Transcend, a brand firmly established in the Philippines for its reliable USB dongles and external storage devices, reinforces its presence in the gaming realm with the Transcend 245S NVMe M.2 SSD. This latest offering is part of Transcend’s continued commitment to the gaming sector, where it has already made significant strides with its gaming line-up. Building on its strong foundation in general storage solutions, the 245S SSD represents Transcend’s dedication to evolving alongside the dynamic needs of gamers.
The Transcend 245S SSD (MTE245S) distinguishes itself in the storage market with its advanced PCIe Gen 4 x4 technology, which also maintains backward compatibility with PCIe 3.0, providing users with a versatile and forward-looking solution. With storage options extending up to 4TB and impressive read and write speeds of up to 5,300 MB/s and 4,600 MB/s, respectively, this SSD is well-suited for high-performance tasks in gaming, video editing, and software development. Its ultra-thin graphene heatsink is designed for efficient cooling during intensive operations. Additionally, the SSD incorporates LDPC coding and a robust ECC algorithm, enhancing data security and integrity. A significant Terabytes Written (TBW) rating of up to 2400 TBW further emphasizes its durability and reliability.
The Transcend 245S is currently priced in the Philippines at PHP 3,329 for 500GB, PHP 5,059 for 1TB, PHP 8,229 for 2TB, and PHP 18,219 for 4TB. It is currently available on their official online store at Shopee and Lazada. (The price is subject to fluctuations; for the latest updates, kindly refer to the spot price on Transcend’s official Lazada and Shopee pages)
You can also use this code, TRANSP250, to get PHP 250 off at their Shopee store on the 1TB variant and above. This offer is limited to the first 25 users only and is valid from November 25 to December 31.
In this review, we will thoroughly evaluate the performance of the Transcend 245S SSD, focusing on whether it lives up to its advertised speeds and examining the other features it offers.
Specification
| Dimension | Single-sided: 80mm x 22mm x 2.42 mm |
| Weight | 9g |
| Type | M.2 2280 |
| Bus Interface | NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| Flash Type | 3D NAND Flash |
| Capacity | 500GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C up to 70°C |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V±5% |
| Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) | 2,000,000 hours |
| Data Writes Per Day (DWPD) | 0.33 (5 yrs) |
| Terabytes Written (TBW) | up to 2,400 TBW |
| Warranty | Five-year Limited Warranty |
Look and Feel
The packaging of the Transcend 245S SSD is in striking bold black and red color scheme that clearly targets for the gaming community. The front of the package showcases the SSD itself, with prints emphasizes support for PCIe Gen 4 x 4 and the M.2 2280 form factor. It also highlights the SSD’s storage capacity.
The reverse side of the packaging presents a contrasting white background, which serves as a clear backdrop for presenting all the essential details about the SSD. While the full specification is not directly printed on the packaging, a scannable QR code is provided, allowing interested consumers to easily access the complete specs The packaging also displays a seal that indicates a 5-year warranty, a key piece of information for consumers who wants longer warranty.
At the bottom corner, it has little imprint about the detailed of its warranty condition.
Upon unboxing, the Transcend 245S SSD is found securely nestled in a sturdy plastic tray providing ample security for the SSD against potential impacts or falls during transit.
The design of the Transcend 245S SSD maintains a continuity with its predecessor, featuring a black background with gold prints and an arrow line pattern contributing to its overall aesthetic appeal.
The reverse side of the Transcend 245S SSD, being a single-sided design, is free of additional components, contributing to its compatibility and compact form factor. This side of the SSD displays practical information vital for users and technicians, such as the product’s serial number, its storage capacity, and logos from relevant governing bodies.
Features
The essence of the Transcend 245S SSD’s capabilities lies within its internal structure, particularly the chip controller that governs its performance. Driven by curiosity to understand the inner workings, we meticulously detached the graphene thermal layer to reveal the internal components. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that such disassembly of the SSD voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Therefore, we strongly advise against attempting this process independently to avoid any potential issues with warranty coverage.
Upon removing the graphene thermal layer, we see that the Transcend 245S SSD is driven by the Realtek RTS5772DL controller, Realtek’s latest flagship PCIe Gen4 SSD controller. This DRAMless controller supports the NVMe 1.4 specification, which is pivotal in enhancing the exceptional sequential read and write performance of the SSD.
