As the need for faster and more efficient storage solutions increases, M.2 SSDs have become increasingly popular due to their small form factor and high performance. M.2 SSDs come in various sizes and shapes, but the most common types of M.2 slots are M key and B+M key. While both types of M.2 slots offer similar benefits, they differ in their support for different protocols and their compatibility with various devices. In this guide, we will explore the different types of M.2 slots, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you are building a new computer or upgrading an existing one, understanding the different types of M.2 slots is essential to ensure that you get the most out of your storage solution.
M.2 SSDs vs SATA SSDs
When it comes to storage for your computer, you have several options to choose from, including traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and M.2 SSDs.
SATA SSDs have been the standard for many years, but M.2 SSDs are quickly gaining popularity due to their faster speeds and smaller form factor.
In this section, we’ll compare M.2 SSDs and SATA SSDs and help you decide which one is right for you.
Speed
One of the biggest advantages of M.2 SSDs over SATA SSDs is their speed. M.2 SSDs use the PCIe interface, which allows for much faster data transfer rates than SATA SSDs, which are limited by the SATA interface.
M.2 SSDs can achieve read and write speeds of up to 3500MB/s, while SATA SSDs are typically limited to speeds of up to 600MB/s.
Form Factor
M.2 SSDs are smaller and more compact than SATA SSDs, making them ideal for smaller devices like ultrabooks and mini-PCs. M.2 SSDs are typically no larger than a stick of gum, while SATA SSDs are larger and require more physical space in your device.
Capacity
SATA SSDs are available in larger capacities than M.2 SSDs, with some SATA SSDs offering up to 4TB of storage. However, M.2 SSDs are available in capacities up to 2TB, which is more than enough for most users.
Compatibility
SATA SSDs are more widely compatible than M.2 SSDs. Almost all motherboards and devices have at least one SATA interface, while M.2 interfaces may not be available on older devices or low-end motherboards.
M.2 SSDs also come in different lengths and widths, so it’s important to check the specifications of your device before purchasing an M.2 SSD.
Price
M.2 SSDs are typically more expensive than SATA SSDs, especially when it comes to high-capacity drives. If you’re on a budget, SATA SSDs are a more affordable option for fast storage.
When choosing between M.2 SSDs and SATA SSDs, consider your specific needs and budget to make the best decision for your situation.
What is an M.2 Slot?
An M.2 slot is a small, rectangular interface used to connect solid-state drives (SSDs) and other components to a computer’s motherboard. It is also sometimes called Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF). M.2 slots can be found in a variety of devices, including laptops, desktops, and even some tablets.
M.2 slots support high-speed data transfer rates and a variety of connection protocols, including SATA, PCIe, and USB. The size and shape of the slot can vary, but the most common size is 22mm wide and 80mm long.
M.2 SSDs offer several advantages over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), including faster boot and load times, lower power consumption, and reduced noise levels. Additionally, M.2 SSDs are typically much smaller and lighter than HDDs, making them a popular choice for thin and light laptops and other portable devices.
Overall, M.2 slots have become a popular way to add high-speed storage to computers and other devices, offering a compact and versatile interface for a wide range of SSDs and other components.
Pros and Cons of M.2 SSDs
M.2 SSDs offer a number of benefits over traditional storage options, but they also have some disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the main pros and cons of M.2 SSDs:
Pros
- Speed: M.2 SSDs can provide significantly faster read and write speeds than traditional HDDs and even SATA SSDs. This is because they support high-speed protocols like PCIe and NVMe.
- Size: M.2 SSDs are small and lightweight, making them ideal for use in devices with limited space, such as ultrabooks, tablets, and mini-PCs.
- Power efficiency: M.2 SSDs use less power than traditional HDDs and SATA SSDs, which can extend the battery life of mobile devices.
- Reliability: M.2 SSDs have no moving parts, so they are more durable and less prone to physical damage or failure than traditional storage devices.
- Ease of Installation: Installing an M.2 SSD is easy since it simply slots into the M.2 slot on the motherboard, eliminating the need for cables and power connectors.
