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Manufacturer: Kingston Last updated: September 11, 2026
Kingston A400 (SATA III/500 MB/s Read/450 MB/s Write/Entry-Level Budget SATA) Review
The Kingston A400 has long served as one of the most basic, lowest-cost SATA SSD upgrades on the market, aimed squarely at buyers replacing an aging mechanical hard drive with the simplest possible solid-state upgrade.
At up to 500 MB/s read and 450 MB/s write, this drive delivers a dramatic real-world improvement over any mechanical hard drive for boot times and application loading, even though its numbers sit at the modest end of the SATA SSD category. Against the Kingston KC600, covered elsewhere on this site, that drive adds hardware encryption and more consistent sustained performance at a higher price. Against the SanDisk SSD Plus, also covered elsewhere on this site, both target the most price-sensitive SATA upgrade buyers.
Performance and Speed
At up to 500 MB/s read and 450 MB/s write, this drive delivers a dramatic real-world improvement over any mechanical hard drive for boot times and application loading, even though its numbers sit at the modest end of the SATA SSD category.
Comparison to Sibling Products
Against the Kingston KC600, covered elsewhere on this site, that drive adds hardware encryption and more consistent sustained performance at a higher price. Against the SanDisk SSD Plus, also covered elsewhere on this site, both target the most price-sensitive SATA upgrade buyers.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Kingston |
|---|---|
| Model Number | A400 |
| Series | A400 |
Interface and form
| Bus Interface | SATA III, 2.5-Inch |
|---|
Sequential performance
| Sequential Read | 500 MB/s |
|---|---|
| Sequential Write | 450 MB/s |
NAND
| NAND Type | TLC/QLC, DRAMless |
|---|
Physical and commercial
| Warranty | 3 Years |
|---|
| Capacity Options | 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 960GB |
|---|
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Buyers replacing an old mechanical hard drive who want the lowest-cost SATA SSD upgrade available. This drive delivers a dramatic real-world speed improvement at minimal cost.
Not for
- Not for buyers who want hardware encryption or top-tier SATA sustained performance. The Kingston KC600, covered elsewhere on this site, is the appropriate step up for those needs.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Kingston A400 (SATA III/500 MB/s Read/450 MB/s Write/Entry-Level Budget SATA)?
The Kingston A400 (SATA III/500 MB/s Read/450 MB/s Write/Entry-Level Budget SATA) is a component from Kingston. Key specs: Interface SATA III, 2.5-Inch, Sequential Read 500, Sequential Write 450, NAND Type TLC/QLC, DRAMless, Capacity Options 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 960GB.
Who is the Kingston A400 (SATA III/500 MB/s Read/450 MB/s Write/Entry-Level Budget SATA) best suited to?
It suits buyers replacing an old mechanical hard drive who want the lowest-cost sata ssd upgrade available. this drive delivers a dramatic real-world speed improvement at minimal cost..
What are the drawbacks of the Kingston A400 (SATA III/500 MB/s Read/450 MB/s Write/Entry-Level Budget SATA)?
It is a poor fit for not for buyers who want hardware encryption or top-tier sata sustained performance. the kingston kc600, covered elsewhere on this site, is the appropriate step up for those needs..
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