Choosing the right mSATA SSD can breathe new life into older laptops, compact desktops, or even DIY storage projects—but with so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re upgrading an aging system, repurposing old drives, or building a portable storage solution, picking the best mSATA SSD to buy means balancing speed, capacity, compatibility, and value. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared seven top-rated mSATA SSDs and adapters to help you make a smart, confident decision based on real performance and user feedback.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Which Msata Ssd To Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Fanxiang S301 2TB mSATA SSD with 3D NAND for Laptop and Desktop
The Fanxiang S301 delivers impressive capacity and speed in a tiny mSATA form factor, making it ideal for reviving older laptops or compact builds. With 2TB of storage and 3D NAND technology, it offers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 550MB/s read and 500MB/s write speeds
✓ Compact mSATA design fits space-constrained devices
✓ 3D NAND flash enhances durability and data retention
✓ No moving parts means silent operation and shock resistance
✓ Broad compatibility with laptops, mini PCs, and industrial systems
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes an excellent balance between high capacity, solid speeds, and affordability. It’s perfect for users who need serious storage in a small package—especially when upgrading legacy systems that support mSATA.
Best For
Reviving aging laptops like the Lenovo T420, upgrading mini PCs, or adding fast storage to embedded systems where space is limited.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity for an mSATA drive
- Fast sequential read/write speeds
- Reliable 3D NAND architecture
- Great value per gigabyte
Cons:
- Limited availability compared to mainstream brands
- No included mounting hardware or software suite
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this to use in a Lenovo t420 and brought it back to life. The SSD helps with the boot up time and makes it quicker to run any programs I need. It is easy to install and have not had any issues. Good value!”
Customer Review: “I tested this in a Sabrent USB3.0 enclosure, with just the circuit board to see how cool it ran in open air. The temperature is satisfactory for an SSD, although it varies a bit. The first image is speed and temperature during a 470GB file transfer (Actual capacity is 485GB).”
2. Transcend 128GB SATA III 6G/s mSATA SSD, Internal Solid State Drive, Up to 560 MB/s, SLC Cache, f…
Transcend’s 128GB mSATA SSD combines proven reliability with near-maximum SATA III speeds, thanks to SLC caching and 3D NAND. It’s a trusted choice for users seeking stability and performance from a reputable brand.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ SATA III 6Gb/s interface with up to 560MB/s read speeds
✓ SLC cache boosts burst performance for everyday tasks
✓ Advanced wear-leveling and error correction extend lifespan
✓ Low power consumption ideal for laptops
✓ Rigorously tested for industrial and consumer use
Why We Recommend It
Transcend has a long history of building dependable storage solutions, and this drive lives up to that reputation. It’s fast, efficient, and built to last—making it our top pick for users prioritizing quality over raw capacity.
Best For
Upgrading business laptops, installing in NAS devices, or using in environments where drive longevity and consistent performance matter most.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world speed thanks to SLC cache
- Highly reliable with robust error correction
- Low heat output and power draw
- Trusted brand with strong warranty support
Cons:
- Only 128GB may be too small for some users
- Slightly higher price per GB than budget options
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Instalé este SSD mSATA de 128GB en una laptop, y esta quedó funcionando rápido y fluido, prácticamente como cuando vino de fábrica. Excelente opción para revivir laptops y mejorar el rendimiento a muy buen precio.”
Customer Review: “Instalé este SSD mSATA de 128GB en una laptop, y esta quedó funcionando rápido y fluido, prácticamente como cuando vino de fábrica. Excelente opción para revivir laptops y mejorar el rendimiento a muy buen precio.”
3. MAIWO mSATA to USB 3.0 Adapter, mSATA SSD Enclosure Reader, 30×30 30×50 Mini SATA Hard Drive Case…
Don’t let old mSATA drives collect dust—this affordable USB 3.0 enclosure turns them into portable SSDs. With support for up to 2TB and plug-and-play simplicity, it’s a smart way to reuse or back up data from legacy hardware.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Supports both 30x30mm and 51x30mm mSATA drives
✓ USB 3.0 with ASM1153E chipset delivers up to 5Gbps speeds
✓ Tool-free installation—just snap in your drive
✓ Compact and lightweight for on-the-go use
✓ Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux
Why We Recommend It
If you’ve upgraded an old laptop and have spare mSATA SSDs lying around, this adapter gives them a second life as fast external drives—all for less than the cost of a lunch outing.
