M 2 Ssd Key Types

M 2 formerly known as the next generation form factor ngff is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and associated connectors.

M 2 ssd key types.

The pcie bus is faster than a sata bus and an m key ssd is faster than a b key ssd. Ssd can only be installed one way. Nvme sata m 2 download the infographic nvme non volatile memory express is a communications interface and driver that defines a command set and feature set for pcie based ssds with the goals of increased and efficient performance and interoperability on a broad range of enterprise and client systems. The different key types are often labeled on or near the edge connector or gold fingers of the m 2 ssd and also on the m 2 socket.

M is 4x pci and what you ll find on nvme drives. M 2 replaces the msata standard which uses the pci express mini card physical card layout and connectors. 22 millimeters wide by 80 millimeters long. B m and b m.

Currently an m 2 ssd has either one of three key types. All of these. M 2 ssd pros and cons. B m or b m while a socket can only have one key.

To help our customers understand the nuances of m 2 drives we decided to publish this overview of m 2 ssds. Note that b keyed m 2 ssds have a different number of pins at the edge 6 vs. M 2 m key ssd s using the pcie bus are faster than m 2 b key ssd s using the pcie bus. While the m 2 standard uses the same 22 millimeter wide slot for all cards it s not necessarily the exact same.

22 millimeters wide by 110 millimeters long. The m 2 specification identifies 12 key ids on the module card and socket interface but m 2 ssds typically use three common keys. M keyed m 2 ssds 5. B is 2x pci and a lot of oem drives are b m keyed.

Ssd using the sata bus run at sata speeds regardless of form factor. An m 2 ssd is keyed to prevent insertion of a card connector male to an incompatible socket female on the host. However m 2 drives are complicated in that they allow for a variety of physical dimensions connectors and even multiple logical interfaces. Most m 2 wireless cards support both a and e key slots.

In a laptop for example an m 2 ssd takes up far less space and uses much less power than a standard sata or sas interface solid state drive. Some motherboards are flexible offering mounting holes for the retention screw at some or all of these intervals. M 2 is a new form of connectivity that allows a ssd to connect directly to the pci e bus allowing for theoretical speeds as high as 2gb s. M 2 connectors have different keys.

This asymmetrical layout prevents users from reversing the m 2 ssds and attempting to plug a b keyed m 2 ssd. The common ones for ssds are b and m. Employing a more flexible physical specification the m 2 allows different module widths and lengths and paired with the.