Ssd m 2 drives which is better. M.2 connector (NGFF) - what is it? Let's figure out what's what

Good day.

For several years now, debates about the benefits of using SSD drives - now it is recommended to install it for everyone: not only professional gamers or programmers, but also ordinary users. The advantage in disk performance is colossal: 5-10 times!

However, now there are quite a lot of SSD drives of different sizes (note: form factor): if with a 2.5-inch SSD form factor (classic size, it looks the same as HDD) there are not many questions, but with the “newfangled” SSD M2 there is real confusion!

Actually, in this article I wanted to look at the most basic things about SSD M2 drives: which drive is right for me, what interface is used, what kind of 2242, 2260, 2280 they are and the “M”,” “B”, “B&M” keys on the drive labeling. ..

Choosing an M2 SSD drive: clearing up the confusion

In many new laptops and computers, the new M2 connector is increasingly appearing on the motherboard (which is not surprising!). After all, it replaced the interfaces: mSATA, mini PCI Express.

And here I would like to immediately note the advantage of the M2 interface: it allows you to do without power cables, separate cables, etc. (in fact, it allows you to connect devices simply by inserting a card into the slot!). In addition, it is smaller than the same mSATA. All this combined allows the M2 to be used in more mobile and compact devices, making it more convenient and popular.

I’ll add that M2 can also be used for installation Wi-Fi adapter, 3G/4G modems, Bluetooth module, and other devices. (Note: many people simply assume that M2 is used exclusively for SSDs)

By the way!

The M2 interface was at one time called NGFF (Next Generation Form Factor). In some stores and some drive manufacturers you can find M2 SSDs with this marking.

What is the confusion?

1) SATA and PCIe

The M2 format, of course, is undoubtedly promising, but everything about it is not simple. I’ll say right away that it is divided into two large type: SATA and PCIe (and each of these types is divided into several subtypes).

Why was this done? M2, as I said above, was conceived as a universal interface that will replace the outdated mSATA and mini PCIe. But the fact is that the throughput of SATA III is 6 Gbit/s, and the SSD M2 PCIe drive is capable of operating speeds of up to 32 Gbit/s (you must agree, the difference is significant!).

I'll add that M.2 PCIe varies in speed depending on the number of lanes. So, for example, PCI Express 2.0 with two lines (designated PCI-E 2.0 x2) provides speeds of up to 8 Gbit/s, PCI Express 3.0 with four lines (PCI-E 3.0 x4) provides the coveted 32 Gbit/s.

The whole point is that most devices (say, laptops) support only one type of disk, for example, SSD M2 SATA III. Those. when choosing, you need to be very careful about what the device supports (but a few more words about that below).

2) Drive dimensions 2242, 2260 and 2280

Another important point: M2 drives (both SATA and PCIe) - can be of different sizes. There are three of them: 2242, 2260 and 2280.

The first two digits (22) are the width of the drive, the second (42, 62 or 80) are its length (see the screenshot below as an example).

The bottom line is that different motherboards support different drive sizes. And if a disk of shorter length can still be inserted into the slot, then if it is longer, it’s a disaster...

However, I note that now there are universal disks on sale, 80 mm long, which you can independently cut to the desired length (note: all the necessary microcircuits are located at a length of 42 mm).

3) Keys

Keys refer to contacts and their location on the drive. There are three types of keys: "M", "B", and the universal "B&M" ( clear example below). Before purchasing a disk, you need to know which key is supported by your device.

Drives with different keys, a good example

Keys on SSD M2 drives: interface, mechanical compatibility, diagram

The whole point with these keys is that, for example, mat. a board with a PCIe x2 socket uses the “B” key, but there are M2 SATA SSD drives that also use the “B” key! Of course, if you connect such a drive to a motherboard with a PCIe x2 socket, it will not work!

4) NVMe technology

Old drives use the AHCI protocol, but with the advent of faster drives, it no longer copes with its task (does not allow using the maximum speed characteristics of drives). To solve this problem, a new protocol has been released - NVMe.

It provides higher speed, requires less CPU resources for read/write operations, and has much lower latency. So that your SSD can work with this protocol, pay attention to whether your mat supports. fee for this technology.