Best For
Data recovery from dead laptops, creating portable backups, or repurposing old mSATA SSDs as USB flash drives.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable way to reuse mSATA drives
- Solid build quality for the price
- Fast USB 3.0 speeds with reliable chipset
- No drivers needed—true plug-and-play
Cons:
- Bulky design can block adjacent USB ports
- No UASP support limits peak performance
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Laptop died recently and needed a way to retrieve the contents off the old drive. There did not seem to be many options for mSATA SSD enclosures so I am grateful this one has worked fine and done it’s job well. It’s also reasonably priced which is nice.”
Customer Review: “I use this device to access a Seagate Exos 24TB SAS drive. It works great. The write speed is ~270 MB/s, which is comparable in speed to a similar SATA hard drive.”
4. ELUTENG mSATA to USB 3.0 Adapter – Mini SATA Converter as Portable Flash Drive External Hard Drive
The ELUTENG adapter is a no-frills solution for turning unused mSATA SSDs into handy USB drives. With broad OS compatibility and stable performance, it’s perfect for tech tinkerers and data hoarders alike.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Converts mSATA SSDs (3cm x 5cm) into USB 3.0 drives
✓ Uses ASM1153E controller for stable signal and power delivery
✓ Supports up to 512GB drives (as per spec)
✓ Lightweight and pocketable design
✓ No external power required
Why We Recommend It
It’s simple, reliable, and gets the job done without unnecessary complexity. Great for accessing old drives or creating a portable OS installer.
Best For
DIY enthusiasts, IT professionals needing quick drive access, or anyone salvaging SSDs from retired NUCs and mini PCs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and use
- Stable performance with ASM1153E chip
- Compact and travel-friendly
Cons:
- Does NOT support PCIe or NGFF drives—only pure mSATA
- Limited to 512GB officially (though larger drives may work)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Perfect for reading mSATA SSDs from older computers that use them. I have a few left over from old NUCs and smaller form factor computers that have long since aged out and been recycled. The SSDs were still good so wanted to give them a second life. This effectively turns them into a flash drive.”
Customer Review: “This allows me to use an old 1TB B+N m.2 SATA speed SSD with a new motherboard via the SATA 3 connection. Remember you have to flip the switch from mSATA to NGFF for the m.2 B+N to function. Easy to assembly and use.”
5. Transcend 256GB mSATA SSD with Dram Cache, Up to 530MB/s, Mini SATA III 6G/s Internal Solid State…
Step up from the 128GB model with double the capacity and a DDR3 DRAM cache for smoother multitasking. This Transcend drive is built for users who need more space without sacrificing reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 256GB capacity ideal for OS + applications
✓ DDR3 DRAM cache improves random access performance
✓ LDPC error correction ensures data integrity
✓ SATA III 6Gb/s with up to 530MB/s read speeds
✓ Low power consumption and minimal heat output
Why We Recommend It
For users who found the 128GB version too limiting, this 256GB model offers a sweet spot of capacity, speed, and endurance—all backed by Transcend’s solid reputation.
Best For
Primary drive upgrades in older ultrabooks, industrial PCs, or as a boot drive in compact workstations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- DRAM cache significantly boosts responsiveness
- Excellent for OS and frequent app storage
- Reliable and consistent performance
Cons:
- Still not ideal for large media libraries
- Higher cost than non-DRAM mSATA options
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Worked great for reviving one of my older system. Read/write speeds seem decent enough for older hardware as well.”
Customer Review: “Works, never an issue… my second one. No comment on performance, but they have been solid drives.”
6. ChenYang mSATA Mini SATA SSD to IDE 44Pin 2.5 inch Hard Disk Case Enclosure Box White for Laptop
This niche adapter lets you connect modern mSATA SSDs to legacy IDE interfaces—perfect for resurrecting very old laptops that lack SATA support. It’s a lifesaver for retro computing fans.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Converts mSATA SSD to 44-pin IDE interface
✓ Includes protective aluminum case
✓ Uses JM20330 bridge chip for stable conversion
✓ Supports standard 2.5″ laptop drive bays
✓ Ideal for vintage hardware restoration
Why We Recommend It
While not for everyday use, this adapter fills a critical gap for anyone maintaining or restoring pre-2008 laptops. It’s one of the few solutions that bridges the mSATA-to-IDE divide.
