If you are building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, you may have come across the term M.2 slot. M.2 slots are becoming increasingly popular as they offer high-speed data transfer rates and take up less space than traditional storage options like hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). In this article, we will go over the different types of M.2 slots and what they are used for.
Firstly, let’s look at the physical differences between the various M.2 slots. There are three main types: B-key, M-key, and B+M key. The key refers to the notch on the connector that determines which devices can be used with which slot.
Exclusive Slots & Free Spins Offers:
– B-key: This type of slot supports SATA storage devices like SSDs and Wi-Fi cards.
– M-key: This type of slot supports both SATA and PCIe storage devices like NVMe SSDs.
– B+M key: This type of slot is a combination of both B-key and M-key slots, meaning it can support both SATA and PCIe storage devices.
It is important to note that not all motherboards support all three types of M.2 slots, so make sure to check your motherboard’s specifications before purchasing an M.2 device.
Now let’s dive deeper into each type of M.2 slot and its specific uses:
1. B-key:
As mentioned earlier, B-key slots support SATA-based storage devices like SSDs and Wi-Fi cards. SATA-based SSDs are typically slower than their NVMe counterparts but are still significantly faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). If you have an older motherboard or a budget build, a B-key slot may be more suitable for your needs.
Wi-Fi cards can also be installed in B-key slots to add wireless connectivity to your PC if it doesn’t already have it built-in.
2. M-key:
M-key slots support both SATA-based and PCIe-based storage devices like NVMe SSDs. NVMe SSDs are much faster than traditional SATA-based SSDs and can significantly decrease load times in games and applications. If you are building a high-end PC or need fast storage for video editing, an M-key slot may be the way to go.
3. B+M key:
B+M key slots are a hybrid of B-key and M-key slots, meaning they can support both SATA-based and PCIe-based storage devices. This type of slot is typically found on mid-range motherboards that offer a balance between cost and performance.
In conclusion, M.2 slots offer high-speed data transfer rates and take up less space than traditional storage options like hard drives and solid-state drives. There are three main types of M.2 slots: B-key, M-key, and B+M key, each with their own specific uses and device compatibility. When choosing an M.2 device for your PC build or upgrade, make sure to check your motherboard’s specifications to ensure compatibility with the type of slot you need.
I hope this article has helped you understand the different types of M.2 slots available and their uses in building or upgrading a PC!
