If you are on the hunt for top-notch mSATA SSDs currently dominating the market, you have landed in the right place. This long article is meant to give you all the information you need to make a good decision about what to buy. In addition, we will do an in-depth review of some of the best mSATA SSDs models currently on the market and give you helpful tips for making a good purchase. Keep reading if you want to learn more about SSDs and other modern storage options, whether you are looking for a replacement SSD or just curious about what’s out there.
The mSATA interface, which is a smaller version of SATA, makes it possible for laptops and desktop computers to work together. The performance of these small SSDs is better than that of regular drives. In an unexpected turn of events, a large group of tech-savvy people with a strong desire to protect their data with the newest portable storage medium has appeared. Even though this increase caught us off guard, these drives are the talk of the town right now, with more users praising them as the best way to add storage to their laptops. The best mSATA SSDs let you take advantage of all the benefits that come with small, shock-resistant memory storage.
What is an mSATA SSD?
An mSATA SSD, which stands for Mini Serial Advanced Technology Attachment Solid State Drive, is a type of solid-state drive (SSD) that was often used to store data on laptops and other portable devices. It is a small, thin, and compact SSD that is made to fit into the mSATA interface, which is a standard connector found on many older laptops and motherboards.
📌 Size: mSATA SSDs are about the size of a business card and are smaller than traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. This makes them good for devices with limited space because of how small they are.
📌 Interface: They use the SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) interface, which was a common way to connect storage devices like hard drives and SSDs. But you should know that mSATA SSDs have a different physical connector than 2.5-inch SATA drives.
📌 Performance: When it comes to performance, mSATA SSDs are better than traditional mechanical hard drives because they transfer data faster and have less latency. Even though they aren’t as fast as some of the newer SSD interfaces like NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express), they are still much faster than HDDs.
📌 Capacity: mSATA SSDs come in different sizes, from a few gigabytes to several terabytes, though larger sizes are less common in the mSATA form factor.
📌 Usage: These SSDs were used in a lot of ultrabooks, netbooks, and other small laptops. They were also used in mSATA slots on some desktop motherboards.
📌 Replacement: In recent years, however, M.2 form factor and NVMe SSDs have mostly replaced mSATA because they are faster and offer more size and capacity options.
Best mSATA SSDs Comparison Table
In the table below, you can compare the best mSATA SSDs based on important factors like storage capacity, read/write speeds, durability, and price. This resource helps users choose the best mSATA SSD to improve their device’s speed and storage capacity.
| Features | Digital Storage Capacity | Hard Disk Form Factor | Hard Disk Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEVEN JMS600 mSATA SSD 512GB | 128 GB | 2.5 Inches | 256 GB |
| Transcend TS128GMSA230S | 128 GB | 2.5 Inches | 128 GB |
| Zheino 256GB M3 | 256 GB | 2.5 Inches | 256 GB |
| Zheino 120GB Q3 | 120 GB | 2.5 Inches | 120 GB |
| INDMEM 256GB | 256 GB | 2.5 Inches | 256 GB |
LEVEN JMS600 mSATA SSD 512GB
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Hard Disk Interface | Raid |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
| Check Price |
The Transcend SSD 256GB mSATA drive gives you a lot of space to store your most important files, documents, and programs. It has 3D NAND flash memory with an onboard DDR4 RAM cache that makes it faster to get the data you need. This SSD lets you get to your information quickly, with speeds of up to 530 MB/s for reading and up to 400 MB/s for writing, or a 160 TBW life span. This product works with both Linux Kernel 2.6.31 and Windows 7 and later versions. For now, this is one of the best mSATA SSDs you can buy right now.
Pros
- Large storage capacity (512GB).
- Good read and write speeds for an mSATA SSD.
- Competitive price for the capacity.
Cons
- Limited brand recognition may affect trust.
- May not be as reliable or durable as established brands.
Transcend TS128GMSA230S
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 128 GB |
| Check Price |
The high-performance Transcend 128GB SATA III SSD for laptops has two layers. This solid-state drive (SSD) has memory modules made by Sandisk that don’t lose their data when the power goes out. This is because an SSD is made to work much harder than a traditional hard drive. Because the SSD can work at much faster speeds and uses less power for the same level of performance as more expensive hard drives, it is able to replace them. Still, this is one of the best mSATA SSDs you can buy right now.
Pros
- Well-known brand with a reputation for reliability.
- Balanced performance for everyday tasks.
- Various capacity options available.
Cons
- Smaller capacity (128GB) compared to some other options.
- Higher price per gigabyte compared to larger capacity SSDs.
