What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Lexar NS100 against the Kingston A400, examining their key features, performance, reliability, and value to help you make an informed decision.
- In our tests, the Lexar NS100 consistently outperformed the Kingston A400 in both sequential and random read/write operations.
- Both the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 come in a range of capacities, from 128GB to 1TB.
When it comes to budget-friendly solid-state drives (SSDs), the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 are two of the most popular options. Both offer a significant performance boost over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) at an affordable price. But which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Lexar NS100 against the Kingston A400, examining their key features, performance, reliability, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Speed and Responsiveness
The Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 both utilize SATA III technology, providing theoretical maximum read/write speeds of up to 550/500 MB/s. However, real-world performance can vary depending on the specific model and capacity.
In our tests, the Lexar NS100 consistently outperformed the Kingston A400 in both sequential and random read/write operations. The NS100 delivered faster boot times, application loading, and file transfers, providing a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience.
Capacity and Endurance
Both the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 come in a range of capacities, from 128GB to 1TB. The endurance of an SSD, measured in Terabytes Written (TBW), indicates how much data can be written to the drive before it fails.
The Kingston A400 offers slightly higher TBW ratings than the Lexar NS100, especially for the larger capacities. This means that the A400 is more suitable for heavy workloads or for storing critical data that needs to be preserved for longer periods of time.
Reliability and Warranty
Reliability is crucial when choosing an SSD. Both the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 employ NAND flash memory, which is known for its durability and data retention capabilities.
Both drives come with a limited warranty of 3 years, providing peace of mind and protection against defects or failures. However, the Kingston A400 has a slightly longer mean time between failures (MTBF) rating, indicating a higher expected lifespan.
Features and Compatibility
The Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 are both standard 2.5-inch form factor SSDs, making them compatible with most laptops and desktops. They use a SATA III interface and require a SATA port on the motherboard.
Neither drive includes any additional features such as encryption or software management tools. However, both are compatible with the TRIM command, which helps maintain performance over time.
Value and Pricing
The Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 are both budget-friendly SSDs, but their pricing can vary depending on the capacity and retailer. In general, the Lexar NS100 tends to be slightly more affordable than the Kingston A400.
When comparing the price per gigabyte, the Lexar NS100 offers a better value for money, especially for the smaller capacities. However, the Kingston A400’s higher endurance ratings and longer warranty may justify its slightly higher price for some users.
Which SSD Is Right for You?
The best choice between the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize performance and value, the Lexar NS100 is an excellent option. It provides faster speeds and a more responsive user experience at a more affordable price.
If you require higher endurance and a longer warranty, the Kingston A400 is a better choice. It offers more durable NAND flash memory and a longer MTBF rating, making it more suitable for heavy workloads or storing critical data.
The Final Verdict
In our opinion, the Lexar NS100 is the overall winner in the “Lexar NS100 vs Kingston A400” battle. It delivers superior performance at a more competitive price, providing the best value for money for most users.
However, if you require exceptional endurance and reliability, the Kingston A400 is a solid choice. Its higher TBW ratings and longer warranty make it more suitable for demanding applications or storing large amounts of critical data.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which SSD is faster, the Lexar NS100 or Kingston A400?
A: In our tests, the Lexar NS100 consistently outperformed the Kingston A400 in both sequential and random read/write operations.
Q: Which SSD has higher endurance?
A: The Kingston A400 offers slightly higher TBW ratings than the Lexar NS100, especially for the larger capacities.
Q: Which SSD has a longer warranty?
A: Both the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 come with a limited warranty of 3 years. However, the Kingston A400 has a slightly longer MTBF rating, indicating a higher expected lifespan.
Q: Which SSD is more affordable?
A: The Lexar NS100 tends to be slightly more affordable than the Kingston A400, especially for the smaller capacities.
Q: Which SSD is better for gaming?
A: Both the Lexar NS100 and Kingston A400 are suitable for gaming, but the Lexar NS100’s faster speeds may provide a slight edge in load times and overall responsiveness.
Q: Which SSD is better for video editing?
A: For video editing, the Kingston A400’s higher endurance ratings make it a more reliable choice for storing and working with large video files.
