There are factors to consider when choosing M2 SSD. First, the SSD connection type should be checked. The compatibility of the device must be taken into account. The choice should be made by paying attention to many factors such as storage capacity, reading and writing speed.
How many types of M2 SSDs are there?
M2 SSDs are divided into two types: SATA and NVMe. Although both types are in the M2 form factor, their performance and data transfer speeds are different.
- M2 SATA SSD: Using the traditional SATA connection standard, these SSDs are similar in speed to 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. SATA-based M.2 SSDs typically have data read and write speeds around 500-600 MB/s. It is compatible with older devices and motherboards but runs slower compared to NVMe SSDs.
- M2 NVMe SSD: Using NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) technology, these SSDs transfer data via PCIe connection. It has much higher read and write speeds, typically offering performance between 2000 MB/s and 7000 MB/s. NVMe SSDs are ideal for applications that require high-speed data transfer and fast response times in modern computers.
Apart from these two types, M2 SSDs can also offer different speed and performance levels with different PCIe lane numbers (such as x2, x4). They can also be of different sizes.
How to choose M2 SSD?
There are points to consider when choosing an M2 SSD. These:
- connection interface
- Capacity
- Read write speeds
- Brand and reliability
- Cooling solutions
- Price
These criteria should be taken into consideration when choosing M2 SSD. This way, the M2 SSD selection that best suits your needs and system can be made correctly.
M.2 or NVMe?
When choosing between M.2 and NVMe, the difference should first be known. While M2 refers to the physical form factor of SSDs, NVMe is a protocol used in data transmission of these SSDs. An SSD in the M2 form factor can support both SATA and NVMe interfaces, but NVMe improves performance by providing data transfer at higher speeds over PCIe. So, while M2 is a structure, NVMe is a standard that offers faster data transmission in this structure.
Can NVMe be installed instead of M2 SSD?
NVMe SSD can be installed in the M2 SSD slot. However, the slot to be installed must support NVMe. The M2 is just the form factor; NVMe is the protocol. If the motherboard has NVMe support, higher speed data transfer can be achieved by inserting an NVMe SSD into the M.2 slot. However, if the slot only supports SATA M2 SSDs, it is not possible to install an NVMe SSD.