If you are building a new computer or upgrading an existing one, chances are you have come across M.2 slots. These small form factor slots allow for fast and efficient storage solutions in modern computers. However, not all M.2 slots are created equal, and it can be confusing to determine which ones are compatible with NVMe drives.
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In this article, we will explore the differences between M.2 slots and determine whether or not all M.2 slots are NVMe compatible.
What is an M.2 Slot
An M.2 slot is a small form factor expansion slot that is found on modern motherboards and laptops. It was designed to replace the mSATA standard and allows for faster data transfer rates and more efficient use of space on a motherboard.
There are two types of M.2 slots, B key and M key, which differ in their pin layouts and the types of devices they support.
- B Key: This type of slot supports SATA-based SSDs and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth cards.
- M Key: This type of slot supports PCIe-based SSDs, including NVMe drives.
What is an NVMe Drive
NVMe stands for Non-Volatile Memory Express and refers to a protocol that allows for faster communication between the computer’s CPU and storage devices such as solid-state drives (SSDs). Unlike traditional SATA-based SSDs, which were limited by the slower SATA interface, NVMe drives use PCIe lanes to communicate with the CPU directly.
This direct communication allows for much faster read/write speeds compared to traditional SATA-based SSDs, making them ideal for use as boot drives or storage solutions for demanding applications such as video editing or gaming.
Are All M.2 Slots NVMe Compatible
No, not all M. As mentioned earlier, there are two types of M.2 slots, B key and M key. Only the M key slot supports NVMe drives.
It is important to note that some motherboards may have multiple M.2 slots, but only one of them may be an M key slot. The others may be B key slots designed to support SATA-based SSDs or Wi-Fi/Bluetooth cards.
If you are unsure whether your motherboard supports NVMe drives, you can check the specifications or user manual for your motherboard to see if it has an M key slot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not all M. Only the M key slot supports PCIe-based SSDs, including NVMe drives.
If you are building a new computer or upgrading an existing one and want to take advantage of the faster read/write speeds offered by NVMe drives, make sure your motherboard has an M key slot before purchasing an NVMe drive.
