by 295 reviews.
Transcend 2TB MTS830S M.2 2280 SATA3 SSD Review: A Reliable Storage Upgrade with a Few Caveats
The Transcend 2TB MTS830S M.2 2280 SATA3 SSD is a high-performance internal solid-state drive designed to deliver speed, reliability, and durability. With features like 3D NAND flash memory, DDR3 DRAM cache, and advanced error correction, this SSD is a solid choice for upgrading laptops, desktops, and even niche setups like mini PCs and Raspberry Pi systems. But how does it hold up in real-world use? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on customer feedback.
Pros and Cons: A Detailed Breakdown
Performance and Speed
The Transcend MTS830S SSD boasts impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 560 MB/s and 520 MB/s, respectively. Customers have praised its ability to significantly reduce load times and improve system responsiveness. One user noted that it’s a massive upgrade over traditional hard drives, especially for booting operating systems like Ubuntu on a Raspberry Pi.
However, some users pointed out that the drive tends to run hot, especially in compact or fanless systems. One reviewer mentioned idle temperatures of 60°C and peak temperatures of 80-84°C during sustained file transfers. While this didn’t cause any immediate issues, it’s something to consider if you’re using the SSD in a confined space.
Build Quality and Durability
The 3D NAND flash memory and DDR3 DRAM cache are standout features that ensure both performance and longevity. Customers appreciate the inclusion of a DRAM cache, which is a must-have for many tech enthusiasts. One reviewer specifically chose this SSD over cheaper alternatives because of its DRAM cache, stating that it’s a non-negotiable feature for reliable storage.
The SSD also comes with a 5-year warranty, which provides peace of mind for long-term use. However, some users reported inconsistencies in warranty information, with the product listing mentioning a 3-year warranty while the packaging and manufacturer’s website state 5 years.
Compatibility and Usability
The Transcend MTS830S is highly versatile, compatible with both laptops and desktops, and even niche devices like mini PCs and Raspberry Pi systems. One user successfully installed it in a BMAX B1 Plus mini PC for an arcade cabinet build, while another used it as a boot drive for a Raspberry Pi 4.
However, the included SSD Scope software received mixed reviews. While it’s functional for basic tasks like checking temperatures and firmware updates, it lacks advanced features found in competitors’ software, such as Samsung Magician. Some users also noted the absence of over-provisioning options, which led them to manually leave 20% of the drive unallocated for better performance.
Heat Management
Heat management is a recurring theme in customer reviews. The SSD tends to run hot, especially in compact or fanless systems. One user mitigated this issue by installing a 6mm thick copper M.2 heatsink, which reduced peak temperatures from 80-84°C to 64-71°C during sustained file transfers. However, idle temperatures remained unchanged at 60°C.
For users with standard PC cases and proper cooling solutions, heat shouldn’t be a significant issue. But if you’re working with limited space or passive cooling, additional measures like heatsinks may be necessary.
Customer Support
Transcend’s customer support received glowing reviews from users. One customer had an issue with a defective drive and praised the company’s fast, polite, and helpful response. Transcend provided a shipping label for the return and facilitated a smooth exchange process, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Conclusion: Is the Transcend MTS830S Worth It?
The Transcend 2TB MTS830S M.2 2280 SATA3 SSD is a reliable and high-performing storage solution, particularly for users who prioritize features like DRAM cache and long-term durability. Its blazing-fast speeds, compact form factor, and wide compatibility make it a versatile choice for various setups, from gaming rigs to Raspberry Pi systems.
However, the SSD’s tendency to run hot in confined spaces and the lackluster SSD Scope software are notable drawbacks. If you’re using it in a compact or fanless system, investing in a heatsink is highly recommended.
Final Verdict:
- Pros: Fast speeds, DRAM cache, 5-year warranty, excellent customer support, wide compatibility.
- Cons: Runs hot in confined spaces, basic management software, inconsistent warranty information.
If you’re looking for a dependable SSD with a focus on performance and longevity, the Transcend MTS830S is a solid choice—just be mindful of its heat management needs.