Zheino 256GB M3
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
| Check Price |
The company known as MSATA makes the Zheino 256GB M3 SSD. This model is interesting because it has a level of bandwidth per inch that has never been seen before in desktop computer storage. Since the Zheino is made for gaming, the onboard graphics make it possible to have very clear and crisp images that are also very stable. This makes it perfect for people who like to play first-person shooter games, role-playing games, and other similar games.
Even though using an SSD has many benefits, one of the most important is that it will make your computer much faster. The Zheino not only looks great, but it also has a very long life span. Since it uses an enterprise-grade Sequential Write Engine, you can be sure that you will always get a product that works well. For now, this is one of the best mSATA SSDs you can buy right now.
Pros
- Decent capacity (256GB) for an mSATA SSD.
- Affordable price point.
- Suitable for basic storage and system acceleration.
Cons
- Not as well-known as established brands, potential concerns about reliability.
- May not deliver the same performance as higher-end mSATA SSDs.
Zheino 120GB Q3
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Storage Capacity | 120 GB |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Connectivity Technology | mSATA Q3 |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 120 GB |
| Check Price |
When it comes to finding the best hard drive for your laptop, the Zheino 120GB Q3 SSD is hard to beat. This drive’s larger capacity and better performance give you more storage space than any other drive on the market right now. Considering this, it’s no wonder that the Zheino is one of the best-selling products in its category. Zheino 120GB SSD is the perfect product if you want a solid, reliable SSD that can handle the stress of your work. Thus, this is one of the best mSATA SSDs you can buy right now.
Pros
- Low cost, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Compact size ideal for laptops with limited space.
- Suitable for basic storage and OS booting.
Cons
- Limited capacity (120GB) may not be sufficient for some users.
- May have slower read and write speeds compared to larger SSDs.
- Potential durability concerns for long-term use.
INDMEM 256GB
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
| Check Price |
The INDMEM mSATA SSD 256GB gives its users quality and performance that can’t be found anywhere else. The INDMEM series is different from other SSDs because it comes with software that can optimize how it works for different tasks. This software is also in charge of making sure that the drive can keep running at its best even when it is being used for heavy tasks like extreme gaming or even just working applications.
This makes the SSD faster, uses less power, and works more efficiently. All of this is possible because the software was able to take full control of how the SSD was made to work in the first place. These benefits can be seen in daily life, where even simple tasks like editing photos are made to run smoothly and easily, which used to be very hard to do. Overall, this is one of the best mSATA SSDs you can buy right now.
Pros
- Competitive capacity (256GB) for general use.
- Reasonably priced for the storage size.
- Compatible with a wide range of devices.
Cons
- Less brand recognition, which may raise questions about reliability.
- Performance may not match higher-end mSATA SSDs from well-established brands.
How to choose the best mSATA SSD for your needs?
When looking for the best mSATA SSD for your needs, you need to think about a few things to make sure that it meets your performance, storage, and budget needs. Here are some steps that will help you make a good choice:
🔍 Compatibility: First, check if your device is compatible with mSATA SSDs. Some newer desktops and laptops use M.2 or NVMe SSDs instead, so ensure your device has an mSATA slot.
💽 Capacity: Determine the storage space you need. mSATA SSDs come in sizes ranging from 64GB to 1TB or more. Choose a size that accommodates your OS, software, data, and leaves room for future needs.
📊 Endurance: Check the SSD’s endurance rating, often expressed as Total Bytes Written (TBW). A higher TBW rating is generally better, especially for heavy users.
🏢 Brand Reputation: Stick to reputable brands with a track record for reliability and good customer service. Read online reviews and user comments to ensure the chosen model doesn’t have common issues.
💰 Price Consideration: Plan your budget for the mSATA SSD. Prices vary, so ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Decide if the added cost of a faster SSD is justified by your needs.
🔐 Warranty: Examine the manufacturer’s warranty. A longer warranty period provides peace of mind and demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality.
📏 Shape Compatibility: mSATA SSDs have a specific shape, so confirm it fits your device. Measure the available space on your laptop or desktop to ensure compatibility.
🔒 Encryption and Security: If data security is a concern, opt for mSATA SSDs that support hardware encryption, such as AES 256-bit encryption. This safeguards your data if the drive is lost or stolen.
FAQs
It’s expensive because making silicon is expensive right now. As more and more devices are made, the market will start to accept a lower price.
M. 2 is the next step after mSATA, but mSATA is still used in a lot of different devices. Both of these drives do pretty much the same things, but you can’t just swap one for the other because they aren’t compatible.
