# Transcend PCIe SSD 110S 256GB Review (2026)

The Transcend PCIe SSD 110S 256GB is a budget NVMe boot drive that offers faster-than-SATA speeds in the smallest practical capacity for a Windows installation.

Quick answer: The Transcend PCIe SSD 110S 256GB is a straightforward budget NVMe boot drive that gets the job done without frills. The 1,700/1,500 MB/s speeds are a clear upgrade over SATA, and the 256GB capacity is the minimum comfortable size for a Windows 11 boot drive. Buy it if you need the cheapest NVMe boot drive available and already have secondary storage for games and media.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 256 GB |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x 4 |
| Controller | Silicon Motion SM2263XT |
| Memory type | MLC |
| DRAM cache | HMB |
| Sequential read | 1700 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 1500 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 90000 |
| Random write IOPS | 250000 |
| Endurance | 800 TBW |
| MTBF | 2000000 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

The Transcend PCIe SSD 110S 256GB is rated at 1,700 MB/s sequential reads and 1,500 MB/s sequential writes. These speeds represent a 3x improvement over SATA SSDs in sequential throughput but fall well short of premium PCIe 3.0 drives that reach 3,000-3,500 MB/s. The 256GB capacity maintains the same speed ratings as the 512GB model, which is a positive for buyers who need fast reads in a smaller form factor.

As a DRAM-less drive, the 110S relies on the Host Memory Buffer for mapping table management. Random 4K performance is serviceable for boot drive workloads like OS loading, application launches, and web browsing. Under heavy multitasking or sustained random write loads, the lack of dedicated DRAM becomes more apparent compared to drives with full DRAM caches. The SLC cache layer handles typical write bursts before transitioning to native NAND speeds.

For users upgrading from a SATA SSD, the 110S 256GB delivers noticeably faster boot times and file operations. The NVMe advantage over SATA is most visible during Windows updates, application installations, and large file copies. However, the 256GB capacity limits how many large file operations you can perform in practice.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

Transcend backs the PCIe SSD 110S series with a 5-year limited warranty. The 256GB model carries the same 800 TBW endurance rating as larger capacities, which is generous for this capacity tier. In practice, writing 20 GB per day would take over 100 years to reach 800 TBW. Even aggressive use patterns would not approach this limit within the warranty period.

The drive includes S.M.A.R.T. health monitoring and wear-leveling to distribute writes evenly. Transcend provides a warranty service portal on its website for regional RMA requests. Given the 256GB capacity, most users will outgrow the drive due to space constraints long before endurance becomes a concern.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- 1,700 MB/s reads, 1,500 MB/s writes — 3x faster than SATA
- Same speed ratings as the 512GB model
- 800 TBW endurance generous for 256GB tier
- M.2 2280 single-sided form factor fits laptops
- 5-year warranty
**Cons:**

- DRAM-less design limits random I/O performance
- 256GB tight for Windows 11 plus applications
- Entry-level NVMe performance, well below 3,000 MB/s drives
- No included software toolbox


## Verdict

The Transcend PCIe SSD 110S 256GB is a straightforward budget NVMe boot drive that gets the job done without frills. The 1,700/1,500 MB/s speeds are a clear upgrade over SATA, and the 256GB capacity is the minimum comfortable size for a Windows 11 boot drive. Buy it if you need the cheapest NVMe boot drive available and already have secondary storage for games and media.

Skip it if you can afford the 512GB model, which offers more usable space for a modest price increase. Also consider alternatives like the Kingston NV2 250GB or WD Blue SN580 250GB, which offer comparable or better performance in the same price segment. The 110S 256GB is best viewed as a basic component upgrade for existing systems rather than a primary drive for new builds.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is the Transcend PCIe SSD 110S 256GB good for gaming?

Not really. While the 1,700 MB/s read speed is adequate for game loading, the 256GB capacity is the main limitation. Windows 11 consumes 80-100 GB, leaving only 130-150 GB for games. Modern AAA titles regularly exceed 100 GB each, meaning you can store at most one large game alongside your OS and applications. If gaming is a priority, consider at least a 512GB drive or pair this 256GB as a boot drive with a separate SATA SSD for game storage.

### Does the Transcend PCIe SSD 110S 256GB have DRAM?

No. The 110S uses a DRAM-less controller that relies on the NVMe Host Memory Buffer (HMB) feature. HMB borrows a small portion of system RAM to store flash translation layer data. This is a cost-effective approach used in many budget NVMe drives. For typical boot drive workloads like OS loading and application launches, the performance impact is minimal. Under sustained heavy writes, DRAM-less drives can show more performance variation than drives with dedicated DRAM caches.

### Is 256GB enough for a Windows 11 boot drive?

256GB is the absolute minimum for a comfortable Windows 11 installation. The OS itself needs 80-100 GB with updates, hibernation, and page files. After Windows, you have roughly 130-150 GB for applications, documents, and a small number of programs. This works for users who primarily browse the web and use productivity apps. It does not work well for gamers, content creators, or anyone with large media collections. Consider 512GB a more comfortable minimum for most users in 2026.

### Is the Transcend PCIe SSD 110S 256GB compatible with PS5?

Physically it fits the PS5 M.2 slot, but it is a poor choice for PS5 expansion. Sony recommends PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives with 5,500+ MB/s read speeds for optimal performance. The 110S is a PCIe 3.0 drive capped at 1,700 MB/s. The 256GB capacity is also far too small for PS5 games, which routinely exceed 100 GB each. Look at PCIe 4.0 drives with at least 1TB capacity for PS5 storage upgrades.

### How does the Transcend 110S compare to the Kingston NV2?

Both are DRAM-less budget NVMe drives targeting the entry-level segment. The Kingston NV2 is a PCIe 4.0 drive that is backward-compatible with PCIe 3.0 systems. On a PCIe 3.0 system, the NV2 performance is comparable to the 110S. On a PCIe 4.0 system, the NV2 can reach higher sequential speeds. The 110S has been on the market longer and may be available at a lower price. The NV2 has the advantage of PCIe 4.0 readiness if you plan to upgrade your motherboard. Both are adequate for basic boot drive use.

### Can I use the Transcend 110S 256GB in a laptop?

Yes, as long as your laptop has an M.2 2280 NVMe slot. The 110S is a single-sided drive, meaning all components are on one side of the PCB, which ensures compatibility with thin laptops. Before purchasing, confirm your laptop supports NVMe (not just SATA M.2) by checking the specifications or manual. The 256GB capacity makes it a good candidate for breathing new life into an older laptop that currently has a slow SATA SSD or mechanical hard drive.

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Last updated: 2026-05-23. Source: https://ssdrive.net/transcend-pcie-ssd-110s-256-gb