Overview

The Transcend TS256GMTE220S is a 256GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD that uses a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface. It features 3D TLC NAND flash and a 256MB DDR3 DRAM cache, delivering sequential read speeds up to 3,300MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 1,250MB/s. These figures place it among the top performers in the Gen3 segment.
This drive is positioned as an entry-level NVMe SSD that prioritizes cost-effectiveness without sacrificing essential features like DRAM caching. It's an excellent choice for users looking to upgrade from a SATA SSD or HDD for faster OS boot times and application loading. The included 5-year warranty adds peace of mind for long-term use.
One of the standout features is the inclusion of a DRAM cache, which significantly improves random read/write performance compared to DRAM-less SSDs. This makes everyday multitasking and file operations noticeably snappier.

Compatibility Guide

The TS256GMTE220S uses the M.2 2280 form factor and requires an M.2 slot that supports NVMe with PCIe Gen3 x4 or higher. If your motherboard's M.2 slot only supports PCIe Gen3 x2 or SATA mode, the drive will still work but at reduced speeds.

  • Form factor: M.2 2280
  • Interface: NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4
  • OS support: Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux (with standard NVMe drivers)
  • Note: Some older motherboards (e.g., Intel 100-series or earlier, AMD AM4 pre-300 series chipsets) may not recognize NVMe SSDs as boot drives without a BIOS update.

Product Info

The Transcend TS256GMTE220S was released around 2019 and targets the entry-level to mid-range NVMe SSD market. Its key differentiator is the inclusion of a DRAM cache at a price point where many competitors offer DRAM-less alternatives. This gives it an edge in random access performance and overall responsiveness.

  • Capacity: 256GB
  • Interface: NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4
  • NAND: 3D TLC
  • DRAM cache: 256MB DDR3
  • Sequential read: up to 3,300MB/s
  • Sequential write: up to 1,250MB/s
  • 4K random read/write: 190,000 / 300,000 IOPS
  • TBW: 550TBW
  • MTBF: 2,000,000 hours
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Availability: online retailers, major electronics retailers

Best Use Cases

  • OS and application drive for budget builds: If you're building a PC on a tight budget and want a noticeable speed boost over a SATA SSD, this drive is ideal. The DRAM cache ensures smooth daily operation.
  • Secondary drive for laptops or desktops: After upgrading your main drive to a larger NVMe SSD, you can repurpose this 256GB unit as a fast secondary drive for frequently used applications or game installations.
  • Light gaming rig: For gamers who play a few titles at a time and don't need massive storage, 256GB is enough for the OS and 2-3 modern games. Load times will be significantly faster than a traditional HDD.
    However, if you work with large media files (4K video, high-resolution photos) or have a large game library, you'll quickly run out of space. Consider a 500GB or 1TB model instead.

Things to Consider

  • The 256GB capacity can fill up fast. Before purchasing, estimate your current storage usage to ensure it's sufficient.
  • This is a PCIe Gen3 drive. If your motherboard supports Gen4, you won't get Gen4 speeds. For maximum performance, choose a Gen4 SSD.
  • While the DRAM cache helps, the controller is entry-level. Sustained large-file writes (e.g., copying 100GB+) may cause the drive to slow down after the SLC cache is exhausted.
  • Competitors like the Crucial P3 Plus or WD Blue SN580 are DRAM-less but offer similar sequential speeds at comparable prices. The TS256GMTE220S wins on random access due to its DRAM cache.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this SSD in a PS5?
A: No. The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD for internal storage expansion. This Gen3 drive is not compatible.
Q: Will it work in my laptop?
A: Yes, if your laptop has an M.2 2280 slot that supports NVMe. Some ultra-thin laptops may only support single-sided M.2 SSDs, so check the physical clearance. Also ensure the slot is NVMe-capable, not SATA-only.
Q: What does the 5-year warranty cover?
A: The warranty covers manufacturing defects but does not cover data loss. You'll need proof of purchase to claim warranty service. Refer to Transcend's official website for full terms.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: トランセンドジャパン
  • Seller: Amazon.co.jp
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon.co.jp
  • ASIN: B07MTTX7DK
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.