Cons
- Cost: M.2 SSDs can be more expensive than traditional storage devices, which can be a barrier to entry for some users.
- Capacity: M.2 SSDs can have limited capacity compared to traditional HDDs, which can be a drawback for users who require a lot of storage space.
- Heat: M.2 SSDs can generate more heat than other storage devices, which can be an issue in small form factor devices with limited airflow.
- Compatibility: Not all devices have M.2 slots, which can limit the ability to use M.2 SSDs as an upgrade option.
- Performance Limitations: M.2 SSDs can be limited by the speed of the PCIe lanes on the motherboard or the capabilities of the storage controller.
Overall, M.2 SSDs offer many benefits, but they also have some drawbacks to consider. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of M.2 SSDs against your specific needs to determine if they are the right storage solution for you.
What are the Different Types of M.2 Slots?
There are several types of M.2 slots available that differ in their keying, length, and supported protocols. The M.2 slot keying refers to the type and location of the notches on the M.2 connector, which determines the type of M.2 device that can be installed.
- M.2 SATA: These slots support the SATA protocol and are typically used for SATA-based SSDs.
- M.2 PCIe: These slots support the PCIe protocol and offer faster data transfer rates than SATA-based M.2 slots. They are commonly used for NVMe-based SSDs.
- M.2 NVMe: These slots are specifically designed for NVMe-based SSDs, which offer even faster data transfer rates than PCIe-based SSDs.
- M.2 B key: These slots have six pins and support SATA and PCIe protocols. They are typically used for SSDs, wireless networking cards, and other peripherals.
- M.2 M key: These slots have five pins and support SATA, PCIe, and NVMe protocols. They are typically used for high-speed SSDs and other high-performance peripherals.
- M.2 E key: These slots have two pins and are used for wireless networking cards and other peripherals.
It’s important to note that not all M.2 slots support all of these protocols, so it’s important to check the specifications of your device to ensure compatibility. Additionally, M.2 slots can vary in terms of their length, with 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110 being some of the most common lengths.
What are the Different M.2 Sizes?
M.2 is a small form factor solid-state drive (SSD) that is commonly used in modern laptops, desktops, and mini-PCs. One of the key benefits of M.2 SSDs is their compact size, which allows for high-speed storage in a small footprint.
M.2 SSDs come in a range of different sizes, or form factors. The size of an M.2 SSD is determined by its length and width, which are measured in millimeters (mm). The most common M.2 sizes are 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110, with each size indicating the length of the SSD in millimeters.
- 2242: 22mm wide by 42mm long
- 2260: 22mm wide by 60mm long
- 2280: 22mm wide by 80mm long
- 22110: 22mm wide by 110mm long
The 2280 size is the most popular M.2 size, and is widely used in modern devices. The 2280 size offers a good balance between storage capacity and compatibility with most motherboards and devices.
While M.2 SSDs come in a variety of sizes, it’s important to note that not all devices are compatible with every size. Before purchasing an M.2 SSD, it’s important to check the specifications of your device to ensure that it can accommodate the size of the SSD you are considering.
Additionally, some devices may require specific key types or interface protocols to be compatible with an M.2 SSD.
M.2 Key Types
The most common M.2 key types are M, B, and B+M, and they differ in the number and position of the notches on the connector.
M.2 B key slots have six pins and support both SATA and PCIe protocols. They are commonly used for SSDs, wireless networking cards, and other peripherals. M.2 M key slots have five pins and support SATA, PCIe, and NVMe protocols. They are typically used for high-speed SSDs and other high-performance peripherals.
M.2 E key slots have two pins and are used for wireless networking cards and other peripherals. The length of the M.2 slots also varies, with 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110 being the most common lengths.
Here’s a table comparing the different M.2 slot types.
| M.2 Slot Type | Key | Length | Compatible Protocols | Compatible Devices |
| M | M | 60mm, 80mm, 110mm | PCIe, SATA | Desktops, laptops, mini-PCs |
| B | B | 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm | PCIe, SATA | Ultrabooks, tablets, mini-PCs |
| B+M | B+M | 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm | PCIe, SATA | Ultrabooks, tablets, mini-PCs |
| A+E | A+E | 30mm | PCIe, USB | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards |
M.2 M Key vs M.2 B+M Key
M.2 SSDs are the latest generation of solid-state drives that offer faster speeds, higher storage capacity, and compact size.