Results (what to know before buying an M2 SSD so as not to be a “fool”):

1. what interface does yours support? motherboard(PCI-E 2.0 x4, PCI-E 3.0 x2, PCI-E 3.0 x4, SATA III);
2. dimensions of the SSD M2 drive that can be installed (2280, 2260, 2242);
3. a key that your motherboard supports (usually, SATA drives come with an “M&B” key, and PCIe x4 drives come with an “M” key);
4. Is the mat supported? The board uses NVMe technology (if so, then naturally, and the drive is worth buying with NVMe support).

Only after answering these few questions can you do SSD selection M2 that will work for you.

Update from 01/27/2019. Now laptops (and motherboards) with universal ports, to which you can connect both PCI-E and SATA M2 SSDs.

Is the game worth the candle? Should I switch to SSD...

Many people often ask whether it’s worth switching to an SSD at all, is the difference really that significant...

As an example, I will show a comparative test of several drives installed on my laptops/PCs. The first test is SSD M2 (NVMe), the second is SSD M2 (SATA III), the third is a classic HDD.

Speed ​​test of SSD drives (NVMe, SATA), HDD | Clickable (Crystal DiskMark - test utility)

Note! On the screenshots you see synthetic tests. IN real work(when loading the OS, launching games, working with software): many of ordinary users note the huge difference between HDD and SSD (SATA), but hardly notice between SSD (NVMe) and SSD (SATA).

Pay attention to the first line. Read speed 2591 MB/s versus 73 MB/s - a difference of 30÷35 times! Those. if earlier, before SSD installation(NVMe), Windows booted within 1 minute - now it takes less than 10 seconds!

I'm not even talking about other programs: Word, browsers, players, etc. - they launch instantly, immediately after double-clicking the mouse on the shortcut!

Addition!

How to check disk speed: HDD, SSD. Test to determine the difference in speed between SSD and HDD, is it worth switching to a solid-state drive? -

How do I find out which M2 SSD my motherboard supports? fee, what to choose

Very popular question. To begin with, I want to say do not trust any utilities to view PC characteristics. The fact is that they may show the presence of an M2 slot, but in fact it may not be on the board (i.e. there is a place on the board for it, but there is no physical slot)!

And so, closer to the point...

1) Option number 1 - look at the mat itself. board.

If on your mat. The board has an M2 connector - in most cases there is a marking next to it, from which you can find out the necessary information (example below). In addition, immediately make sure that this connector is physically present (which is important to do before purchasing a drive).

2) Option No. 2 - look on the manufacturer’s website

Knowing the model of the motherboard (or laptop), you can go to its manufacturer’s website and look at the specifications. By the way, some motherboards are now being made universal, which can support several types of SSD M2 drives (for laptop users in in this case less fortunate, because they most often support one specific type).

Characteristics of the mat. boards on the manufacturer's website

3) Option number 3 - watch the review specific laptop(mat. boards).

Many stores and users (who have already purchased this hardware) often do reviews, from which you can glean the necessary data. However, I recommend that you also support them with the first two options (since to say, see with your own eyes).

Additions are welcome...

Although solid state drives (SSD - Solid State Drive) have been around for a while, I only recently started using them myself. It was stopped by the price and small capacity, although it was supported by significantly higher performance compared to conventional hard drives. Before delving into the types of SSDs, manufacturing technologies, types of memory and controllers used, you should dwell on the form factor (i.e., essentially, the physical dimensions) of these drives, i.e., how they differ in shape, what connectors have and how to use them. If SSDs of the 2.5-inch form factor do not raise any questions (their dimensions and location of interface connectors are almost identical hard drives), then another variety raises questions. SSD M2 - what is it, where to connect it, is it 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 variant that would allow it to be used in mobile devices or where there are special requirements for the dimensions of components. This is how the mSATA option appeared - the same SATA, but in a more compact package.

This connector did not live long, because it was quickly replaced by another - M.2, which has great capabilities. Please note that the abbreviation does not contain the letters “SATA”, and I did not say what it is new option this particular interface. Why - this will become clear a little later.

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

What does M.2 look like and what is it for?

This is a small connector located on the motherboard or expansion card that fits into the PCI-Express slot. You can use M.2 not only for SSDs, but also for Wi-fi installations, Bluetooth modules, etc. The scope of application can be quite large, which makes M.2 very useful. If you are planning 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 will want to buy...

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

or like that.

What is the difference? In a jumper (called a “key”) that is in the connector. In order to understand its purpose, let's delve a little deeper into computer interfaces.