As for the NAND chips, we can see it is labeled as ‘Transcend 41-5550-D04DC.’ While detailed specifications of this specific chip are not widely available, its functionality and performance can be largely based on the characteristics of the associated SSD controller. This controller is adept at handling 3D TLC/QLC NAND and is capable of accommodating up to eight flash memory channels, with each lane supporting speeds of up to 1066MT/s. It is also equipped with a third-generation LDPC (Low-Density Parity-Check) error correction algorithm, enhancing the reliability and integrity of data storage which one of the SSD’s main features.
Performance
To comprehensively assess the performance of the Transcend 245S SSD (MTE245S), we will conduct a series of rigorous tests using a variety of benchmarking tools. Our testing setup includes the following components:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900 12-Core Processor with Stock Cooler
- Motherboard: GIGABYTE X670 GAMING X AX
- RAM Memory: Netac Z RGB DDR5 6200MHz 32GB
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Prior to initiating the benchmarks, we will first examine the SSD’s baseline characteristics, including its operational temperature. Initially, the SSD registers a temperature of 44°C. Its operational temperature is up to 70 °C. This preliminary information will serve as a reference point as we proceed to evaluate the SSD’s performance under various load conditions and benchmarking scenarios.
CrystalDiskMark Benchmark
We will begin with the CrystalDiskMark Benchmark, it is a widely recognized and utilized tool in the tech industry, renowned for its ability to accurately measure the performance of storage devices. This benchmark will test the SSD’s capabilities in both sequential and random read/write scenarios, providing us with valuable insights into its speed and efficiency under various data processing conditions.
In our test, the Transcend 245S SSD impressively met its advertised performance, achieving sequential read and write speeds of 5,306.99 MB/s and 4,584 MB/s, respectively, which positions it as a top contender in the PCIe Gen 4 category. In single-use scenarios, it consistently performed with scores of 5,303.20 MB/s for read and 4,516.83 MB/s for write. The SSD also handled more complex multi-threading tasks well, recording read and write speeds of 2,094.75 MB/s and 2,680.65 MB/s. In tests focused on single-thread and small data operations, it managed to achieve 61.01 MB/s read and 246.93 MB/s write, demonstrating its versatility and reliability across various data processing demands.
AS SSD Benchmark
For our next test, we will use the AS SSD Benchmark to evaluate the Transcend 245S SSD. The AS SSD Benchmark is a specialized tool designed specifically for testing the performance of solid-state drives. Unlike some other benchmarks, it does not rely on cache while testing, offering a more accurate reflection of the SSD’s actual performance.
It achieved notable results, scoring 4,712.32 MB/s in sequential read and 4,220.71 MB/s in sequential write. In the 4K tests, which evaluate performance with smaller data blocks, it reached 55.10 MB/s for read and 230.75 MB/s for write. The 4K-64 thread test, simulating a high-demand multi-threading environment, resulted in 1,608.50 MB/s read and 2,461.53 MB/s write speeds. Notably, the SSD demonstrated exceptionally low access times of 0.021 ms for read and 0.017 ms for write, culminating in a total score of 6,320.
ATTO Disk Benchmark
Next in our series of tests is the ATTO Disk Benchmark. This tool is widely respected for its ability to measure the performance of storage systems across a spectrum of file sizes, ranging from small to large. This benchmark is particularly relevant for understanding how the SSD handles various tasks such as loading games, transferring files, or running applications.
It displayed a steady performance, particularly with larger file sizes. Starting from file sizes of 256 KB, the SSD achieved an average read speed of 4.20 GB/s and a write speed of 4.9 GB/s, which shows proficiency in handling larger data blocks. However, the test results indicated a notable aspect regarding smaller files: the read speeds for these smaller file sizes were not as fast.
PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark – Full System
Moving forward, we will employ the PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark – Full System test to evaluate the Transcend 245S SSD. This comprehensive benchmark is designed to assess the overall performance of storage devices across a wide array of real-world scenarios. It includes a mix of tasks, such as booting up the operating system, launching applications, loading games, and copying files.
During the rigorous and extended testing with the PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark – Full System, the Transcend 245S SSD exhibited a peak temperature of 49 degrees Celsius. This temperature is pretty normal for prolonged usage conditions. In the 1-hour long test, the SSD scored 1,984 with overall bandwidth of 322.2 MB/s and access time of 86.0 μs, a result that falls somewhat below the average for similar SSDs in its category.
PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark – Data Drive
The next phase of our testing involves the PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark – Data Drive test. This specific benchmark is tailored to measure a storage device’s performance in handling data-intensive tasks. Unlike the Full System test, which encompasses a broad range of general computing activities, the Data Drive benchmark focuses on scenarios that are heavily reliant on data access and manipulation.
Transcend 245S SSD yielded a score of 2,048 with an overall bandwidth of 320.1 MB/s and access time of 80.0 μs.
PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark – Quick System
We also conducted the PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark – Quick System test which focuses on evaluating the performance of a storage device in shorter, more common computing workloads, as opposed to the extensive testing of the Full System benchmark. The Quick System test includes tasks that reflect everyday computing activities, such as system boot-up, application launching, and document handling. This benchmark is particularly useful for assessing how the SSD performs in typical, daily usage scenarios. The results from this test will provide a clearer picture of the SSD’s efficiency and responsiveness in routine tasks that are most frequently encountered by the average user.
The Transcend 245S SSD achieved a score of 1,713, with an overall bandwidth of 212.8 MB/s and an access time of 76.0 μs.
Windows File Transfer
To further assess the real-world file transfer capabilities of the Transcend S08EUAG SSD on a Windows platform, we conducted a copy and paste benchmark using two different sets of files. The first set comprised a single large file of 30GB, and the second set consisted of 34,748 smaller files, each ranging from 200KB to 500KB in size.
In our initial test, we focused on transferring files within the same drive, moving them between different folders.
The results were impressive: the large 30GB file was copied in just 14.01 seconds, demonstrating the SSD’s rapid write speed for large file transfers. Similarly, the process of copying the multitude of smaller files was completed in a swift 31.02 seconds – this result is almost 40% faster than other SSD we tested with the same rated speed, further indicating the SSD’s efficient write performance for handling numerous smaller files.
We then proceeded to the second benchmark, which involved transferring these files to another drive with a similar rated speed.
In this scenario, copying the single 30GB file to the other drive was completed even more quickly, taking only 9.01 seconds. When it came to transferring the smaller files, the performance was consistent with the previous test, taking just 35.02 seconds to complete. These results highlight the Transcend S08EUAG SSD’s strong performance in file transfer tasks, both within the same drive and when interfacing with another drive of equivalent speed.
BlackMagic Design Disk Speed Test
The last test in our series is the BlackMagic Design Disk Speed Test. This benchmark is specifically tailored for assessing the performance of storage devices in handling video files, making it highly relevant for video editors and content creators. It also measures the SSD’s ability to handle the high data rates required for video playback and recording in various formats, including high-resolution and high-bitrate video. It provides a clear picture of how the SSD performs in real-world video production scenarios, such as editing, rendering, and transferring multimedia files.
The test revealed that the SSD is capable of achieving a write speed of 4,316.6 MB/s and a read speed of 4,099.2 MB/s. These speeds are particularly noteworthy for applications in digital content creation, such as video editing and rendering, where high data transfer rates are crucial.
PS5 Test
We have not yet had the opportunity to evaluate the Transcend 245S SSD with a PlayStation 5 console, due to the lack of a testing unit. However, extrapolating from the SSD’s strong performance in the CrystalDiskMark benchmark, it can be inferred that this SSD could be a highly suitable option for the PlayStation 5 internal storage.
We will update this part, once we have opportunity to test it on the console.
Comparison
Following our thorough testing, we are now equipped to compare the Transcend 245S SSD (MTE245S) against its market competitors. By contrasting the performance metrics collected during our review with those of similar SSDs, we aim to offer a detailed assessment of where this specific storage solution ranks in the broader landscape of solid-state drives.
Conclusion
The Transcend 245S SSD (MTE245S) emerges as a compelling option in the PCIe Gen 4 SSD landscape, excelling in speed, thermal efficiency, and reliability. It’s particularly suited for gaming and general computing, boasting impressive sequential read and write speeds that align with its advertised specifications. While its performance in the PCMark 10 Storage Benchmarks indicates some constraints in handling extremely data-intensive tasks, this is balanced by its superior performance in applications like video production, as demonstrated by the BlackMagic Design Disk Speed Test.
A standout feature is its thermal management, maintaining a peak temperature of only 49 degrees Celsius under heavy usage, underscoring its suitability for prolonged, high-load operations. This aspect, along with its robust performance, makes it a reliable choice for both everyday computing and specialized tasks like content creation.
Priced at PHP 5,099 for the 1TB variant, the Transcend 245S SSD is positioned in the premium segment. This price point is justified by its high-quality construction, longevity, and the enhanced user experience it offers, particularly for demanding tasks in gaming and video content production. In summary, while there are cheaper alternatives available, the Transcend 245S SSD stands out for its blend of speed, thermal efficiency, and reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for users who prioritize these features in their storage solutions, plus its 5-year warranty.
What’s in the Box
Aside from the SSD itself, it also includes two items inside the box, the instruction manual.
And the Warranty Card.
