It doesn’t matter which data storage device you connect to your mainboard – choosing SSDs for the right connection is a decisive factor for high data transmission rates and the computing power. Nowadays M.2 modules are very important. This guide will show the facts of high-speed standard.
SSDs M.2 – the “next generation form factor”
M.2 formerly often referred to as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) is a specification for expansion cards and ports that are installed in laptops, tablets and now also as standard in desktop PCs. This interface technology was presented for the first time in 2012 by the hardware manufacturer Intel. The biggest advantage of M.2 is its compact design, which means that the modules can be installed very flexibly.With these propertiest they can now be found on almost all mainboards, tablets and mobile mini-computers.
Faster bus systems with M.2
SSD memories are extremely powerful and fast, but often cannot utilize their full computing power, because they are limited by bus systems. M.2 supports PCI Express is allowing you to bypass this limitation. The M.2 interface supports up to four PCIe lanes, twice as much as SATA-3 – and at a much higher speed of 64 Gbit/s. In addition, M.2 ports have more connection options such as WLAN, GPS, NFC or Bluetooth. So there are hardly any limits to the configuration.
Get it all with the NVMe protocol
NVMe – or Non-Volatile Memory Express – is another well-known transmission protocol, which is now used by many current M.2 SSDs – unlike SATA – it is directly connected to the PCI Express. Significantly higher transmission rates can be achieved, which enables previously unattained performance. Modern mainboards usually have several NVMe interfaces.
“Key is key” – the meaning of the keys of M.2 cards
M.2 SSDs are not equal to M.2 SSDs. The modules have different connection types, so-called keys. The keys indicate on which side the cut-outs are for the connections. The best-known form of M.2 is the Key M plug-in card type, which can be used to support four PCIe lanes and SATA. With this key, the cut-outs for the connections can be found on the right side. M.2 SSDs also offer the Key B variant with notches on the left side.
Both keys support four PCIe lanes. However, they cannot be connected to slots of the other key. Furthermore, both keys can be combined on one module. The Key B+M has cutouts on both sides, allowing it to be plugged into either port. However, it only supports two PCIe lanes and has therefore not established itself as the standard against the other two.
M.2 storage can either use the SATA interface or they have been developed for the faster NVMe interface, whereby the PCIe-NVMe interface has now established itself in the high-end sector. The most important thing for you is whether your M.2 storage and port support SATA or NVMe. If both master the same format, then the module will also fit. It should be noted that certain ports also support both formats and thus both NVMe and SATA storage can be used without hesitation.
The different designs
The space in the computer is basically tight, but M.2 modules are also convincing here. They are currently offered in seven lengths from 30 mm to 110 mm. The size of the respective module results in the so-called form factor. It is essential if you want to install the right module. To do this, insert the module into the port on one side and fix it with a screw on the other side.
The designation “form factor” results from the width and length. For example, the form factor 2280 has the dimensions 22 x 80 mm. It is available in lengths of 30, 42, 60, 80 or 110 mm. The previously mentioned key B+M is mostly found on modules with the form factor 2260 or 2280.
One connection, many possibilities – M.2 solutions for your computer
The top class of M.2 SSDs – the Seagate FireCuda 530 Heatsink SSD
With a performance of up to 7,300 Mbit/s, the Seagate FireCuda 530 Heatsink SSD is one of the absolute high performers among the M.2 modules with NVMe interface. Thanks to a specially developed low-profile heat sink, heat is effectively dissipated to protect against performance drops. In addition, the heat sink is designed so narrow that the Seagate FireCuda can also be installed in the tightest of spaces.The right answer when it comes to gaming and servers: the Delock 89044
Especially when playing video games, but also with servers, speed is crucial. Here the Delock 89044 is the perfect choice. It expands the PC by four NVMe M.2 Key M slots and is already supplied with the appropriate heat sink and thermal pads. A combination of heat sink and fan also ensures that the M.2 modules are adequately ventilated.
New technology in old hardware – with the Delock converter
To increase the number of your SATA connections, you can use an adapter like the Delock 62961. This converter in form factor 2280 has a key B+M and expands your system with two additional SATA ports. If more than one SATA port is occupied, there is also the option of using other RAID modes.
Additional support for your PC
Where there is a lot of computing, heat is generated. Graugear has developed heat sinks especially for the use of M.2 SSDs 2280 in desktop PCs. The aluminium alloy and the copper in the groove design of the GG 18007 increase heat dissipation with a cooling effect of approx. 10°C – 30°C (varies depending on the environment and material). Your M.2 SSD is thus kept at a safe temperature to prevent overheating and throttling, improving the performance of your computer.
To strengthen your PC’s wireless network connection, you can also use M.2 WLAN adapters such as the INTEL AX210. Among other things, it supports Wi-Fi multimedia, Intel wireless display and dual stream – with a transfer rate of up to 867 Mbit/s.
M.2 is a common high-speed standard for SSDs these days. In various designs, differentiated by form factor and key, the modules offer the right solution for everyone. A wide range of products for the modules of the Next Gen Form Factor can be found in the reichelt online shop.
Images: Adobe Stock