M-key and B-key

Modern hard disks(including SSDs) are traditionally connected to the SATA bus. I have, but I’ll repeat it briefly here.
SATA III has a maximum throughput at 6 Gbit/s, approximately 550-600 MB/s. For ordinary hard drives such speeds are unattainable, but for SSD drives it is generally not difficult to achieve much higher speeds. But there is no point in this if the interface still cannot “pump” the data stream at a speed greater than that of which it is capable.

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

• PCI Express 2.0 with two lanes (PCI-E 2.0 x2) provides throughput of 8 Gbps, or approximately 800 MB/s.
• PCI Express 3.0 with four lanes (PCI-E 3.0 x4) gives 32 Gbps, which corresponds to approximately 3.2 GB/s.

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

SATA (M+B key):

PCI-Express (M key):

SSD drives can have the following key options:

For example, let's take the mother's ASUS board Z170-P. 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? But this is an interesting question.

You'll have to look into the motherboard's specifications and see if it supports M.2 SATA. According to the manufacturer's website, then yes. This means that if you buy an SSD drive, for example, Intel 600p Series, then it was originally designed for the PCIe ×4 bus and there should be no 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.

You should pay attention to whether the SATA bus is supported in the M.2 interface Special attention when purchasing a motherboard.

Let's summarize what has been said.

1. M.2 is simply a different form factor (size and connector) of SSD drives. The SATA and/or PCI-Express bus is used. 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.
2. The type of bus used by the SDD disk depends on the keys. SATA drives are usually available with M+B key formula, and PCIe x4 drives with M key formula.

2242, 2260, 2280 - what is it?

Looking at the characteristics of a motherboard or laptop that has an M.2 connector, you can see the following line in the description of this connector: “M key, type 2242/2260/2280.” Okay, with the “M key”, I hope it’s already clear, this is the location of the key in the connector (which indicates the use of the PCIe ×4 bus). But what does “type 2242/2260/2280” mean?

It's simple, 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, i.e., it belongs to type 2280, then there will be no problems with its installation.

SSD Transcend MTS400 with a capacity of 64 GB has a length of 42 mm, i.e. type 2242. If support for such an SSD is declared, then installing it will also not be difficult. In reality, this indicates whether the motherboard or laptop case has screws that secure 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 form factor of SSD drives. Many models are available in both the traditional 2.5-inch format and small fee with M.2 connector. If a laptop or motherboard has such a connector, 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 question.

Personally, when upgrading my computer at home, as I mean, I plan to use M.2 to install a disk in it for the system. This will reduce the number of wires slightly, and it will work quickly.

Still have questions? Ask. Am I doing something wrong? Always ready for constructive criticism. Did you leave something out? Let's figure it out together.

They are becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits. They are miniature in size and do not take up much space in a laptop, mini-PC or desktop computer case (they are installed directly on the motherboard), however, they allow you to achieve speeds inaccessible to “regular” 2.5-inch SSDs.

You need to know that M.2 SSD drives are available in various formats(can vary in length), as well as two main variations - those using the SATA interface (cheaper and slower) and those using the PCI Express / NVMe interface (more expensive and faster). Used in this moment The SATA interface allows you to achieve a maximum throughput of 6 Gb/s, while PCIe x4 is up to 32 Gb/s, so the difference in performance can be very large, as well as the price.

By the way, it is worth mentioning Intel memory Optane (not to be confused with Intel Optane SSD), which has an M.2 media format, but serves to speed up work HDDs. This technology only works on new Intel platforms, but works surprisingly well, allowing you to significantly increase the speeds of magnetic disks.

M.2 connectors on motherboards may support both standards, or only one - this is worth checking before purchasing so that, for example, you do not try to install a PCIe/NVMe drive into an M.2 connector that only supports the SATA standard. It is worth noting that you can also connect M.2 PCIe drives to the U.2 port (via an adapter) and to the PCI Express slot.

Below are presented as most efficient SSD designs, which use the PCI Express x4 3.0 (NVMe) bus, and cheaper/less powerful models that use the SATA standard.

Inexpensive M.2 SSD drive

Among the cheap M.2 drives you can find designs that use SATA and PCIe. The capabilities of the former are close to 2.5-inch SSDs, but their size is in their favor, as well as the fact that some computers may not support M.2 NVMe drives.

