Transcend 420S 480 GB M.2 SATA SSD — Ultra-Compact Performance for Ultrabooks

The Transcend 420S 480 GB Solid State Drive is engineered for the tight confines of today’s ultrabooks, thin notebooks, and compact workstations. This M.2 2242 SATA III (6Gb/s) SSD blends a remarkably small form factor with reliable storage performance, delivering quicker boot times, snappier application launches, and more responsive multitasking without compromising power efficiency. Designed for users who demand more from their portable systems, the 420S combines high-quality flash memory with enhanced firmware algorithms to optimize throughput, endurance, and data integrity. Whether you’re upgrading an aging ultrabook, building a compact workstation, or outfitting a high-performance travel PC, this drive offers a dependable path to faster storage while preserving valuable chassis space. Its silent operation, low power draw, and straightforward installation process make it a practical upgrade for today’s SATA-based M.2 slots.

• Ultra-compact M.2 2242 form factor: At 22 mm by 42 mm, the Transcend 420S fits into tight spaces inside ultrabooks and slim notebooks without forcing a design compromise. Its slender profile helps maintain thin chassis dimensions while still delivering full SATA III performance for everyday tasks, including OS boot, software loading, and file transfers. This makes it an ideal upgrade for systems that prioritize portability and battery efficiency while needing reliable, consistent storage performance.
• Robust 480 GB capacity for OS, apps, and media: With 480 GB of storage, you can install your preferred operating system alongside essential software, productivity tools, and multimedia libraries. The drive’s firmware optimizations and high-quality flash memory contribute to faster load times, quicker file access, and smoother multitasking, so you can switch between apps with less lag and enjoy a more responsive computing experience on the go.
• Power-efficient, silent operation: As a solid-state drive, the Transcend 420S has no moving parts, which translates to silent performance and lower power consumption compared to traditional hard drives. This helps extend notebook battery life during travel or long work sessions and reduces heat generation, contributing to a cooler, more comfortable laptop experience even under heavy workloads.
• Designed for compatibility and easy upgrades: This drive uses a standard M.2 SATA interface (SATA III 6 Gb/s) and the 2242 form factor, ensuring broad compatibility with many ultrabook designs and slim notebooks that support SATA-based M.2 storage. It’s a straightforward upgrade option for systems that already support M.2 SATA drives, offering a practical, space-saving path to faster storage without major chassis modifications.
• Optimized reliability and firmware intelligence: Transcend equips the 420S with firmware algorithms that optimize wear leveling, error correction, and garbage collection. Combined with high-quality flash memory, these features help sustain consistent performance across workloads, improve endurance, and maintain data integrity through daily use, software updates, and routine maintenance tasks. This makes the 420S a trustworthy upgrade for long-term reliability in mobile computing environments.

Technical Details of Transcend 420S 480 GB Solid State Drive - M.2 2242 Internal - SATA (SATA/600)

• Capacity: 480 GB
• Form Factor: M.2 2242 (22 x 42 mm)
• Interface: SATA III 6 Gb/s (SATA/600)
• Type: Solid State Drive (SSD)
• Interface Notes: SATA-based M.2 drive; not NVMe
• Compatibility: Designed for M.2 slots that support SATA mode in 2242 form factor
• Operation: Silent, no moving parts; robust against shocks typical of mobile use
• Warranty: Terms vary by region; consult local retailer or Transcend support for details

How to install Transcend 420S 480 GB Solid State Drive - M.2 2242 Internal - SATA (SATA/600)

• Power off the computer completely and disconnect from any power source. If you are using a laptop, remove the battery if it is user-removable and your device instructions permit battery removal.
• Open the back panel or service compartment to access the M.2 slot. Locate the existing M.2 drive (if upgrading) or identify an available M.2 SATA slot that matches the 2242 form factor.
• Prepare the Transcend 420S by aligning the notch on the drive with the connector in the M.2 slot. Gently insert the drive at a slight angle (about 30 degrees) until it seats securely in the socket.
• Press the drive down toward the motherboard and secure it with the mounting screw. If your system includes a pre-installed screw or standoff, reuse it; otherwise, use the appropriate screw size specified for your device's M.2 slot.
• Reassemble the laptop or desktop panel, reconnect power, and boot the system. Enter the BIOS/UEFI to ensure the drive is detected. If required, set the SATA mode to AHCI to optimize compatibility and performance for SATA-based M.2 SSDs.
• In the operating system, initialize and format the new drive if necessary. If you are migrating an OS, use appropriate cloning software or fresh installation steps to set up your system on the new drive. After installation, you can configure storage settings, enable TRIM support, and optimize performance with your chosen OS tools.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is the Transcend 420S a NVMe SSD? A: No. The Transcend 420S is a SATA-based M.2 SSD (SATA III 6 Gb/s) designed for M.2 slots that support SATA mode, not NVMe.
• Q: What devices is this drive compatible with? A: It is compatible with ultrabooks and thin notebooks that offer an M.2 2242 SATA slot. Verify your device’s M.2 specifications to ensure SATA support and the 22 x 42 mm size.
• Q: Can I use this drive as an external USB drive? A: The 420S is intended for internal M.2 SATA use. If you need external storage, consider a dedicated external enclosure or drive designed for USB connectivity.
• Q: What maintenance can help preserve performance and longevity? A: Regular OS updates, enabling TRIM in supported operating systems, ensuring firmware compatibility, and performing proper drive maintenance can help sustain performance and endurance over time.
• Q: Is there a warranty, and where can I check terms? A: Warranty terms vary by region and retailer. Check with your seller or Transcend’s official support policy for your location to understand coverage, duration, and service options.