Best For
Restoring vintage laptops like the HP Compaq 6110, archival projects, or educational tinkering with legacy systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enables SSD upgrades in ancient IDE-only laptops
- Includes protective enclosure
- Surprisingly reliable for its purpose
Cons:
- Very niche use case
- Performance limited by IDE interface (~100MB/s max)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Worked flawlessly in a very old HP6110 Compaq laptop, at very low cost, under MX Linux.”
Customer Review: “There are different ‘colors’ for this product. I got the ‘black’ which is actually a white mSata to IDE adapter. It looks like the reviews for entirely separate products all get grouped together. This review is of the ‘color’ that allows for adding a mSata drive to a laptop IDE connector. It works gr…”
7. StarTech.com mSATA SSD to 2.5in SATA Adapter Converter – mSATA to SATA Adapter for 2.5in bay with…
StarTech’s adapter lets you install an mSATA SSD into any standard 2.5″ drive bay—ideal for desktop upgrades or server builds where space is tight but you want SSD speed.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Open-frame aluminum bracket for ventilation
✓ Supports all SATA revisions (I/II/III)
✓ Fits 7mm or larger 2.5″ bays
✓ Secure mounting with included screws
✓ Trusted brand with enterprise-grade reliability
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a compact desktop or upgrading a server and want to use an mSATA SSD in a traditional bay, this adapter offers a clean, professional installation.
Best For
Desktop PC builds, NAS enclosures, or any system with 2.5″ bays but limited mSATA slots.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Universal SATA compatibility
- Clean, tool-free installation
Cons:
- Only useful if you already own an mSATA SSD
- No performance benefit over native SATA SSDs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “My work computer was fried yesterday by my youngest plugging a live usb cable in another port. killed the motherboard. for how much I paid for that machine, you’d think that they would have a contingency worked out. maybe put a fuse in there where all ports connect to prior to touching the motherboa…”
Customer Review: “The StarTech SAT32MSAT257 mSATA SSD adapter turned out to be a pretty good addition to my gear collection. It is identical to the unit sold by Micro SATA Cables so I can’t be sure who actually manufactures the device. I can tell you that it does exactly what it is designed for… it allows you to…”
Complete Buying Guide for Msata Ssd To Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best mSATA SSD to buy, we evaluate capacity, speed, compatibility, build quality, and value. Capacity ranges from 128GB to 2TB—choose based on your needs (OS only vs. media storage). Speed matters too: look for SATA III support with read speeds above 500MB/s. Always verify physical dimensions (most are 50mm or 30mm) and ensure your device has an mSATA slot—not to be confused with m.2! Brand reputation, warranty, and real-user reviews also play key roles in our recommendations.
Budget Planning
mSATA SSDs vary widely in price. Budget options start under $20 for 128GB adapters or used drives, while high-capacity new SSDs like the Fanxiang S301 2TB run around $150–$200. Adapters typically cost $10–$25. Set a budget based on use: casual upgrades can go cheap, but mission-critical systems deserve reliable branded drives with DRAM cache.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re breathing new life into an old laptop or creatively repurposing hardware, the right mSATA SSD makes all the difference. Our top picks balance performance, reliability, and price—so you don’t have to compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between mSATA and m.2 SSDs?
A: mSATA is an older connector standard that uses the mini PCIe form factor but only supports SATA signaling. m.2 is newer and can support both SATA and faster NVMe protocols. They are not interchangeable—check your device specs carefully!
Q: Can I use an mSATA SSD in a regular SATA port?
A: Not directly—but adapters like the StarTech model (#7) let you mount an mSATA SSD in a 2.5″ SATA bay, effectively converting it for standard use.
Q: Are mSATA SSDs still worth buying in 2024?
A: Absolutely—if your device supports it! They’re perfect for upgrading older systems, and prices have dropped significantly. Just avoid them for new builds, where m.2 NVMe is superior.
Q: Do I need special tools to install an mSATA SSD?
A: Most installations require only a small Phillips screwdriver. Many adapters (like the MAIWO or ELUTENG) are tool-free.
Q: Will an mSATA SSD improve my laptop’s performance?
A: Yes—especially if replacing an old HDD. Expect faster boot times, quicker app launches, and overall snappier responsiveness.
Ready to upgrade? Whether you need massive storage, blazing speeds, or a clever way to reuse old drives, one of these top-rated mSATA SSDs is perfect for your project. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and make your purchase with confidence!