KingSpec NT Series 256GB M.2 SATA SSD

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85%
89%
Performance
92%
Value for Money
81%
Compatibility
88%
Speed (Read/Write)
85%
Durability
90%
Ease of Installation
83%
Reliability
87%
Form Factor
75%
Firmware Support
78%
Customer Service
92%
Noise/Heat
80%
Brand Reputation
More

Overview

The KingSpec NT Series 256GB M.2 SATA SSD offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for those looking to boost their storage performance. With a compact M.2 2242 form factor, this solid state drive is compatible with ultrabooks, laptops, and desktops. Supporting the SATA III 6Gb/s interface, it delivers fast data transfer speeds, making it ideal for users who need a quick, responsive internal storage option. This drive ensures a significant upgrade from traditional HDDs, offering better durability, speed, and energy efficiency, making it a smart choice for various computing needs.

Features & Benefits

The KingSpec NT Series 256GB M.2 SATA SSD boasts impressive sequential read speeds of up to 570 MB/s and write speeds of up to 540 MB/s, making file transfers and system boot times faster. Its advanced performance technologies like TRIM, S.M.A.R.T, and Garbage Collection work in tandem to enhance longevity and ensure that the drive continues to perform at its best over time. Additionally, the drive is built to last with a mean time between failure (MTBF) of 1 million hours and a durable 0.69 DWPD, offering peace of mind for users who need reliable storage.

Best For

This SSD is best suited for users looking to upgrade their system from an older, slower hard drive. It's ideal for those on a budget who need reliable internal storage without breaking the bank. Compact ultrabooks and desktop systems supporting M.2 SATA drives will find this product particularly useful, providing a noticeable improvement in system performance. Whether you're a student, a casual user, or someone working with basic files and applications, this drive will enhance your computing experience with faster boot times and quicker file access.

User Feedback

Many users appreciate the speed improvements this SSD provides over traditional HDDs, noting that it significantly reduces boot and load times. However, some have reported compatibility issues with older laptops that do not support M.2 SATA drives, so it's essential to verify system compatibility before purchase. For the price, users find that this SSD offers great value, delivering good performance at a more affordable cost than many competitors. Overall, it has become a popular choice for users seeking an affordable storage upgrade without compromising on reliability.

#Internal Solid State Drives
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Pros

  • Great value for the price, offering reliable SSD performance without breaking the bank.
  • Fast read speeds of up to 570 MB/s make it a solid choice for upgrading from HDDs.
  • Improves boot times and general system responsiveness significantly.
  • Ideal for compact systems like ultrabooks or laptops with limited space for larger drives.
  • Durable with a 1 million hours MTBF and advanced features like TRIM and wear leveling.
  • Quick and easy installation for users upgrading from older hard drives.

Cons

  • May not be compatible with older laptops that don't support M.2 SATA drives.
  • Not the best choice for heavy-duty tasks like video editing or high-speed data transfers.
  • Some users reported slower than expected write speeds under heavy load.
  • Relatively low endurance with a DWPD of 0.69, which may limit its lifespan in high-write environments.
  • No bundled software for easier drive management or firmware updates.
  • Some users experienced issues with compatibility in certain desktop setups.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple platforms and languages, the ratings for the KingSpec NT Series 256GB M.2 SATA SSD reflect a wide range of authentic feedback from real buyers. We filtered out spam, bot-driven, and incentivized reviews to ensure only high-quality responses informed these scores. Both positive experiences and pain points are taken into account, helping you make a well-rounded decision based on actual user experiences worldwide.