WD Green PC SSD G2 (120 GB)

The WD Green PC SSD G2 series is one of the cheapest M.2 options. Based on the SATA interface, the performance of the 120 GB model reaches 545 MB/s when reading and 430 MB/s when writing data. The manufacturer used a 4-channel Silicon Motion SM2246XT controller and Toshiba 3D TLC NAND memory cells (but without cache memory).

Main characteristics:

• Disc format: M.2 2280
• Capacity: 120 GB
• Disk interface: SATA III
• Write speed: 430 MB/sec
• Read speed: 545 MB/sec
• Memory cells: Toshiba 3D TLC NAND

ADATA XPG SX6000 (128 GB)

ADATA XPG SX6000 is, in turn, one of the cheapest M.2 SSD media using PCIe 3.0 x2. The manufacturer has used a 4-channel Realtek controller RTS5760 and modern memory 3D TLC NAND. Claimed speeds reach 730/660 MB/sec. A warranty of up to 5 years is provided, but is limited by TBW (75 TB data recording).

It is worth noting that the 256 GB and 512 GB models are not only affordable, but also much faster (1000/800 MB/s).

Main characteristics:

• Disc format: M.2
• Capacity: 128 GB
• Interface: PCI-Express 3.0 x2 (NVMe), PCIe 3.0 x2/NVMe 1.2
• Write speed: 660 MB/sec
• Read speed: 730 MB/sec

ADATA Ultimate SU800 M.2 (250 GB)

ADATA Ultimate SU800 M.2 drives are very different good value prices and features offered. Modern 3D TLC Nand memory cells and a 4-channel Silicon Motion SM2258 controller are used.

This is a drive with a SATA interface, so the performance is identical to the 2.5-inch version - read speeds reach 560 MB/s and write speeds reach 520 MB/s. A 3-year warranty is provided, but is not limited by the TBW factor. Along with the disk we receive a package software Acronis True Image HD.

Main characteristics:

• Capacity: 256 GB
• Interface: SATA III M.2
• Write speed: 520 MB/s
• Read speed: 560 MB/s
• Memory cells: Micron 3D TLC NAND

M.2 SSD for Laptop

In the case of laptops, this will often be the only drive in the computer, so it is worth taking care of sufficient capacity - you should not invest in an SSD with a capacity below 240/256 GB. We must also pay attention to the type of interface - whether the media supports the SATA or PCIe interface, and what format (longer, 2280, or shorter, 2260 or 2242).

Crucial MX500 M.2 (250 GB)

The latest generation of SSDs with SATA interface from Crucial, that is, the MX500 is another successful blow to middle segment productivity. The M.2 version of the drive has fairly good performance, and the stated speeds reach 560 MB/s when reading and 510 MB/s when writing data. Crucial provides a 5-year warranty (limited to 100TB TBW).

Main characteristics:

• Disc format: M.2 2280
• Capacity: 250 GB
• Interface: SATA III
• Write speed: 510 MB/s
• Read speed: 560 MB/s
• Memory cells: Micron 3D TLC NAND

Transcend MTS420 (240 GB)

Transcend MTS420 in 240GB version- this is very good offer for users who need M.2 media small format 2242. The manufacturer specified maximum speeds of 560 MB/s for reading and 500 MB/s for writing. It is worth noting that many other discs in this format are characterized by worst characteristics. The manufacturer gives it a 3-year warranty.

Main characteristics:

• Disc format: M.2 2242
• Capacity: 240 GB
• Interface: SATA III
• Write speed: 500 MB/s
• Read speed: 560 MB/s
• Memory cells: Micron 3D TLC NAND

ADATA XPG SX8200 (480 GB)

This is a good offer for laptop users who can install SSD media in M.2 2280 PCIe format in their machine. If the laptop boasts an M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 connector, the speeds will be 3200 MB/s when reading and 1700 MB/s when writing. The XPG SX8200 drive is covered by a 5-year manufacturer's warranty.

Main characteristics:

• Disc format: M.2 2280
• Capacity: 480 GB
• Write speed: 1700 MB/s
• Read speed: 3200 MB/s
• Memory cells: Micron 3D TLC NAND

Best M.2 SSDs

Best M.2 drives have amazing performance, and their efficiency approaches the limits of the PCI Express interface (the best drive presented here reaches maximum speed 3.5 GB per second). Obviously this is reflected in high price. Such discs can be recommended to professionals, for example, working with complex video projects in 4K resolution.

