When it comes to building a computer, choosing the right components is crucial. One such component that has become increasingly popular over the years is the M.2 slot. This small, compact slot is used for connecting SSDs and other storage devices to a motherboard.
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But are all M.2 slots created equal Are they all the same size The short answer is no – there are actually several different sizes of M.2 slots available.
What Are M.2 Slots
Before we dive into the different sizes of M.2 slots, let’s first take a closer look at what they are and how they work.
An M.2 slot, also known as a Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) connector, is a small expansion slot found on modern motherboards and laptops. It’s designed to provide high-speed data transfer rates for solid-state drives (SSDs) and other storage devices.
M.2 slots are typically located near the bottom of a motherboard and feature a keying system that ensures proper alignment with compatible devices.
The Different Sizes of M.2 Slots
As we mentioned earlier, not all M.2 slots are created equal in terms of size. Let’s take a closer look at the different sizes available:
- M.2 2230: This is one of the smallest M.2 form factors available, measuring just 22mm wide by 30mm long.
- M.2 2242: Slightly larger than the M.2 2230, this form factor measures 22mm wide by 42mm long.2 2260: This form factor measures 22mm wide by 60mm long and is a popular choice for high-performance SSDs.2 2280: The most common M.2 form factor, measuring 22mm wide by 80mm long. This form factor is used in many laptops and desktop PCs.2 22110: The largest M.2 form factor available, measuring 22mm wide by 110mm long. This form factor is typically reserved for high-end SSDs used in servers or workstations.
It’s important to note that not all motherboards support all sizes of M.2 slots. Before purchasing an M.2 SSD, make sure to check your motherboard’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
The Keying System
In addition to size, M.2 slots also feature a keying system that ensures proper alignment with compatible devices.
The keying system consists of one or more notches on the edge of the slot that correspond to matching notches on the storage device being inserted.
There are three different types of keying systems used with M.2 slots:
- B-Key: This keying system features six pins and is primarily used for SATA-based SSDs.
- M-Key: Featuring five pins, this keying system is used for PCIe NVMe-based SSDs and other high-performance storage devices.
- B+M Key: This keying system combines both B-Key and M-Key notches, allowing it to support both SATA-based and PCIe NVMe-based SSDs.
Conclusion
In summary, not all M.2 slots are the same size. There are several different form factors available, ranging from the tiny M.2 2230 to the larger M.2 22110.
When choosing an M.2 SSD for your build, make sure to check your motherboard’s specifications to ensure compatibility with the size and keying system of your chosen SSD.
With the right components and a little bit of know-how, building a high-performance computer is easier than ever before.
