What is m.2 ssd: What Is an M.2 SSD? A Basic Definition

What Is an M.2 SSD? A Basic Definition

M.2 is a form factor for SSDs (solid-state drives) that’s shaped like a stick of gum. These SSDs are generally faster but more expensive than traditional, 2.5-inch SSDs.

Thin gaming laptops are increasingly using M.2 SSDs because they take up less room than 2.5-inch SSDs or hard drives.

M.2 SSDs go up to 2TB in storage size. Other form factors offer more capacity.

In order to use an M.2 SSD in your gaming PC or laptop, you’ll need a motherboard with M.2 slots. Some motherboards have two or more M.2 slots, allows you to run your SSDs in RAID.

While 2.5-inch SSDs use the SATA bus , which debuted in 2000 and was originally geared toward hard drives, and add-in cards use the PCIe bus, which is faster and has more bandwidth than SATA, M.2 SSDs can go either way, depending on the product. Additionally, some of the fastest and best SSDs use the NVMe interface, which was made for rapid storage devices.

So an M.2 SSD can be SATA-based, PCIe-based with NVMe support, or PCIe-based without NVMe support. An M.2 SSD with NVMe support offers up to five times more bandwidth than SATA M.2 models, bringing better performance in key tasks, such as file transfers, video or photo editing, transcoding, compression and decompression.

Most M.2 SSDs are 22 x 80mm (W x L), but can be shorter or longer. You can tell what size an M.2 SSD is by reading the four or five-digit number in its name or on its printed-circuit board (PCB). The first two numbers are its width, while the others are its length (example: M.2 Type-2280). Having a longer SSD means more space for NAND chips but not necessarily more storage space.

Below are common M.2 SSD sizes:

M.2 Type-2280 (22 x 80mm)
M.2 Type-2230 (22 x 30mm)
M.2 Type-2242 (22 x 42mm)
M.2 Type-2260 (22 x 60mm )
M.2 Type-22110 (22 x 110mm)

This article is part of the Tom’s Hardware Glossary .

NVMe vs M.2 vs SATA vs PCIe: What are these SSDs? | Crucial

Upgrading your memory can be confusing, especially with evolving technologies, increasing options on the shelf, and numerous acronyms. At Crucial, we’re here to help. We want you to feel comfortable upgrading or building your own PC, or even just understanding the specs of your current set-up.

Not all solid state drives (SSDs) are the same, and there are some key elements that determine compatibility, speed, and price. This article explains the M.2 form factor, the differences between PCIe vs. SATA and what exactly NVMe means. With this information, you’ll make more informed decisions about which SSD is right for you.

What is M.2?

M.2 is a form factor specification that was introduced in 2012 and designed to replace the mSATA standard. The form factor specification spells out the physical size and shape of the SSD card you can connect to your system. The M.2 form factor is designed to maximize PCB (printed circuit board) while minimizing the amount of space it takes up in your PC or laptop. To connect an M.2 specified SSD, your motherboard will need to have an M.2 slot.

The M.2 form factor is small and rectangular in shape, almost like a piece of gum. Sizes can vary, with possible widths of 12, 16, 22, or 30 millimeters, but they’re generally 22 millimeters wide. Lengths can also vary, coming in 16, 26, 30, 38, 42, 60, 80, or 110 millimeters. Motherboards will accommodate a variety of lengths for an M.2 module to allow for flexibility, while the width is more fixed.

When you buy an SSD like the Crucial P5 Plus, you may see something like «M.2 2280» in the title, which is a combination of its dimensions — 22mm and 80mm in length — helping you know what to buy.

SATA vs PCIe interfaces

Now we know that the M.2 form factor dictates what type of memory drive we can connect; our next job is to understand SSD interfaces.

In general PC building terms, an interface connects two or more separate components to exchange data or information. The SATA and PCIe interfaces are the physical connections that transmit data from the memory storage to the computer.

SATA and PCIe aren’t the only available interfaces for SSDs, although they are now the most common.

What is SATA?