GOODRAM IRDM Ultimate (480 GB)

IRDM Ultimate 480 GB is a good offer for more demanding users. What’s important is that the kit includes an adapter for PCI slot Express. The manufacturer also installed a heat sink that protects the disk from overheating. On board is an 8-channel Phison PS5007-E7 controller and durable Toshiba A19 MLC NAND memory cells. Maximum speeds reach 2900/2200 MB/s. The IRDM Ultimate series is covered by a 5-year manufacturer's warranty with no data recording limitation.

Main characteristics:

• Disc format: M.2 2280 / AiC HHHL
• Capacity: 480 GB
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4/NVMe 1.2
• Write speed: 2200 MB/s
• Read speed: 2900 MB/s
• Memory cells:Toshiba A19 MLC NAND

Intel SSD 760p (512 GB)

Intel SSD 760p is efficient SSD media For desktop computers and modern laptops using the M.2 connector and PCIe 3.0 x4 interface. On board is a Silicon Motion SM2262 controller and IMFT 3D TLC NAND memory cells. Maximum speeds are 3230 MB/s for reading and 1625 MB/s for writing. The manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty for the drives, but limited to TBW (288 TB of recording).

Main characteristics:

• Disc format: M.2
• Capacity: 512 GB
• Interface: PCI-Express 3.0 x4 (NVMe)
• Write speed: 1625 MB/s
• Read speed: 3230 MB/s
• Memory cells: IMFT 3D TLC NAND

Samsung SSD 970 EVO (500 GB)

SSD 970 EVO is the third generation of high-speed M.2 media with PCIe interface from Samsung. The 970 EVO models are designed for users who are looking for very fast, but not top-end solutions - we will find this combination in the 970 PRO models. The stated read speed reaches 3400 MB/s, and write speed – 2300 MB/s. The 970 EVO series hard drives come with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty—remember, the warranty period is previous models The 960 EVO was only 3 years old.

Main characteristics:

• Disc format: M.2 2280
• Capacity: 500 GB
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4/NVMe 1.3
• Write speed: 2300 MB/s
• Read speed: 3400 MB/s
• Memory cells: Samsung TLC V-NAND

Samsung SSD 970 PRO (1 TB)

Samsung 970 PRO 512 GB is an absolutely top M.2 PCIe SSD carrier designed for professionals. The manufacturer used ultra-reliable MLC V-NAND memory here, so users do not have to worry about their data. It is difficult to squeeze even more out of the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, so the media reaches speeds of 3500 MB/s for reading and 2300 MB/s for writing. The 970 PRO series hard drives come with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty.

Main characteristics:

• Disc format: M.2 2280
• Capacity: 1000 GB
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4/NVMe 1.3
• Write speed: 2700 MB/s
• Read speed: 3500 MB/s
• Memory cells: Samsung MLC V-NAND

Despite the fact that solid-state drives, that is, SSDs, have appeared quite a long time ago, many users are just beginning to learn about them and use them on their computers. Perhaps this is due to at great cost and small capacity, although they have higher performance compared to standard drives and work much faster.

Before delving into the types of hard drives, their manufacturing technologies, memory types and controllers, it is necessary to focus on the form factor (size). Each device is different in size, has its own connection connectors and is used in completely different ways. If a 2.5-inch SSD does not raise any questions, since it is similar in size and location of connectors to conventional ones hard drives, then other varieties raise a lot of questions.

Today we will talk about devices such as SSD M.2 drives, what they are, what their features and advantages are. It's relative new standard, which, according to many experts, is a revolutionary solution. Let's take a closer look at this topic and find out as much information as possible.

Development of the SATA interface

The SATA interface has become a good replacement for PATA, replacing a wide cable with a more compact, thin and convenient option. The main trend in its development was the desire for compactness, and this is quite normal. Even the new interface required a variation that would allow it to be used in mobile devices and where there are special requirements for the size of components.

Thus, mSATA was created - the same interface, only with more compact dimensions. But it did not live long and was quickly replaced by a completely new one - the M.2 connector, which had even greater capabilities. It is not by mistake that the word SATA is not in the abbreviation, since the new version does not apply to this standard. We will talk about this in more detail later.

