The Transcend TS32GSSD25S-M is a 2.5" format SSD with 32GB of storage and a SATA 150 interface. As the M at the end of the model number indicates, this drive uses MLC technology, not the faster SLC type. It's a bit strange to open a hard drive box to find the disk just sitting in a plastic tray, rather than static-bagged and foam-wrapped for protection during shipping. But as I mentioned earlier, SSDs are not as susceptible to vibration and shock as traditional hard disks. The drive comes with a quick setup guide, installation screws, warranty card and product sheet.


The TS32G doesn't look much like a standard hard drive; it is encased in plastic rather than metal and doesn't have the typical bulges and fins. The SATA connectors on the end are the only thing that gives it away. It is very light too, only a claimed 48 grams compared to three times that for a regular 2.5" disk.


The TS32G would classify as a slim-line drive, less than 10mm in height. As such it should have little problem fitting in most any notebook computer, even smaller tablet PC's. Mounting holes have threaded brass inserts in the sides for attaching to a drive tray, however the bottom holes are just bare plastic.

Transcend lists typical access speeds on the TS32G as 26.5MB/s read, 14.3MB/s write. Random reads are nearly the same at 25.5MB/s read but random writes are a disappointing 2.6MB/s. Given these low numbers it's no wonder that Transcend recommends the SLC drives for OS installations. Let's take a look at some performance benchmarks of our own.