This article covers Transcend SSD 256GB M.2 2242 SATA III 6Gb.

Overview

Transcend's TS256GMTS400 is a SATA III M.2 2242 internal SSD with a capacity of 256GB. It delivers sequential read speeds of 560MB/s and write speeds of 320MB/s, fully utilizing the SATA III bandwidth. Designed for space-constrained systems such as Mini PCs, thin laptops, and embedded boards, this drive serves as a reliable entry-level storage solution. Its compact 42mm length makes it compatible with many older motherboards and compact form factor PCs that still rely on SATA-based M.2 slots.

Compatibility Guide

This SSD uses the M.2 2242 form factor (42mm length) and requires a SATA III 6Gbps interface. It is keyed for M or B&M key slots. Do not insert it into an NVMe-only M.2 slot, as it will not be recognized. Before purchasing, check that your motherboard or laptop has a physical mounting hole for 2242-sized drives. Many modern boards support only 2280 length, so an adapter bracket or different mounting solution may be needed. For notebooks, verify compatibility with the manufacturer's official supported storage list.

Product Info

The TS256GMTS400 has been on the market for several years but remains widely available through major retailers. Pricing typically ranges from ¥2,700 to ¥3,300, placing it firmly in the entry-level SATA SSD segment. The drive uses TLC NAND flash and is DRAM-less, relying on host memory buffer (HMB) for caching. It offers sequential reads up to 560MB/s and writes up to 320MB/s. Transcend backs it with a 3-year limited warranty. Market positioning is squarely at budget-conscious users who need a reliable boot drive for older or compact systems where SATA III is the available interface.

Best Use Cases

Upgrading an old laptop's hard drive to an SSD: Swapping from a 2.5-inch HDD to this M.2 SATA drive (if the laptop has an M.2 slot) dramatically reduces boot times and improves overall responsiveness at a low cost. Building a Mini PC or Thin Client: For devices that only accept M.2 2242 SATA drives, this is one of the few readily available options. It works well for an OS drive in low-power home servers or media centers. * Budget office computer: If you have a desktop motherboard with a free M.2 SATA slot, this drive provides ample performance for document editing, web browsing, and email at a minimal investment. ## Alternatives
Direct competitors include the Crucial BX500 series (2.5-inch SATA) and SanDisk SSD Plus, but those are not available in M.2 2242 format. For systems with an NVMe slot, the WD Green SN350 offers faster sequential speeds and better random performance, though at a slightly higher price. Within the 2242 SATA niche, the Transcend TS256GMTS400 is one of the few widely stocked models. If you need DRAM cache for sustained writes, consider the Kingston A400 (2.5-inch) or Samsung 870 EVO—though they require a different form factor. For pure value and compatibility in 2242 systems, the Transcend remains the default choice.

Things to Consider

Before buying, confirm your system supports M.2 2242 SATA. Many laptops and motherboards only accept 2280 length or NVMe-only interfaces. This drive's sequential performance is capped by SATA III, so it cannot match NVMe speeds in random I/O or sustained transfers. For heavy workloads like video editing or large file transfers, an NVMe drive would be significantly faster. Also, the 256GB capacity may fill quickly if you install modern games or store large media files. Consider using it as a boot drive paired with a larger HDD or SSD for storage. Lastly, because it is DRAM-less, performance may drop during sustained write operations; for light duty use this is not a concern.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: トランセンドジャパン
  • ASIN: B00KLTPUG4
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.