by 2 reviews.
Transcend TS64GMSA230S 64GB mSATA SSD Review: A Reliable Upgrade for Your System
If you're looking to breathe new life into an older system or need a compact, high-performance storage solution, the Transcend TS64GMSA230S 64GB mSATA SSD might be just what you need. This internal solid-state drive is designed to deliver fast read and write speeds, enhanced durability, and energy efficiency, making it a solid choice for upgrading desktops, laptops, or embedded systems.
With a SATA III 6GB/s interface, this SSD boasts read speeds of up to 350MB/s and write speeds of up to 200MB/s, ensuring quick boot times and smooth multitasking. Its 3D NAND Flash memory and advanced technologies like RAID engine, LDPC coding, and SLC caching further enhance its performance and reliability. Plus, its compact mSATA form factor makes it ideal for space-constrained systems.
But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.
Pros: What Customers Love
1. Easy Installation and Compatibility
Many customers praised the ease of installation, even for those with limited technical expertise. One user shared their experience of replacing a failed 128GB hard drive in a 12-year-old Dell XPS 13 laptop:
"My 12 yo Dell XPS 13's 128GB hard drive failed, and I was able to DIY replace it with a 256GB drive. Diagnostics quickly recognized the new SSD. A Windows 10 installation later, and I was back up and running as good as new."
Another customer successfully used the SSD to replace a faulty drive in a Dell S6010-ON switch, stating:
"Used as a replacement mSATA drive that went bad in my Dell S6010-ON switch. Was able to reload OS10 on it, and the switch boots perfect!"
The SSD’s compatibility with older systems and its plug-and-play nature make it a favorite among users looking for a hassle-free upgrade.
2. Improved Performance
The Transcend mSATA SSD delivers noticeable performance improvements, especially for older systems. One user noted:
"Basic mSata. Faster and larger capacity than the failed one. Fit the bill for my usage."
Another customer highlighted its performance in a Protectli mini PC appliance:
"Decent, worked without any problems in a Protectli mini PC appliance. This particular 128GB model is a useful size, large enough for limited storage or a non-cramped system drive."
The SSD’s SLC caching technology and RAID engine contribute to its reliable performance, making it a great choice for both everyday use and more demanding applications.
3. Compact and Energy-Efficient Design
The mSATA form factor is a standout feature for users with space-constrained systems. One reviewer appreciated its compact size:
"mSATA itself is a bit of an oddity, a stepping stone between 'regular' SATA SSD and m.2 designs. It's essentially SATA SSD without a case or cable connectors. That makes it a little cheaper and a lot smaller than SATA SSD."
Additionally, the SSD’s DevSleep support ensures ultra-low power consumption, making it an energy-efficient choice for users who prioritize sustainability.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
1. Size and Compatibility Issues
While the mSATA form factor is a pro for some, it can also be a con for others. One user warned:
"It is 50 mm long, so make sure your motherboard has enough clearance. Some motherboards have a 1/2 size PCI-E footprint, which is only 27mm long. Measure your motherboard before ordering—make sure the motherboard is mSATA compatible."
Another customer shared their frustration:
"I never was able to install this SSD. See reason: It is 50 mm long, so make sure your motherboard has enough clearance."
Before purchasing, it’s crucial to verify your system’s compatibility to avoid disappointment.
2. Write Speeds Could Be Better
While the SSD delivers impressive read speeds, some users found the write speeds to be lacking. One reviewer conducted a speed test and reported:
"In straight-line, unbuffered testing (1MB blocks), I found it was much slower on write (128 MiB/s) than read (487 MiB/s)."
This discrepancy might not be a dealbreaker for casual users, but it’s worth noting for those who require faster write speeds for tasks like video editing or large file transfers.
3. Limited Storage Capacity
At 64GB, this SSD is best suited for users with modest storage needs. While it’s perfect for hosting an operating system or essential applications, it may fall short for those requiring more space for large files or extensive software libraries.
Final Thoughts
The Transcend TS64GMSA230S 64GB mSATA SSD is a reliable and affordable option for upgrading older systems or space-constrained devices. Its compact design, ease of installation, and improved performance make it a standout choice for users looking to enhance their computing experience.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The limited storage capacity and slower write speeds may be a concern for some users, and the mSATA form factor requires careful compatibility checks before purchase.
Final Verdict
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly SSD to breathe new life into an older system or need a compact storage solution for an embedded application, the Transcend TS64GMSA230S is a solid choice. Just make sure your system is compatible, and you’re good to go!
Specification Transcend TS64GMSA230S 64GB SATAIII mSATA SSD 230S Internal Solid State Drive, 1 Count (Pack of 1):
Comments from Amazon:
My 12 yo Dell XPS 13's 128GB hard drive failed, and I was able to DIY replace it with a 256GB drive. Diagnostics quickly recognized the new SSD. A Windows 10 installation later, and I was back up and running as good as new. I've been around tech support for my work and have built desktops before, but this is my first laptop repair. It wasn't that difficult. With YouTube, I think many people could do it. Honestly, reinstalling Windows was the most challenging part of this DIY.
Excellent
Used as a replacement mSATA drive that went bad in my Dell S6010-ON switch. Was able to reload OS10 on it and the switch boots perfect!
This is a mSATA SSD, not a PCI-E SSD. I never was able to install this SSD. See reason It is 50 mm long so make sure your motherboard has enough clearance. Some motherboards have a 1/2 size PCI-E foot print which is only 27mm long. Measure your motherboard before ordering -- make sure the motherboard is mSATA compatible.
Basic mSata. faster and larger capacity than the failed one. Fit the bill for my useage.
Decent, worked without any problems in a Protectli mini PC appliance. This particular 128GB model is a useful size, large enough for limited storage, or a non-cramped system drive. In straight-line, unbuffered testing (1MB blocks) I found it was much slower on write (128 MiB/s) than read (487 MiB/s). As is typical for inexpensive flash-based storage, the numbers will likely wander with age ("lower" for writes), and be faster when managed with the buffering provided by an operating system. I consider Transcend a trusted name for consumer flash products, I've used a number of their SD, CF, and thumb drives. mSATA itself is a bit of an oddity, a stepping stone between "regular" SATA SSD and m.2 designs. It's essentially SATA SSD without a case or cable connectors. That makes it a little cheaper and a lot smaller than SATA SSD, but not any faster. But its small format apparently caught on for some embedded applications like my miniPC. Recommended if you need mSATA.
New in box. System picked it up right away. Was able to write with pretty decent speeds. Arrived faster than I expected.