The older of the two interfaces, SATA was launched in 2003, bringing massive advancements to computing and memory storage. In the image below, you can see how a SATA interface connects to your motherboard. The original SATA interface was designed for hard drives, but when SSDs came on the market, they adopted the same interface so users could easily upgrade their storage drives.

If you have a SATA interface, only a SATA SSD, such as the Crucial BX500 or MX500, will work with your computer.

What is PCIe?

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a newer interface that features a smaller physical footprint, meaning it takes up less space in your computer, as seen in the image below. The real advantage of the PCIe interface over SATA is the ability to transmit data on up to four lanes, whereas SATA only has one. When combined with an NVMe SSD, which we’ll discuss shortly, PCIe SSD read/write speeds increase even more than SATA.

PCIe vs SATA

The implementation of multiple lanes for the PCIe connection is one of the most essential features. PCIe uses four lanes for storage devices, resulting in data exchange that is four times faster than a SATA connection, which only has one lane. This provides faster read and write speeds, as seen in the table below -—- meaning faster gameplay, smoother multitasking and a more responsive computer.

All of these enhancements come with another benefit: reduced power consumption. The combination of NVME, PCIe, and an SSD’s lack of moving parts results in a quieter storage drive that sips power, extending battery life for laptops, notebooks, and tablets.

What is NVMe?

We know that if you have a SATA interface, you’ll need to connect a SATA SSD if you’re looking to upgrade your memory, but what if you have PCIe?

NVMe (NVM Express™, or Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication protocol designed specifically to work with flash memory using the PCIe interface. NVMe was created to take advantage of the parallel nature of solid state drives.

NVMe SSDs combined with a PCIe interface create unrivaled read and write speeds. However, you can also get PCIe compatible SSDs that are non-NVMe.

NVMe performance

Combining the NVMe SSD and the PCIe connection results in read and write speeds that are four times faster than a SATA interface/SSD.

NVMe complements the parallel structure of contemporary CPUs, platforms, and applications. These parallel structures allow for more commands to flow simultaneously. NVMe uses an optimized path to issue commands and complete input/output, and it supports parallel operation with up to 64,000 commands within a single I/O queue and 64,000 possible queues. Older protocols such as SCSI are serial in nature, with a limited number of commands in a single queue.

Discover our range of NVMe SSDs including the Crucial 2TB P5 Plus, Crucial 1TB P5 Plus, and Crucial 500GB P5 Plus.

Find out more about how to install NVMe PCIe SSDs.

Which SSD interface should I get?

Compatibility with your computer is the most important factor in choosing an SSD interface. It can be challenging to tell the difference between PCIe and SATA connections if you look at the slot on the motherboard. Check your computer specifications to see which interface your computer supports. Even easier, use the Crucial® Advisor™ or System Scanner to find compatible parts.

If you have the option of multiple M.2 slots where at least one supports PCIe, it’s worth considering your secondary slot for an SSD upgrade. When combined with an NVMe SSD, PCIe will result in faster read and write times.

FAQs

M.2 is a form factor for SSDs — it’s the newer and smaller form factor than the previous SATA specification. M.2 is usually faster and more expensive.
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication protocol designed specifically to work with flash memory using the PCIe interface, generating faster data transfer speeds.
The PCIe is a computer interface used to connect high speed components. This is a newer interface than SATA that features a smaller physical footprint, meaning it takes up less space in your computer and can exchange data 4 times faster.
PCIe stands for “peripheral component interconnect express” and is generally used as a standardized interface for computer motherboard components such as memory, graphics and storage devices.
NVMe is recommended for gaming as read and write speeds are faster than other drives. This’ll give you a competitive edge in multiplayer with fast loading, plus fewer load screens, and reduced installation times.
No, M. 2 and NVMe aren’t the same, but they work in conjunction with each other. M.2 is the SSD form factor, while NVMe is the interface that connects it to the motherboard. Combine them and you have a lightning-fast drive.
Even though M.2 SSDs are smaller, they are generally able to hold as much data and are often faster than other forms of SSDs available.
NVMe is a more efficient and faster method to access non-volatile memory, compared to the older SATA SSDs.

