ADATA Falcon 256GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD
The ADATA Falcon 256GB is a budget PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD using a Realtek controller and Host Memory Buffer instead of dedicated DRAM, rated for 3,100 MB/s reads at an entry-level capacity.
The ADATA Falcon 256GB uses the Realtek RTS5762D controller paired with 3D TLC NAND and no dedicated DRAM chip. It relies on the NVMe Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to borrow system RAM for the flash translation layer, keeping costs down while maintaining usable performance on modern platforms.
ADATA rates the 256 GB model for 3,100 MB/s sequential reads and 1,500 MB/s sequential writes, with 180,000 random read and write IOPS. The drive ships in an M.2 2280 form factor. ADATA covers it with a five-year warranty.
The Falcon targets budget builders who want NVMe speeds on a PCIe 3.0 platform without paying for DRAM-equipped drives. The HMB dependency means it performs best on systems with Windows 10 or later and a compatible NVMe controller. The 256 GB capacity is suitable as a boot drive or for lightweight installations. Direct competitors include the Kingston NV2 250GB and the WD Blue SN570 250GB.
✅ Storage Comparisons:
🚀 Performance and benchmarks
ADATA rates the Falcon 256GB at 3,100 MB/s sequential reads and 1,500 MB/s sequential writes, with 180,000 random read and write IOPS. The read speed sits below the PCIe 3.0 ceiling of roughly 3,500 MB/s, and the write speed is modest even by PCIe 3.0 budget standards.
ADATA Falcon 256 GB vs M.2 3.0 x 4 peers
Switch between sequential throughput and random IOPS to see how this drive stacks up against other M.2 3.0 x 4 SSDs in our database. The highlighted bar is the drive on this page — click any other bar to open that drive.
- ADATA SX 8800 Pro 512 GB: 3,500 MB/s read, 2,700 MB/s write
- ADATA SX 8800 Pro 1 TB: 3,500 MB/s read, 2,700 MB/s write
- ADATA XPG Spectrix S40G RGB 256 GB: 3,500 MB/s read, 3,000 MB/s write
- ADATA XPG Spectrix S40G RGB 512 GB: 3,500 MB/s read, 3,000 MB/s write
- ADATA Falcon 256 GB (this drive): 3,100 MB/s read, 1,500 MB/s write
The Realtek RTS5762D controller is a budget part, and the HMB architecture limits random IO consistency under heavy multi-tasking. For everyday desktop use, boot times, and application launches, the drive performs adequately. The SLC write cache buffers burst writes, but sustained transfers will hit TLC-native speeds quickly at this capacity. Independent reviewers found the Falcon competitive with other budget DRAM-less PCIe 3.0 drives in its price tier.
🖥️ Endurance and warranty
ADATA covers the Falcon with a five-year limited warranty. Endurance ratings for the Falcon vary by capacity; the 256 GB model is rated for a lower TBW than the larger capacities. ADATA's SSD Toolbox software monitors drive health and provides firmware updates. Warranty claims are processed through ADATA's service portal or the original retailer.
📊 Specs
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity [?] | 256 GB |
| Interface [?] | M.2 3.0 x 4 |
| Controller [?] | Realtek RTS5762D |
| Memory type [?] | 3D TLC |
| DRAM [?] | SLC Caching Host Memory Buffer |
| Read speed (MB/s) [?] | 3100 |
| Write speed (MB/s) [?] | 1500 |
| Read IOPS [?] | 180000 |
| Write IOPS [?] | 180000 |
| Endurance (TBW) [?] | 150 |
| MTBF (million hours) [?] | 1.8 |
| Warranty (years) [?] | 5 |
Conclusion
The ADATA Falcon 256GB is a basic PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD for budget builds. Its 3,100 MB/s reads and HMB design keep costs down, but the 1,500 MB/s write speed and 256 GB capacity limit its appeal to boot-drive duty. The Samsung 980 250GB offers higher writes at 3,000 MB/s for a similar price, making it the stronger budget pick at this capacity tier.
+ Pros
- 3,100 MB/s sequential reads at a low price
- M.2 2280 form factor fits most systems
- Five-year warranty from ADATA
- Low power draw suits laptops
- Cons
- Only 1,500 MB/s sequential writes
- DRAM-less with HMB dependency
- 256 GB capacity fills quickly
- Realtek RTS5762D is a budget controller
🛒 Buy this or similar SSD Storage:
✨ Video Review
ADATA FALCON NVMe 512GB Review | Thermal + Transfer Benchmark Test