The only thing that needs to be said is that the M.2 SSD drive is connected without power cables and cables, thanks to which its use becomes as comfortable as possible and allows the computer to be even more compact. This is one of its key advantages.

M.2 Interface Overview

M.2 is a connector on an expansion card installed in a PCI-Express slot, or on the motherboard itself. You can install not only M.2 SSDs in it, but other modules, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The scope of application of this connector is quite wide, which makes it incredibly convenient and useful.

When upgrading your computer, be sure to pay attention to it and install a motherboard with this connector, even if you do not plan to install it yet solid state drive with this interface.

However, if yours is quite old motherboard, and you don't want to change it, for example "GA-P75-D3" with a missing M2 slot, but it has PCI-E 3.0, which has a video card and a PCIe x4 slot. In this case, you can install an SSD on PCIe x4 through a special adapter, but its speed will be slightly lower.

Absolutely all M.2 SSD drives have recessed mounting in M.2 connectors. This form factor provides maximum performance with minimal resource consumption and is designed for technological improvement of hard drives in the future.

Moreover, as mentioned above, connection does not require cables and cables, which usually only take up extra space. To start working with the device, simply insert it into the connector.

M-key and B-key

Today's hard drives, including SSDs, are connected to the SATA bus. The maximum throughput of which is 6 Gb/s, that is, approximately 550-600 Mb/s. For regular drive such a speed is simply unattainable, but SSD drives can reach much higher speeds without any problems. But installing them is absolutely pointless if the interface cannot “pump” data from more high speed than that for which it itself is designed.

In view of this, it became possible to use the PCI-Express bus with greater bandwidth:

1. PCI-Express 2.0. It has two lanes (PCI-E 2.0 x2), characterized by a throughput of up to 8Gb/s, or about 800Mb/s.
2. PCI-Express 3.0. It has four lanes (PCI-E 3.0 x4), with a bandwidth of 32Gb/s, or approximately 3.2Gb/s.

Which interface is used to connect a particular device determines the position of the jumper.

Currently SSD drives M.2 have the following key options:

1. B key “Socket2” (includes support for PCI-E ×2, SATA, Audio, USB and other modules).
2. M key “Socket3” (includes support for PCI-E ×4 and SATA).

For example, we take a motherboard with an M.2 connector with an M-key. That is, the PCIe ×4 bus is used. Can I install a SATA solid state drive in it? This interest Ask, to which we will try to find an answer.

You need to open the motherboard information and find out whether it supports M.2 SATA or not. Let's say the manufacturer says yes. In this case, buy SSD disk, which was originally created for PCIe ×4, and absolutely no problems should arise when connecting.

When choosing a motherboard, mandatory Pay attention to whether M.2 supports the SATA bus so that you can use any hard drive.

Let's summarize all of the above and summarize:

1. M.2 is simply a different form factor (connector and size) solid state drives. All motherboards that are equipped with this slot use the PCI-E x4 bus.
2. The type of bus used by the drive depends on the keys. Usually the PCI-Express bus (M key) or SATA bus (M+B key) is used. The ability to connect an SSD with a SATA interface should be indicated in the specifications of the motherboard.

Size specification: 2260, 2280 and others

Often, when looking at the specification of a computer or laptop motherboard, you can come across the following line: “1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, type 2260/2280” - this means that 1 M.2 slot with a type M key and size 2260/2280 is used. The first two digits “22” mean the width in “mm”, the second two digits “60” mean the length. Therefore, if you choose, say, Transcend TS128GMTS600, with a length of “60mm” and a width of “22mm,” then there will be no problems with its installation.

But even if you take the Kingston SHPM2280P2/480G with the “2280” type, and since the motherboard’s characteristics state support for this type of drive, installing it will not be difficult.

The motherboard can support many sizes of installed modules, and in this case, it has fixing screws that are designed for each length of the bracket.

NVMe technology

Old generation of conventional magnetic and SSD drives use the AHCI protocol, which was created relatively long ago and is still supported by many operating systems. But with the advent of more modern and faster SSDs, it does not cope with its task and cannot use all their capabilities to the maximum.

The NVMe protocol was created as a solution to this problem. It is characterized by the highest speed, lower latency and uses a minimum of processor resources when performing operations.

For the media to work using this technology, it must support it, so when choosing, pay special attention to this, just like the motherboard (it must support the UEFI standard).