©2019 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Neither Crucial nor Micron Technology, Inc. is responsible for omissions or errors in typography or photography. Micron, the Micron logo, Crucial, and the Crucial logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. . PCIe are registered trademarks of PCI-SIG. NVMe is a registered trademark of NVM Express, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

SSD M2 — what is it. Explanation of abbreviations and parameters

While Solid State Drives (SSDs) have been around for a while, I’ve only recently started using them myself. Stopped by the price, a small capacity, albeit supported by a significantly higher speed compared to conventional hard drives. Before delving into the types of SSDs, manufacturing technologies, the types of memory and controllers used, we should dwell on the form factor (i.e., in fact, physical dimensions) of these drives, i.e. how they differ in shape, what connection connectors have and how to use them. If the 2.5-inch form factor SSDs do not raise questions (they are almost identical to hard drives in size, location of interface connectors), then another variety raises questions. SSD M2 — what is it, where to connect, what is better or worse than usual? Let’s figure it out

Development of the SATA interface

This interface replaced PATA, becoming more compact, replacing the wide cable with a thinner and more convenient one. The desire for compactness is a normal trend. Even SATA needed a variation that would allow it to be used in mobile devices or where special requirements are placed on the size of components. This is how the mSATA variant appeared — the same SATA, but in a more compact package.

This connector did not last long, because it was quickly replaced by another one — M.2, which has more capabilities. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that there are no letters “SATA” in the abbreviation, and I did not say that this is a new version of this particular interface. Why — it will be clear a little later. nine0003

I can only say that both mSATA and M.2 allow you to do without cables, power cables, which increases convenience and allows you to make your computer more compact. Especially since M.2 is even smaller than mSATA.

What M.2 looks like and what it does

This is a small connector located on a motherboard or expansion card that fits into a PCI-Express slot. You can use M.2 not only for SSD, but also for installing Wi-fi, Bluetooth modules, and so on. The scope can be quite large, which makes M.2 very useful. If you plan to upgrade your computer, then I believe that having this connector on the motherboard, even if you do not plan to install anything in it yet, can be useful. Who knows what will happen in a few months, what new device you want to buy …

An example of M.2 can be seen in the illustrations. It can be like this

or like this.

What’s the difference? In the jumper (called the «key») that is in the connector. In order to understand its purpose, let’s delve a little into the interfaces of the computer.

M-key and B-key

Modern hard drives (including SSDs) are traditionally connected to the SATA bus. I have material on this topic, but I will briefly repeat here.
[ssd_ads1]
SATA III has a maximum throughput of 6Gb/s, approximately 550-600MB/s. For ordinary hard drives, such speeds are unattainable, but for SSD drives, it is not difficult to develop a much higher speed, in general. Only there is no point in this if the interface still cannot “pump” the data stream at a speed greater than that it is capable of.

Therefore, it became possible to use the PCI-Express bus, which has a large bandwidth:

PCI Express 2.0 with two lanes (PCI-E 2.0 x2) provides a bandwidth of 8 Gb / s, or approximately 800 MB / s. nine0037
PCI Express 3.0 with four lanes (PCI-E 3.0 x4) gives 32 Gb/s, which equates to approximately 3.2 GB/s.

Which interface is used to connect devices and determines the position of the key (jumper).

SATA (M+B key):

PCI-Express (M key):

SSDs can have the following key options:

Contacts 59-66

Audio, PCM, IUM, SSIC and I2C

Socket2)	M key (M.2 Socket 3 )
Scheme
CLACH Location 12-19
PCIe ×4 and SATA

Take the ASUS Z170-P motherboard as an example. It has an M.2 connector with an M-key. This means that the PCIe ×4 bus is used. The question immediately arises, is it possible to install an SSD drive with a SATA interface there? Now this is an interesting question. nine0003

We’ll have to look into the motherboard data sheet and see if it supports M.2 SATA. According to the manufacturer’s website, yes. So, if you buy an SSD drive, for example, an Intel 600p Series, then it was originally designed for the PCIe × 4 bus and there should not be any problems.

