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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Transcend MTE260S is an internal NVMe 2.0 SSD that uses a PCIe Gen5 x4 interface and an M.2 2280 form factor. Transcend rates the 4TB model for sequential speeds up to 14,500 MB/s read and 13,500 MB/s write; the drive is also offered in 1TB and 2TB capacities, with different performance and endurance ratings.
What the Transcend MTE260S is
Transcend announced the MTE260S on July 3, 2025, positioning it as a flagship PCIe Gen5 SSD for high-end gaming desktops, content-creation laptops and workstations, and AI-computing platforms. It is an internal M.2 drive, not an external USB SSD. Transcend describes the product as an NVMe 2.0 drive with a PCIe Gen5 x4 interface. Transcend’s launch announcement
How fast it is, by capacity
These are manufacturer ratings, not independent test results. Transcend says the figures are based on CrystalDiskMark 6.0.2 and IOMeter, and actual performance can vary with host hardware, software, workload, and capacity.
| Capacity | Sequential read/write, up to | Random read/write, up to | Endurance rating | Order code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1TB | 14,000 / 9,800 MB/s | 1,600K / 1,400K IOPS | 750 TBW | TS1TMTE260S |
| 2TB | 14,000 / 11,000 MB/s | 1,900K / 1,400K IOPS | 1,500 TBW | TS2TMTE260S |
| 4TB | 14,500 / 13,500 MB/s | 2,000K / 1,400K IOPS | 3,000 TBW | TS4TMTE260S |
Sequential ratings describe large, continuous transfers; random IOPS ratings describe many smaller read or write operations. Neither number alone predicts how much faster a PC will feel: results depend on the application and the rest of the system. The 4TB model has the highest listed sequential and random-read ratings, while all three capacities are rated for up to 1,400K random-write IOPS. Transcend’s product specifications
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- High-Speed Interface: The SSD features a PCIe Gen5 x4 interface and is compliant with the NVMe 2.0 standard, providing high-performance connectivity.
- Advanced Components: It is equipped with advanced 3D NAND flash and a cutting-edge 6nm low-power controller.
- Enhanced Data Integrity: Incorporating Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) error-correcting code, the SSD ensures data integrity and long-term reliability, making it suitable for critical applications.
- Massive Storage Capacity: Featuring the M.2 2280 form factor, Is available in capacities of up to 2TB, giving users plenty of space to store multiple blockbuster games.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Transcend offers the free SSD Scope software, allowing users to monitor drive health, perform firmware updates, and optimize performance, ensuring the SSD operates at its best throughout its lifespan.
How to check motherboard compatibility
The MTE260S is a 10 g M.2 2280 module with an M-key connector. Your system needs an M-key M.2 slot; a B-key slot is not compatible. Check the motherboard or laptop manual for the slot’s supported interface and physical clearance, particularly if the system has a factory-fitted heatsink or limited space around the M.2 bay.
- PCIe Gen5 x4 host: This is the interface needed to use the drive at its rated Gen5 performance, subject to system and workload conditions.
- PCIe Gen4 host: Transcend says PCIe 5.0 is backward compatible with PCIe 4.0, but a Gen4 host limits throughput; do not expect Gen5-rated speeds.
- Other M.2 slots: M.2 describes a physical form factor, not a guarantee that every slot supports this drive. Confirm the keying and PCIe support in the system documentation.
Cooling, components and operating range
The drive combines 3D NAND, a DDR4 DRAM cache, and a 6nm low-power controller. It has an integrated graphene heatsink and a manufacturer-rated operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C. Actual temperatures depend on the system’s airflow, workload, and installation; the presence of a heatsink does not make every M.2 bay thermally equivalent.
Rank #2
- SSD capacity: 1000 GB
- SSD form factor: M.2
- Read speed: 550 MB/s
- Write speed: 500 MB/s
- Data transfer rate: 6 Gbps
Which capacity makes sense?
- 1TB: The smallest listed capacity, rated at 750 TBW. Its sequential write rating is lower than the 2TB and 4TB models.
- 2TB: Rated for up to 14,000 MB/s read and 11,000 MB/s write, with 1,500 TBW endurance. It offers higher rated sequential write speed and endurance than the 1TB model.
- 4TB: The largest capacity, with the top listed sequential ratings and 3,000 TBW endurance. It is the option to consider when capacity, rated throughput, and rated write endurance are priorities.
TBW means terabytes written: the manufacturer’s endurance rating for cumulative writes over the drive’s rated life, not a prediction of the exact point at which a particular drive will fail. Transcend also specifies 0.411 DWPD over five years and a five-year limited warranty. Warranty terms and eligibility should be checked for the relevant sales region. Transcend’s MTE260S specifications and warranty information
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the ratings do—and do not—tell you
The listed speeds are useful for comparing the three MTE260S capacities, but they are not guarantees of sustained performance in every workload or system. Host interface, software, workload, and capacity can affect results, as Transcend cautions. The published figures also do not establish how the MTE260S compares in real-world use with a particular competing SSD; that would require comparable independent testing.
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Rank #3
- Blazing Fast 1050MB/s Speed : Experience ultra-fast 10Gbps transfer speeds with cutting-edge SLC Cache technology, delivering up to 1050MB/s read and 950MB/s write speeds. Ideal for quickly transferring large files, gaming data, and high-resolution photos or 4K videos.
- Universal Compatibility : Compatible with Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MSI Claw, Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, PS5, Xbox, laptops, and more. Works with USB 3.2, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0. Pre-formatted as exFAT for seamless plug-and-play across multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android). (Not compatible with iPhone's Lightning port.)
- 2-in-1 Dual USB-C & USB-A Design : Equipped with both USB-C and USB-A 3.2 ports, this dual-interface SSD makes data transfer effortless across smartphones, tablets, MacBooks, Windows PCs, and more. Instantly free up space or transfer files between Android Type-C phones, Tesla dashcams, smart TVs, and car audio systems.
- Ultra-Portable & Lightweight : Weighing just 0.02 lb with a tiny 2.81 × 0.79 × 0.31-inch form factor, this compact SSD is the perfect travel companion. No more bulky external drives—take your high-speed storage anywhere, whether you're a professional on the go or a gamer needing extra space.
- Secure One-Time Password (OTP) Protection : Forgot your password? No worries! The OTP function via Transcend Elite software allows you to receive a one-time password via email, ensuring you always have access to your data.
Transcend’s official product page describes the drive as complying with NVMe 2.0, supporting PCIe Gen5 x4, and reaching sequential read/write speeds of 14,500/13,500 MB/s and random performance of 2,000K IOPS. Those peak figures correspond to the manufacturer’s stated maximums, including the 4TB capacity for sequential throughput and random reads. Transcend Information, Inc., official MTE260S product page
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 3D NAND Flash Memory: Utilizes 3D NAND technology, stacking memory cells vertically to overcome density limitations of planar NAND, delivering enhanced performance and endurance.
- High-Speed Performance: Offers sequential read speeds up to 560 MB/s and write speeds up to 520 MB/s, ensuring quick data access and transfer.
- DDR3 DRAM Cache: Equipped with a DDR3 DRAM cache, which stores a temporary copy of the most active data to shorten access times and enhance overall performance.
- Advanced Error Correction: Features Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) coding to ensure data integrity and prevent data corruption during transfers.
- Compact Form Factor: Compliant with M.2 2280 form factor, making it ideal for space-constrained devices without compromising on storage capacity.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