Specification Transcend 2TB MTS830S M.2 2280 SATA3 SSD, Internal Solid State, Compatible with Laptop & PC Desktop, Up to 560/520 MB/s - TS2TMTS830S:
Comments from Amazon:
I am using this as a boot drive for a Raspberry Pi 4 that I have installed in the Argon One M.2 SATA case. It's been running Ubuntu server, and acts as my network controller. I also run a host of other LAN related services on it. I don't think the Raspberry Pi is running the drive at it's peak, but it's always been ready and willing to perform any task I've thrown at it. It's been much better than running off an SD card, as they are slow and then to die after a year or so when left to run 24/7/365. With this setup, the Raspberry Pi will be quaint and useless before the drive begins to die.
It is expensive for a sata ssd, but I don't buy ssds that don't have a dram cache. Otherwise it works satisfactory.
Wanted to boot a Raspberry Pi 4B from an external disk instead of the standard micro-SSD card. In addition, given that many writes to the micro-SSD card might cause it to go bad more quickly I wanted something a bit more robust in that regard. Drive speed was *not* my first consideration so this Transcend 512GB SATA SSD fit the bill nicely. Installation into a UGREEN external enclosure was simple and my RPi has been working great ever since. Very much recommend this drive for not only this type application but for any situation where you need some extra external disk space and speed is not of the essence. Very much recommend this drive!
My U59 (Beelink) computer developed a defective drive about 15 months after purchase. This was a perfect replacement.
I've purchased several of these over the years and never had a problem. This one just wouldn't be recognized by my computers. So I got in touch with Transcend. We worked together, first by phone and then by email. We ultimately decided that I should exchange the drive for a new one. So, I'll be returning the drive to them. They provided the shipping label. I have never had such polite, helpful and FAST responses as this. The people who stand behind the product are as important a part of the product as the product itself. These people are the best!
Best thing I've ever done to my little 32gb notebook. Increased speed to as this reads and writes far faster than the stock hard drive.
This Transcend 1 TB SATAIII M.2 seems (to me) to run pretty hot, but I haven't noticed any issues. The package and the manufacturer's website both say that it includes a 5 year warranty (as opposed to the 3 year warranty that is mentioned in the listing). I was unable to purchase an NVMe M.2 drive for this use-case (hardware limitations of the mini PC) and I could have purchased other M.2 SSD SATA drives for about half of the price, but I just can't bring myself to buy an SSD that lacks a DRAM cache and this seemed to be the best price I could find on a 1TB SATA M.2 SSD with DRAM cache. This drive is installed in a BMAX B1 Plus mini PC [ASIN:B0D2HQMR4Q] that I am running inside of an full size arcade cabinet. I installed Transcend's SSD Scope software to check for firmware updates (there weren't any available) and used it for peeking at the temperatures. The software is very basic and doesn't have some of the features that I am used to seeing in competitors SSD management utilities (eg. Samsung Magician). I don't see a way to over provision in SSD Scope, so I just left 20% of the space unallocated in Disk Management. I do not leave SSD Scope running, but it seems like the only way to even manually check for firmware updates, which are probably pretty rare anyway. In the fanless BMAX B1 Plus, this SSD idles at around 60°C. When performing some sustained file copies I saw the drive running at around 80-84°C. Knowing that I had very limited space to work with in the mini BMAX case, I ordered a 6mm thick copper M.2 heatsink [ASIN:B0CWNLJZSP]. With the heatsink installed and the plastic cover of the BMAX case left off (nothing can touch it inside of the arcade cabinet), the same file copies resulted in temps of 64-71°C. The idle temperature was not changed. Under normal use, this arcade has very small and brief periods of reading and writing to/from this SSN (D:) drive. With the heatsink installed, I haven't seen the SSD go over 64°C during normal use. This is just me working within the constraints of my arcade cabinet build. I think that in a standard PC case with a good motherboard or 3rd party heatsink, this SSD probably would not have any significant heat issues. 5-years warranty is good to have. DRAM cache is a requirement (for me). So far I have had no complaints about the drive.