Performance
89%
Many users highlight the noticeable boost in speed over traditional HDDs. They appreciate how quickly the SSD improves boot times, file transfers, and application load speeds. The consistent performance at both read and write speeds offers a reliable experience for everyday tasks and gaming alike.
A few users have pointed out that, while the drive performs well for general use, its speed may not meet the needs of those requiring ultra-high performance for tasks like 4K video editing or gaming. Some also experienced occasional slowdowns during extended use or when transferring large files.
Value for Money
92%
Users are impressed with how much they get for the price. This SSD offers excellent performance without breaking the bank, making it a top choice for budget-conscious buyers. The balance of price and performance is particularly appreciated by those upgrading from slower HDDs.
Some buyers felt that the price could be slightly lower for the 256GB variant, especially compared to other budget SSD options. However, many still consider it a great deal given its reliability and decent performance, even if it’s not the absolute cheapest option in the market.
Compatibility
81%
19%
This SSD works seamlessly with a wide range of ultrabooks, laptops, and compact desktop systems, making it a versatile choice. Buyers appreciate the ease of installation and the straightforward M.2 interface, which ensures compatibility with most modern devices.
Some users encountered compatibility issues with older laptops or systems that don’t support M.2 SATA drives. Verifying M.2 SATA compatibility before purchase is crucial to avoid frustration, as a few buyers reported difficulties getting the SSD to work with specific hardware.
Speed (Read/Write)
88%
The SSD delivers solid read and write speeds, which are significantly faster than traditional HDDs. Users have enjoyed faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and better overall system responsiveness, which has improved daily computing tasks.
While the speeds are strong for general use, some users felt that the read/write speeds didn’t live up to the expectations set by higher-end models. Power users needing faster write speeds for more intensive workloads may want to consider alternatives with higher specifications.
Durability
85%
Buyers value the durability features like TRIM support, S.M.A.R.T monitoring, and wear leveling, which help extend the life of the SSD. The 1 million hours MTBF rating gives users confidence that this device can withstand heavy daily use without compromising performance.
Though many users find the durability satisfactory, some express concern over the relatively low 0.69 DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) rating, especially for those who write large amounts of data regularly. For heavy users or professional workloads, this may not be enough for long-term reliability.
Ease of Installation
90%
Several users praised the simple installation process, noting that it took only a few minutes to install this SSD in their systems. The M.2 2242 form factor ensures it fits easily in most ultrabooks and compact desktop setups, making it an excellent option for DIY upgrades.
A small number of users reported that the installation process wasn't as smooth on some systems, particularly older devices or those with tight internal space. Additionally, a few needed to update their BIOS or drivers to achieve optimal compatibility and performance.
Reliability
83%
For most users, this SSD has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer, with no significant issues over time. The 1 million hours MTBF and built-in features like garbage collection and bad block management further assure users of its long-term reliability.
Some users, however, reported occasional issues with the drive failing after a few months of use, particularly those using it in high-write environments. While these cases are relatively few, they can be concerning for buyers who rely on the SSD for mission-critical tasks.
Form Factor
87%
The M.2 2242 form factor makes this SSD ideal for ultrabooks and compact desktops where space is limited. Users appreciate its slim profile, which allows for easy integration into small form-factor builds and thin laptops without sacrificing performance.
While the M.2 2242 form factor is great for space-saving, some users with larger desktops or gaming PCs felt that they needed a larger form factor for optimal heat dissipation. Those with more expansive setups may prefer a 2280 or larger model for better thermal management.
Firmware Support
75%
25%
Firmware updates are available and help ensure that the SSD remains functional and optimized over time. Some users report that the firmware improved the overall stability and performance of the device after installation.
A few buyers expressed frustration with the lack of regular or more robust firmware updates. Some users felt that updates were sparse or difficult to find, which could impact long-term support for those looking to extend the life of their SSD.
Customer Service
78%
22%
Customer service has generally been helpful for those who have needed assistance, especially when resolving installation issues or seeking warranty support. The availability of resources such as manuals and FAQs has helped users resolve issues independently.
However, some buyers reported slow response times from customer service, especially when dealing with more complex issues or needing technical support. There were also a few complaints about the difficulty of reaching a support representative for urgent inquiries.
Noise/Heat
92%
This SSD operates quietly and efficiently, even during extended use. Users have noted that it produces minimal heat, making it ideal for portable devices like ultrabooks and compact desktops that need to maintain low temperatures for optimal performance.
Very few users reported any noise or heat issues, but in certain high-performance setups, the SSD may run slightly warmer than expected during intense read/write operations. However, this is rarely a problem in most typical usage scenarios.
Brand Reputation
80%
20%
KingSpec has established a reputation for producing affordable and reliable storage solutions, and many buyers feel confident in their purchase. The company’s solid warranty and reliable track record have earned it positive reviews from users seeking budget-friendly options.
However, some users still question the long-term reliability of KingSpec products compared to more established brands. A few customers raised concerns about the brand's limited presence in certain markets, which may affect after-sales support and product availability.

Suitable for:

The KingSpec NT Series 256GB M.2 SATA SSD is an ideal choice for budget-conscious users looking for an upgrade from slower traditional HDDs. It's well-suited for ultrabooks, laptops, and compact desktop systems where space and speed are key factors. Students, casual gamers, and professionals needing a reliable, affordable storage solution will appreciate its quick boot times and improved system responsiveness. With its fast read/write speeds and solid performance at a reasonable price, this SSD is great for users who want a noticeable boost without spending too much. Its durability features like TRIM, S.M.A.R.T., and wear-leveling further make it suitable for everyday use and long-term reliability in basic to moderate workloads.

