CrystalDiskMark score Read: 280.45 MB/s Write: 45.40 MB/s with a LITE-ON LST-16S9G 16GB

Information Detail

The LITE-ON LST-16S9G 16GB M.2 SATA is a compact solid-state drive designed to meet the storage needs of devices with limited space, such as mini PCs, older laptops, or embedded systems. With an M.2 2242 form factor and a SATA III 6Gbps interface, this SSD delivers sufficient performance for basic needs, particularly as a boot drive or operating system medium. Despite its 16GB capacity, its internal components are of decent quality for an entry-level class.

This SSD uses the TOSHIBA TH58TEG7DDK8A4C NAND flash chip, known for its durability and stability, combined with SK hynix's DRAM cache (H5TQ1G63EFR) featuring 1GB DDR3 SDRAM specifications—a rare find in SSDs of its class. The use of the Silicon Motion SM2246EN controller adds further value, as it is widely recognized in the SSD world as a reliable and efficient controller for handling light to moderate read/write tasks. This combination makes the LITE-ON LST-16S9G sufficiently capable for tasks such as booting, running a lightweight OS, or storing system configurations.

Performance testing was conducted on a Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 14ITL6 device with 12GB DDR4 dual-channel RAM and the Windows 11 22H2 operating system. The SSD was installed via an M.2 SATA-to-SATA adapter and connected via a USB 3.0 enclosure. Test results showed sequential read speeds of 280MB/s and write speeds of 45MB/s on the CrystalDiskMark benchmark, while AS SSD recorded read speeds of 279MB/s and write speeds of approximately 41.67MB/s. This performance is stable and consistent with the characteristics of a SATA SSD in the low-capacity class, although the write speed is relatively slow for large file transfers.

Despite its limitations, such as limited storage capacity and low write speeds, the LITE-ON LST-16S9G remains an attractive option for users needing a small SSD for specific purposes. It is suitable for use in lightweight operating systems like Linux, custom devices like routers or media players, and as an upgrade solution from an HDD in older systems that only require improved boot speeds and basic application responsiveness. With its generally affordable price and high-quality internal components, this SSD can be a cost-effective yet functional alternative in the world of digital storage.

Device Test (testbed) :

Adapter: M.2 SATA to SATA -> SATA to USB 3.0 (HDD Enclosure)
Device: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 14ITL6
CPU: i5-1135G7
RAM: 12GB DDR4 3200MHz Dual Channel (8+4)
OS: Windows 11 22H2

* I have tested this hardware in used condition, so its performance may have deteriorated.