This article covers トランセンドジャパン Transcend SSD 256GB 2.5インチ SATA3.0.

Overview

The Transcend SSD230S (model TS256GSSD230S) is a 2.5-inch SATA solid-state drive featuring 3D TLC NAND flash and a DDR3 DRAM cache. With a capacity of 256GB, it delivers sequential read speeds of 560MB/s and write speeds of 500MB/s, making it a solid choice for OS and application boot drives. Endurance is rated at 140TB TBW, backed by a 5-year warranty, placing it firmly in the entry-to-mid-range segment for budget-conscious builders and office PCs.

Compatibility Guide

This SSD uses the standard 2.5-inch form factor (7mm height) and interfaces via SATA III (6Gb/s), which is backward compatible with SATA II and SATA I. For desktop PCs, a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter bracket may be needed if your case lacks a native 2.5-inch bay. Most laptops with a 2.5-inch SATA drive bay can accept it, but check the manual to confirm clearance for 7mm drives. No additional cables are required if your motherboard already has SATA data and power cables.

Product Info

Released around 2020, the Transcend SSD230S remains widely available through major retailers and online stores, with a typical street price near ¥22,000 in Japan (as of June 2026). It occupies the entry-to-mid-tier market position: the DRAM cache improves random I/O stability over cacheless competitors, while the 5-year warranty and 140TB TBW provide solid peace of mind. This is a reliable upgrade for systems that lack an SSD or need a secondary drive for applications.

Best Use Cases

OS/application drive upgrade: Users replacing an old HDD or looking for a responsive SATA boot drive will benefit from the DRAM cache, which reduces latency during multitasking. It is ideal for general productivity, web browsing, and light gaming. Office and home PCs: For everyday tasks like document editing, spreadsheets, and media playback, the SSD230S offers ample speed and endurance without breaking the bank. * Secondary storage in multi-drive setups: Pair it with a large-capacity HDD for media storage, while installing frequently used programs on this SSD for faster load times. ## Alternatives
Direct competitors include the Crucial MX500 and Samsung 870 EVO. The MX500 also has a DRAM cache and offers 100TB TBW for the 256GB variant (slightly less than the SSD230S’s 140TB). The Samsung 870 EVO provides marginally faster write speeds (530MB/s vs. 500MB/s) but typically costs more. The Transcend SSD230S stands out with its generous warranty and competitive pricing in Japan, making it a strong value pick for users prioritizing reliability over peak sequential throughput.

Things to Consider

SATA speed is a bottleneck for heavy data transfers; if you frequently work with large video files or databases, consider an NVMe SSD for far higher sequential throughput (3GB/s+). 256GB may fill up quickly with modern games, creative software, and media. Evaluate your storage needs – upgrading to a 512GB or 1TB model might be more future-proof. * While the DRAM cache is a plus, some DRAM-less SSDs like the Crucial P3 (SATA variant) use HMB to achieve similar random performance at a lower cost. Compare real-world benchmarks before purchase.