What Are M.2 SSDs? Here's the Explanation

 Are you confused about how to make the operating system used run faster? If yes, the answer is to use an M.2 SSD.

If you are assembling a PC or just upgrading your PC's internal storage hardware, you should consider using an SSD. But instead of opting for a 2.5-inch SATA device, why not consider something a little more up to date?

SSDs have evolved, now you can connect SSDs directly to the motherboard. You may have heard of mSATA, but what is an M.2 SSD? And are there any drawbacks?

What Are M.2 SSDs?

When assembling or upgrading PC hardware, choosing the fastest storage is one of the things to consider. Because if you can install an operating system on super fast storage, your computer will run faster too.

M.2 or commonly known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) is a type of expansion card that is installed internally and is more modern with a slimmer shape. Form factor can simply be interpreted as the physical shape and size of a piece of hardware (in this case an SSD). M.2 offers faster data throughput than standard mSATA. Since the latter relies on PCIe, it is limited to 6Gb per second (Gb/s). Older Windows laptops and tablets use mSATA solid-state drives (SSD).

M.2 Unlike standard HDDs or SSDs, these devices are not connected to the motherboard via a cable, but are plugged directly into the motherboard using a dedicated M.2 connector slot. SSDs of this type are generally faster but more expensive than 2.5-inch SATA SSDs.

While mSATA SSDs are great, they are much better with M.2 if your motherboard supports it.

What Does an M.2 SSD Look Like?

Display M.2 SSD

M.2 can use a standard SATA interface or the faster PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface, but in either case, M.2 can plug directly into the motherboard.

Apart from the two types of M.2, you will find some differences in the connectors. It is very important that you buy the right type of M.2 SSD so that it can be installed on your motherboard. The M.2 has three different configurations based on the position of the notches and the gaps in the edge connectors.

* B: The notch is six pins from the left.

* G: The notch is five pins from the right.

* B&M: Features two notches, first is six pins from the left and second is five pins from the right.

Of course, you should be careful to check your motherboard documentation before purchasing an M.2 SSD. Mistakes can be expensive!

Disadvantages of Using SSD M.2

Even though an M.2 SSD can give the operating system a super fast run, you should be aware of its potential drawbacks.

For example, an older motherboard with M.2 SSD support might rely on the PCIe bus, which means devices are limited to 6Gb/s transfer rates. Also, an M.2 SSD drive connected to the PCIe bus cannot be used as the system's primary drive.

Newer motherboards don't have this problem, so it's worth checking to see if your hardware will deliver the speed you expect.

Meanwhile, motherboard design limitations may limit how M.2 devices interact with other systems. PCIe bandwidth is limited, which means adding an M.2 SSD can interfere with other hardware. Again, check the motherboard documentation to check how the M.2 drive might affect your setup.

Conclusion

So what is an M.2 SSD? In essence, M.2 is an SSD with an M.2 interface, also called the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), which is a new generation interface standard adapted to replace the mSATA interface.

By using faster storage, the operating system can boot faster and performance will increase. Just choose the right SSD and M.2 connector for your motherboard. Don't forget to insert the device carefully.

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Resa Risyan

Just an ordinary person who wants to share a little knowledge, hopefully the knowledge I provide can be useful for all of us. Keep in mind! Useful knowledge is an investment in the afterlife.