Finding the perfect storage solution for portable devices can be challenging, especially when considering factors such as performance, speed, low-power consumption and capacity. With this in mind, Transcend offers a storage solution for portability: the Transcend PCIe SSD MTE410S. This device is designed to meet the needs of ultrabooks, and lightweight notebooks, and compact gaming PCs with its advanced technology and efficient design.
Boasting a PCIe Gen 4×4 interface and storage capacities ranging from 256GB to 2TB, the MTE410S promises to deliver impressive data transfer rates of up to 5,000MB/s read and 4,300MB/s write speeds in a compact SSD form factor.
In the Philippines, the Transcend PCIe SSD MTE410S is priced competitively, with the 256GB model available for PHP 2,999, the 512GB variant for PHP 4,399, the 1TB version for PHP 6,909, and the 2TB model for PHP 13,059.
Note: The product price is subject to fluctuations. For the most current pricing information, kindly visit their online shops below:
In this review, we will explore the features, performance, and overall value of the Transcend PCIe SSD MTE410S, though our testing unit we will be using is a PC to demonstrate the maximum speed achievable with this storage device.
Packaging
The packaging of the Transcend PCIe SSD MTE410S is compact like the packaging you find from the SD cards or USB drives. The SSD is securely encased in a blister pack card with Transcend’s signature color scheme of red and black. The front of the packaging is straightforward yet informative, displaying essential information such as the SSD’s capacity, support for NVMe 1.4, compatibility with Gen 4 x4 interfaces, and its compact M.2 2242 form factor.
On the back of the package, more detailed information is provided, aligning with the expectations for tech product packaging. A prominent highlight is the five-year warranty, which serves as a significant assurance of the product’s durability and manufacturer support. There is also a QR code that you can scan to know more about the device.
Here is the full specification of the device:
| Dimensions | Single-sided 42 mm x 22 mm x 2.23 mm (1.65″ x 0.87″ x 0.09″) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5 g (0.18 oz) |
| Type | M.2 2242 |
| Bus Interface | NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| Capacity | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C (32°F) ~ 70°C (158°F) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V±5% |
| Sequential Read/Write | 2 TB Up to 5,000/4,300 MB/s 1 TB Up to 5,000/3,500 MB/s 512 GB Up to 5,000/3,500 MB/s 256 GB Up to 3,300/1,600 MB/s |
| Terabytes Written (TBW) | 2 TB 1200 TBW 1 TB 600 TBW 512 GB 300 TBW 256 GB 150 TBW |
| Warranty | Five-year Limited Warranty |
Here’s how the SSD is secured from its plastic shell tray.
The Transcend MTE410S M.2 SSD
A closer look of the Transcend PCIe SSD MTE410S reveals its minimalist yet functional design. The front of the SSD is remarkably small, suitable for devices where there is required clearance to fit like laptops, portable gaming consoles like the Steam Deck, and other mobile computing devices. The only noticeable detail on the front is a sticker seal, which provides basic information about the SSD, such as its capacity and model number.
The back of the SSD is mostly bare, which is typical for many SSDs that aim to maintain a streamlined design. Interestingly, there are two blank spaces on the back, suggesting that these areas are reserved for additional memory chips that could potentially be used to increase the storage capacity in higher-end models of this series likely the 1TB and 2TB version.
The Transcend PCIe SSD MTE410S is powered by the Silicon Motion SM2269XTF controller, a popular choice for SSDs without a DRAM cache. This 4-channel PCIe Gen 4.0 controller features x4 PCIe lanes and support for the NVMe 1.4 protocol. Built using the TSMC 12nm process node, the SM2269XTF offers significant power savings compared to its predecessors.
Transcend has equipped the MTE410S with 112-layer TLC NAND flash chips manufactured by Toshiba, though it is Transcend rebrand (41-5550-DQ4DT). To improve write speeds, a pseudo-SLC cache is employed, allowing bursts of incoming writes to be absorbed more quickly. This caching mechanism enhances the SSD’s performance, particularly in scenarios involving frequent write operations.
Performance
To evaluate the real-world performance of the Transcend MTE410S M.2 PCIe SSD, we conducted a series of benchmarks using various industry-standard tools. Although this device is suitable for portable devices, we will be conducting the tests on a PC to showcase the maximum speed of this SSD and determine if it reaches its promised performance. For this benchmark, we used the following specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900 12-Core Processor with Stock Cooler
- Motherboard: GIGABYTE X670 Gaming X AX
- RAM Memory: T-Force Delta Alpha RGB DDR5-6000 MHz
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Initially, the SSD has a temperature of 41°C. We can compare this after our test.
Crystal Disk Mark
In the Crystal Disk Mark benchmark, the Transcend MTE410S achieved impressive sequential read and write speeds of 5,170.48 MB/s and 3,445.07 MB/s. For 4K, it reaches 66.50 MB/s and 306.51 MB/s.
AS SSD Benchmark
The Transcend MTE410S continued to demonstrate impressive capabilities in the AS SSD Benchmark, registering sequential read and write speeds of 4,580.02 MB/s and 3,084.73 MB/s, read and write respectively. In the 4K random tests, it excelled with single thread read and write speeds of 55.30 MB/s and 265.60 MB/s, while multi-threaded performance scored at 1,303.24 MB/s read and 2,136.42 MB/s write.
ATTO Disk Benchmark
Across various data block sizes, starting from 64KB, the SSD maintained consistently write speed of 3GB/s while it maintains read speed at 512KB at 4.75GB/s.
Black Magic Design
In the Black Magic Design benchmark, which is tailored for media professionals, the Transcend MTE410S showcased optimal performance for video editing with read and write speeds of 3,075.5 MB/s and 4,426.2 MB/s, respectively.
PCMark 10 Full System Drive Storage Benchmark
In the PCMark 10 Full System Drive Storage Benchmark, the Transcend MTE410S scored 3,211 with an overall bandwidth of 511.61 MB/s and an overall access time of 52µs, underscoring its excellent performance across simulated real-world tasks.
PCMark 10 Data Drive and Quick System
The Data Drive benchmark provided a score of 4,840 and a bandwidth of 715.07 MB/s, with an overall access time of 32µs, demonstrating the SSD’s exceptional performance in data-intensive scenarios.
In the PCMark 10 Quick System Drive Benchmark, the Transcend MTE410S scored 3,641 with an overall bandwidth of 442.61 MB/s and an access time of 32µs, further affirming the SSD’s top-tier performance in various usage scenarios.
After the benchmark, the Transcend MTE410S registered a temperature of 52°C, which is still within the manufacturer’s operational temperature limit. This indicates that the SSD can maintain its performance without overheating, even under demanding workloads.
Conclusion
The Transcend PCIe SSD MTE410S emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking to enhance the performance and efficiency of their portable computing devices. Throughout our rigorous benchmarking tests, the MTE410S consistently demonstrated its superior performance capabilities, achieving its promised read and write speeds across various benchmarks.
Moreover, its excellent thermal performance, staying within the manufacturer’s operational temperature limit, ensures that the SSD can maintain its performance without overheating, even under intense usage scenarios.
Although the MTE410S comes with a higher price tag compared to regular-sized M.2 SSDs, its value proposition lies in its suitability for portable devices where space is at a premium. The compact form factor and advanced features make it a worthwhile investment for users who prioritize performance and efficiency in their mobile computing setups. The inclusion of a five-year warranty further underscores the SSD’s durability and Transcend’s confidence in its longevity.