storage capacities were limiting. For a tech enthusiast with a need for more extensive storage options, the 32GB does seem a tad on the lower side. Moreover, while the SSD’s price tag was a bit steep compared to some alternatives, the features and performance justify the cost to a large extent.
For those looking to use the SSD in smaller devices such as the Raspberry Pi4, this drive is a viable option, offering a balance between capacity and overkill. But, the added chip on this variant might result in potential mounting issues due to its thickness. So, if you’re planning a similar usage, be prepared with the right tools and perhaps extra screws.
From a transcending perspective (pardon the pun), this SSD performed admirably for its intended purpose. Its size, power consumption, and advanced features like TRIM and NCQ support made it a suitable upgrade or addition for laptops and other small form factor devices. Despite the initial temperature concerns and some compatibility hiccups, this little powerhouse of an SSD found its stride in everyday tasks, proving its worth as a solid choice for upgrading storage on compatible devices.
Longevity and Reliability Insights
When it comes to the Transcend TS32GMTS400S 32GB M.2 SATAIII SSD, there are several factors that stand out particularly in terms of longevity and reliability. After several months of continuous use, here are my insights:
SMART Reporting: The SMART attributes are impressively detailed, providing a transparent view of the SSD’s health. Metrics like the Remaining_Lifetime_Perc and various Erase_Count indicators reassure me of the drive’s lifespan. This level of reporting is crucial for anticipating potential failures, especially when the drive is deployed in critical systems like firewalls.
Heat Issues: Initially, I noticed the drive would get quite hot. However, across several startups and extended usage, the heat issue subsided significantly. This suggests a break-in period may be necessary for optimal thermal performance.
Support Experiences: On the flip side, I encountered some challenges with manufacturer support. Receiving a generic or irrelevant response to a very specific query can be frustrating. Although not a direct reflection of the product’s quality, it does affect overall confidence in the brand.
In terms of long-term application, this SSD was impressive:
- SMART data consistently showed low average erase counts.
- After 4955 power-on hours, the SSD Scope reported 97% of life remaining, projecting an extended longevity much beyond typical usage requirements.
However, certain drawbacks must be acknowledged:
- Heat Generation: There were reports of the SSD getting very hot, which could be a concern for some users despite my decreased heat issues over time.
- Support: As mentioned, customer support experiences were less than ideal.
While there are larger capacity SSDs on the market, the 32GB model I used is fitting for systems where large storage is not a necessity but reliability is paramount. It is a great fit for devices like a firewall, where constant writes are not as frequent, and longevity is a key concern.
Overall, reliability has been a strong point for the Transcend M.2 SSD. It performs consistently, with no failures or data corruption incidents to date. The performance is rock solid, with speeds maintaining well within expected ranges after extensive use. This bodes well for anyone looking for stability over maximal storage size. Despite some initial concerns over heat and subpar customer support, the drive’s performance and endurance have made it a valuable component in my hardware setup. Its longevity is not to be understated, and it’s something that gives me peace of mind for systems that require consistent uptime and dependability.