What if there is, for example, a Crucial MX300 running on a SATA bus? According to the manufacturer’s specifications, such an SSD should also work.

Whether or not the M.2 SATA bus is supported should be taken into account when buying a motherboard. nine0003

Let’s summarize what has been said.

M.2 is just a different form factor (size and connector) of SSDs. The bus is SATA and/or PCI-Express. M.2 connectors installed on motherboards use the PCIe ×4 bus. The possibility of installing an SSD with a SATA interface must be indicated in the specifications for the motherboard.
The type of bus used by the SDD depends on the keys. SATA drives are usually produced in the M + B key formula, and PCIe x4 — with the M key.

2242, 2260, 2280 — what is it? nine0005

Looking through the characteristics of the motherboard or laptop, where there is an M.2 connector, you can see the following line in the description of this connector: «M key, type 2242/2260/2280». Well, with the «M key», I hope it’s already clear, this is the location of the key in the slot (which indicates the use of the PCIe ×4 bus). But what does «type 2242/2260/2280» mean?

Quite simply, these are the sizes of SSD drives that can be installed in this slot. physical dimensions. The first 2 digits are the width, which is 22 mm. The second 2 digits are the length. It can vary and be 42, 60 or 80 mm. Therefore, if the selected SSD, for example, the same Crucial MX300, has a length of 80 mm, that is, it belongs to type 2280, then there will be no problems with its installation. nine0003

The 64 GB Transcend MTS400 SSD is 42 mm long, i.e. type 2242. If support for such an SSD is declared, then it will also not be difficult to install it. In fact, this indicates whether the motherboard or laptop case has screws that fix the drive, which are designed for different lengths of installed modules. Here’s what it looks like on the motherboard.

Conclusion

M. 2 is a more compact SSD form factor. Many models are available both in the traditional 2.5-inch format and as a small board with an M.2 connector. If there is such a connector in the laptop or on the motherboard, then this is a good reason to place a drive in it. Whether to make it systemic or use it for other purposes is a separate issue. nine0003

Personally, when I upgrade my computer at home, which I recently wrote about, I plan to use M.2 to install a system disk into it. Thus, the number of wires will be slightly reduced, and it will work quickly.

Still have questions? Ask. Am I wrong about something? Always ready for constructive criticism. Missed something? Let’s figure it out together.

M.2 SSD: why do I need it and does my PC support it?

As computers, predominantly laptops, continue to shrink in size, their components such as hard drives have also had to shrink accordingly. Over the past few decades, computer storage has evolved from that typical 2-square-meter product to state-of-the-art flash drives that now fit the thinnest laptops and ultrabooks. Take a look at the M.2 SSD (M-dot-2) form factor, which reduces the size of a regular SSD to the tiny size of a USB drive. nine0003

If you’re considering purchasing an M.2 SSD for your next computer, here’s everything you need to know.

What is M.2 SSD

M.2 is a solid state drive (SSD) form factor that looks like a piece of chewing gum. M.2 SSDs are rectangular and most are 80 x 22mm (L x W) but can be shorter or longer (i.e. 30mm, 42mm and 110mm). M.2 SSDs, which are longer, contain more NAND chips and have more storage capacity than the shorter versions. These drives can also be single sided or double sided. The most common size is designated M.2 Type-2280. nine0003

M.2 SSD cards are commonly used in today’s mobile computing devices. M.2 SSDs are not compatible with older systems because this form factor is not similar to mSATA cards. Due to their compact size, thin laptops are increasingly using M.2 SSDs because they take up very little space, unlike traditional SATA drives. Also, since it is designed for mobile devices, it is not suitable for large enterprise storage systems.

