Do you know what is M2 NVMe?

In 2011, NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs) were announced as the newest and speediest addition to drive technology, providing extraordinarily rapid data transfer rates and greater storage efficiency. In this piece, we'll define M.2 NVMe so you can choose a new hard drive with confidence.

What is M2 and how does it make difference?

The M.2 standard represents the cutting edge of solid-state drive sizes. Essentially, it gives specifics about the storage device's form factor, such as its dimensions and shape. Because of its compact size and cableless connectivity, M.2 drives are gaining popularity in the interest of creating a neater, more organized, and more productive component arrangement.

SATA and NVMe versions  of M.2 SSDs ensure that they will work with any motherboard. Despite their superficial similarities, NVMe and SATA SSDs have slightly different connector placements in order to fit into the appropriate ports; an M.2 socket or PCIe adapter for NVMe, and the SATA port for SATA SSDs, respectively.

Most modern laptops and desktop computers  have an M.2 socket as a standard feature, simplifying component-level upgrades and repairs. While not all servers will have an M.2 socket built in, PCIe adapters with M.2 slots can be used to increase a server's storage capacity. Therefore, M.2 is a flexible form factor that can be used in the vast majority of currently available electronic products that need some sort of storage.

Which is Faster, M.2 SSDs or SATA and SAS?

Even though M.2 SSDs can use either a SATA or NVMe interface for data transport, it is the interface itself, and not the form factor, that determines the drive's speed and performance. If you're wondering whether an M.2 SATA SSD is faster than a 2.5" SATA drive, the answer is no. Both types of drives use the same interface and can transport data at the same rate.

M.2 is just a newer form factor and size for solid-state drives (SSDs), allowing them to fit flush against the motherboard rather than protruding. While the top speed of a SATA M.2 SSD is 6GBps, an NVMe M.2 SSD can reach up to 984 MBps.

M.2 NVMe and how it is different from NVMe?

While M.2 identifies the drive's form factor—its size, shape, and appearance—NVMe defines the SSD's interface or the means by which data is transferred between the host computer and the storage device. In a prior piece, we defined NVMe and discussed its operation in detail.

Together, NVMe and M.2 are ubiquitous; solid-state drives that support both standards are now widely available.

NVMe Form Factors

The M.2 form factor is just one of many that NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs) are available. PCIe (using your motherboard's PCIe port), U.2, and U.3 are a few other options. Both AHCI and NVMe drives are supported by PCIe and M.2, while the U.2 and U.3 interfaces only support the NVMe protocol.