They have become increasingly popular due to their ability to provide faster boot and load times, lower power consumption, and reduced noise levels compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs).
M.2 SSDs come in different types that vary in keying, length, and supported protocols.
M.2 B+M and M.2 M are two common types of M.2 SSDs. Both of these types of M.2 SSDs are commonly used in desktops, laptops, and other computing devices, but they have some differences that are worth considering before making a purchase.
M.2 B+M Key
The M.2 B+M key SSD is a type of M.2 SSD that supports both SATA and PCIe protocols. The B+M key SSD has one notch on the connector that can accommodate both the B and M keys.
This means that the B+M key SSD can be used in both B key and M key slots. B+M key SSDs typically come in 2280 and 2260 sizes and are commonly used in ultrabooks, tablets, and other portable devices.
One advantage of the M.2 B+M key SSD is its versatility. The B+M key SSD can be used in both B key and M key slots, which makes it a good option for users who have devices that support both key types.
Another advantage of the B+M key SSD is that it supports both SATA and PCIe protocols, which provides flexibility in terms of performance and storage options.
M.2 M Key
The M.2 M key SSD is a type of M.2 SSD that supports PCIe and NVMe protocols. The M key SSD has one notch on the connector and is typically used in high-performance systems, such as gaming PCs and workstations.
M key SSDs typically come in 2280 and 22110 sizes and offer high-speed performance and large storage capacity.
One advantage of the M.2 M key SSD is its high-speed performance. The M key SSD supports PCIe and NVMe protocols, which provide faster data transfer rates than SATA-based M.2 SSDs.
This makes the M key SSD ideal for use in high-performance systems where speed and performance are critical. Another advantage of the M key SSD is its large storage capacity, with some models offering up to 2TB of storage.
Which One to Choose, M.2 B+M Key vs M.2 M Key?
When it comes to choosing between M.2 B+M and M key SSDs, there are several factors to consider. One of the main differences between these two types of M.2 SSDs is the supported protocols.
The M key SSD supports PCIe and NVMe protocols, which provide faster data transfer rates than SATA-based M.2 SSDs. This makes the M key SSD ideal for use in high-performance systems where speed and performance are critical.
On the other hand, the B+M key SSD supports both SATA and PCIe protocols, which provides more flexibility in terms of performance and storage options. This makes the B+M key SSD a good option for users who have devices that support both key types.
Another factor to consider when choosing between these two types of M.2 SSDs is the length. M key SSDs typically come in 2280 and 22110 sizes, while B+M key SSDs typically come in 2280 and 2260 sizes.
The longer size of the M key SSD allows for larger storage capacity, while the shorter size of the B+M key SSD is ideal for use in ultrabooks, tablets, and other portable devices.
M.2 SSDs are a popular choice for users who are looking for faster speeds, higher storage capacity, and a compact form factor. M.2 B+M and M.2 M key SSDs are two common types of M.2 SSDs that offer different benefits depending on the user’s needs.
The B+M key SSD is more versatile as it supports both SATA and PCIe protocols, and can be used in both B key and M key slots.
On the other hand, the M key SSD supports PCIe and NVMe protocols, providing faster data transfer rates and larger storage capacity.
When deciding between the two types of M.2 SSDs, users should consider their device’s supported key type, performance needs, and storage requirements.
Conclusion
M.2 slots provide a versatile and efficient storage solution for modern computers. They are available in different sizes and configurations, with varying speeds and compatibility options.
Understanding the different types of M.2 slots and SSDs available can help you choose the right components for your computer and ensure optimal performance.
Whether you need fast storage for high-performance computing or a compact form factor for small devices, there is an M.2 solution that can meet your needs.
By considering the pros and cons of each type of M.2 slot and SSD, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your computer has the storage capabilities it needs to meet your demands.