Now for the cost and vendors, this type of SSD is widely available on the market and typically costs between $0.25 and $0.75 per gigabyte. Samsung and Intel are the most popular M.2 SSD vendors. Other vendors include Toshiba, Kingston, Team Group, Plextor and Adata. nine0003

Detection of different M.2 SSD sizes

M.2 SSD cards and motherboard slots differ in size, both in width and length of the card. The size of an M.2 SSD can be identified by the four or five digit number in its name. The first two digits are its width, and the rest are its length. For example, the M.2 type is a 2280 card; it is 22mm wide and 80mm long. For desktops and laptops, 22mm wide M.2 SSDs are standard. The current available sizes for M.2 modules are:

Width — 12, 16, 22 and 30 mm.
Length — 16, 26, 30, 38, 42, 60, 80 and 110 mm.
80mm or 110mm length card can hold 8 NAND chips for 1TB capacity. In addition, the size of the M.2 SSD is up to 2TB.

Main structure

With multiple prong pins, M.2 modules can be easily connected to the mating connector, further enhancing its easy compatibility. Specific serrated pins correspond to a unique key ranging from A (with notched pins 8-15) to M (with 59 pins-66 notched).

The typical M.2 SSD key structure includes the B key, M key, or B+M key. WD M.2 SSDs use Models B and M (B+M) on WD Green SSD and WD Blue SSD models, while the WD Black PCIe SSD uses only the M key.

M.2 SSD Pros

Extra Speed
Compact Form Factor
Future Technology
Improved Power Consumption
Reliability

1] extra speed

M.2 SSDs are for the PCIe slot, which has a much larger caliber than traditional SSDs. They add to the sheer difference in speed of SSD technologies, and these inexpensive M.2 SSDs have the ability to get up to 15x faster speeds. Users will also be able to get M.2 SSDs using the NVME protocol, which provide much lower latency.

Operating systems such as Windows use system storage most of the time, so updating makes things easier. The difference in speed will also be apparent during system boot and reduced game loading screens. nine0003

2] Compact form factor

So, if you are planning on a portable build, then an M.2 SSD is one of the strict considerations to reduce weight and space ratio. Traditional 2.5″ SSDs are about the size of almost your entire hand, but M.2 SSDs sit on 2-3 fingers. In addition, M.2 connectors connect directly to the motherboard, eliminating the need for additional cables. These drives reduce the weight of SSDs from 50 grams to just 7 grams. are equivalent to the weight of a leaf on a tree. nine0003

3] Future Technology

If you get a system that supports M.2 drives, you will open up many upgrade options in the future. Like PCIe and NVME storage, M. 2 is another innovation that is expected to dominate the consumer market in a few years.

4] Improved Power Consumption

Mobile computer systems have very limited runtimes depending on battery size and the power drawn by various components. Because the M.2 SSD interface is part of the SATA 3.2 specifications, it includes several features outside of the interface, such as DevSleep. This new feature creates lower power consumption and reduces the amount of power used by devices. This helps to increase the time the systems run and put them to sleep instead of shutting down due to multiple uses. nine0003

5] Reliability

One of the main advantages of SSDs over HDDs was that they did not physically degrade and lasted a very long time. M.2 SSDs work in a similar way, there is very little long-term risk, and their reliability is well known.

M.2 SSD Cons

Finding an M.2 SSD that fits your motherboard can be a difficult job for those who aren’t too familiar with computer hardware. These discs have many complexities, here is a summary:

The two sockets only support multiple selective «keys» and therefore can be connected to sockets with the same key.
Only a few M.2 drives and mount points support NVME, ie. faster data transfer protocol.
Users may need to switch their M.2 drive to PICe mode in their system BIOS.
Two drives that use a SATA connection can slow down the overall performance of your computer.

Therefore, before making a final purchase, the user should check if their motherboard is compatible with M.2 and explore their connection options and setup steps.

Another disadvantage is the price, as getting new modern technologies such as Intel Optane can be four times the cost.

Finally

Do you need an M.2 SSD? Well, thanks to its many pros, every modern computer needs an M.2 SSD, not only because of its compact structure and sleekness, but also in order to stay relevant with new and future technologies.