Let's sum it up

After we reviewed SSDs with the M.2 standard, we can say that this is the most compact form factor of solid-state devices. And if supported motherboard, it is recommended to use it.

Let's look at a few that will help you do right choice. So, first of all, when purchasing, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. Does the motherboard have the required M.2 slot, and what size modules does it allow for use (2260, 2280, etc.).
2. The type of key the slot uses (M, B or B+M).
3. Does the motherboard support the SATA or PCI-E interface, and what version is used (for example, PCIe 3.0 4x).
4. Are they supported? operating system, ourselves SSD disk and motherboard AHCI or NVMe protocols.

After all, answering the question of what is better, an SSD with a standard connector or M.2, it is clear that you should choose the second option with NVMe support and install it on PCIe 3.0x4.

This will not only free up more space by reducing the number of wires, but will also increase transfer speeds, system speed and performance. The main thing is that it will make working at the computer more comfortable, enjoyable and efficient.

Detailed video review

Hi all!

M2, SATA, PCI Express - Which is better?

Before answering this question, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the terminology.
Let's start with the simplest and most familiar - What is an SSD?

Solid-State Drive - This is a method of storing data. That is, if we talk about a hard drive, we mean that the data is stored on round magnetic plates, and if we talk about an SSD, then it is assumed that they are contained on memory chips.

Form factor

They are the same size as 2.5-inch hard drives, but since they are SSDs, there are memory chips inside the case that store data.

The whole thing is connected to the motherboard using a SATA connector.
There are also more exotic options, such as M2 drives.
These are thin, long and essentially bare boards on which those same chips are visible.

This is the same SSD drive, only using a connection type/connector called M2. There is also PCI Express drives, however, often these are the same M2 drives that are simply inserted into an adapter to PCI Express and all this is sold in one set.

Protocol and interface

Everything became clear with the sizes and types of connections. It remains to study such a thing as the protocol. In simple terms This is a technology for communicating between the drive and other computer components and in particular the processor.
The most common 2.5 inch SATA SSDs use the AHCI protocol, which was developed quite a long time ago for use of hard disks and, as a result, has limitations. Self SATA connection also limited to 550-600 MB/s bandwidth.

It was precisely in order to bypass these speed limitations that PCI Express and M2 were invented, although they still use or emulate AHSI, but due to the new interface they have much higher bandwidth than their predecessors.

Also relatively recently, the NVMe protocol was developed, which can transmit up to 65,000 queues, while AHSI only 32 queues.

It's time to move from words to action and look at a comparison of interfaces:

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

1. Small size. Even fairly small SSDs, compared to HDDs, require separate space in the case personal computer, M2 fits almost tightly to the motherboard, making it suitable even for laptops that do not have space for standard SSDs.
2. Versatility. SSDs with the M2 form factor can be connected via SATA and PCI-E, or into their own M2 connector. With regular hard or solid state drive You can't do that.
3. High performance and low resource consumption. As most tests show, the M2 interface is indeed superior to the usual SATA, and also requires less energy.
4. Absence additional food. For standard disks You need an additional cable from the power supply in 15Pin format, for M2 - no.

Flaws:

1. Difficulty in compatibility with computers.
   Before purchasing an M.2 SSD, you must make sure that your motherboard supports this connector. To do this, you need to know whether the connector itself is present on the board, and then the compatibility of a particular drive and board. You also need to know the length of the SSD and check if it suits you.
2. Overheat.
   Long-term recording to disk heats up the chip to very high temperatures. high temperature, because of this, the controller is triggered, which slows down the recording speed in order to cool down. This problem does not arise so often, but manufacturers have already begun to produce drives with external cooling in the form of radiators.
3. Price
   Previously, M.2 SSDs cost an order of magnitude higher than their counterparts on the SATA interface, but in 2018 the situation quickly leveled off and on average price segment(8-14 t.r.) M.2 drives cost only 2000-3000 thousand more than their predecessors.
4. Guarantee
   If you're thinking of choosing an expensive drive to save for the future, be sure to ensure that your device has a long warranty. IN Lately almost all famous manufacturers - for example: Samsung, Intel, Plextor, Western Digital provide several years of warranty

Conclusion

To summarize, I would like to say that the M2 interface, and in particular NVMe technology, is a new standard to which all manufacturers will switch.