Not suitable for:

However, the KingSpec NT Series 256GB M.2 SATA SSD may not be the best choice for users who demand the highest performance. Power users, such as those working with large video files or requiring rapid write speeds for data-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, might find it lacking in speed compared to higher-end SSDs. Additionally, users with older laptops or desktops may encounter compatibility issues, especially if their systems don't support M.2 SATA drives. For those seeking extreme endurance or higher write cycles for enterprise environments, this SSD's relatively low DWPD (0.69) might not meet the long-term durability requirements.

Specifications

  • Capacity: Offers 256GB of storage for everyday computing tasks and data storage.
  • Form Factor: M.2 2242 form factor, compatible with devices supporting this size.
  • Interface: Uses the SATA III 6Gb/s interface for efficient data transfer.
  • Sequential Read Speed: Achieves read speeds up to 570 MB/s for faster file access and system responsiveness.
  • Sequential Write Speed: Provides write speeds up to 540 MB/s for efficient data writing.
  • Random Read IOPS: Supports up to 24,300 random 4K read IOPS for better multitasking performance.
  • Random Write IOPS: Offers up to 6,400 random 4K write IOPS for faster small file transfers.
  • MTBF: Rated with a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1 million hours for improved reliability.
  • DWPD: Supports 0.69 Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD), suitable for general use but not heavy write-intensive tasks.
  • TRIM Support: Supports TRIM, helping maintain optimal performance over time by cleaning unused data blocks.
  • S.M.A.R.T. Support: Includes S.M.A.R.T. technology to monitor drive health and predict potential failures.
  • Garbage Collection: Equipped with Garbage Collection to manage unused blocks and maintain drive efficiency.
  • Wear-Leveling: Features wear leveling technology to ensure even wear of the memory cells, extending drive lifespan.
  • Bad Block Management: Includes bad block management to detect and handle defective memory blocks.
  • Operating Voltage: Operates at 3.3V for optimal power efficiency.
  • Temperature Range: Designed to operate in typical consumer electronics temperature ranges, ensuring reliable use.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with laptops, desktops, and ultrabooks that support M.2 SATA drives.
  • Drive Type: Solid-state drive (SSD) technology provides faster speeds and better durability than traditional HDDs.
  • Power Consumption: Low power consumption, ideal for use in energy-efficient devices like ultrabooks.

FAQ

The KingSpec NT Series 256GB M.2 SATA SSD is compatible with ultrabooks, laptops, and desktops that support the M.2 2242 form factor and SATA III interface. Make sure your system has an M.2 slot that supports SATA drives before purchasing.

Installation is straightforward. Simply remove the back cover of your laptop or desktop, insert the SSD into the M.2 slot at a slight angle, and secure it with the provided screws. You will then need to format the drive via your operating system before use.

This SSD offers a sequential read speed of up to 570 MB/s and a write speed of up to 540 MB/s. It delivers significant performance improvements over traditional HDDs, making it ideal for faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and overall enhanced system responsiveness.

The drive has a rated MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 1 million hours, which indicates high reliability. Additionally, it features wear leveling, TRIM support, and S.M.A.R.T., which help maintain its performance and lifespan over time.

This SSD offers a competitive price-to-performance ratio with decent read and write speeds for general computing tasks. While not the fastest in its class, it offers solid reliability, efficient energy use, and comes at a more affordable price than higher-end options.

It’s important to check if your system supports the M.2 SATA interface. Some older laptops or desktops may only support traditional HDDs or different M.2 interfaces (e.g., NVMe). Make sure your device can accept M.2 SATA drives before purchasing.

No, the KingSpec NT Series 256GB M.2 SATA SSD does not come with bundled software for monitoring or maintenance. You’ll need to rely on built-in OS tools or third-party applications to manage its health and performance.

The drive supports a DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) rate of 0.69, meaning it is suitable for everyday tasks but not ideal for environments that require heavy, continuous write operations, such as video editing or server use.

If your system doesn’t recognize the SSD, ensure that it is properly seated in the M.2 slot and securely attached. You may also need to check your BIOS settings to make sure the M.2 SATA interface is enabled. Additionally, ensure your system’s drivers are up to date.

While the KingSpec NT Series 256GB M.2 SATA SSD can improve load times and system responsiveness for gaming, it may not be the best choice for high-performance gaming PCs that require faster NVMe SSDs for intensive gaming applications and large game files.