The difference between m.2 and SATA3 solid-state drives

m.2 and SATA3 solid state hard Drive area Don't

What do you mean, m.2?

M.2 is a new solid-state hard disk interface, is an alternative msata new interface specification, which we used to refer to NGFF, English is all called: Next Generation Form Factor.

M.2 Interface SSD The main advantage is that the volume is smaller than the traditional SATA3.0 and mSATA, and the reading speed is faster, which is better for some mobile device compatibility.

The difference between m.2 and SATA3 solid-state drives

At present, solid-state hard disk (SSD) commonly used interfaces are mainly 3 kinds:

SATA3-size is a 2.5-inch hard disk standard size, and 2.5-inch mechanical hard drive can be interchangeable.

mSATA-The interface size is the same as the laptop built-in wireless card, but the mSATA SSD is larger than the wireless card.

M.2-initially known as the NGFF interface, is the new interface for the last two years, designed specifically for oversized sizes, using pci-e channels, smaller, faster.

M.2 Solid State Drive

It is worth mentioning that the M.2 interface SSD is divided into: SATA and pci-e two kinds, although the same, but the performance is very poor. In addition, some motherboard m.2 interface does not necessarily support it, so when buying m.2 SSD, also need to understand the next interface compatibility.

What do you think of m.2 SSD pci-e or SATA channel?

M.2 is a new generation of SSD interface standards that Intel leads, with a smaller size and faster interface. However, m.2 solid state hard disk is also divided into channels, the current m.2 SSD PCI-E and SATA two channels, both in performance, price and other aspects also exist significant differences, the following small series for everyone popular science.

1, m.2 SSD classification How to distinguish between SATA and PCI-E interface

The image above is 128GB and 256GB m.2 solid state hard disk appearance contrast, you can see which is PCI-E SSD which is SATA SSD? I believe many friends can not see, the following small series to popular science.

Why is the same as the M.2 interface solid-state drives will also have PCI-E and SATA points?

This is because the channel is different from the two, and the m.2 is defined as: Socket 2 and Socket 3.

Socket 2 supports SATA, PCI-EX2 channel Ssd,socket 3 designed for high-performance storage and supports PCI-EX4. For example, the shadow in the image of the Armor War m.2 256GB Walk is PCI-E channel, and the shadow of the armored war m.2 128GB to go is the SATA channel, because the road is not the same, the nature is very different.

Motherboards with M.2 interfaces can use m.2 SSD?

The answer is no, the m.2 interfaces of different motherboards are supported by different channels, and some only hold pci-e channels, such as Asus Z97-A, whose specifications for m.2 are indicated in the description. Some are compatible with SATA and pci-e two of channels, such as Gigabyte z97x-ud3h. So the problem is, if the m.2 128GB installation on the Asus Z97-A will not be recognized.

If you want to purchase a m.2 SSD, you should be aware of which channel the M.2 interface on your motherboard is supported if you are not having a problem with a motherboard that is compatible with both channels.

What determines the channel that m.2 SSDs take?

The main control determines whether the SSD accessing the M.2 interface is a PCI-E channel or a SATA channel. For example, Shadow Armor War m.2 256GB is the main control is MARVELL88SS9183-BNP2 master, this is a PCI-E controller, and the shadow of Armored war m.2 with the traditional SATA controller. If the access is compatible with both channels of the m.2 interface, such as Gigabyte z97x-ud3h, can be identified, just a walk is the PCI-E channel another Go SATA channel, has a different bandwidth.

What are the performance differences between PCI-E and SATA m.2 solid-state drives?

The path is different, the speed is naturally different, just like the same car, on the highway and on the rugged mountain road speed there is a huge difference. The following figure is the performance of the PCI-E SSD m.2 256GB and SATA SSD m.2 128GB.

The theoretical bandwidth of the SATA3.0 channel is 6gb/s. Theoretical limit transmission speed 600mb/s, so with the market all SATA interface SSD, like the m.2 maximum read speed will not exceed 600mb/s, and motherboard m.2 interface to go PCI-E channel transmission channel bandwidth of 10GB /S. Shadow Armor War m.2 256GB continuous reading achieves 678.80mb/s high transmission speed, exceeding the SATA3.0 limit transmission speed.

SATA and PCI-E Channel SSD speed comparison

PCI-E and SATA m.2 Solid-state drive prices are different?

This is the most concerned about the issue, of course, the price of the two is also very different, PCI-E SSD price is relatively high compared to SATA SSD, after all, the performance is placed there, and go SATA channel m.2 SSD price standard with the general SATA interface SSD is the same level.

How to see M.2 interface SSD is PCI-E channel or SATA?

First, the official website product specification will be described.

Second, in the electricity quotient platform, the commodity parameter or the commodity introduction will have the explanation.

PCI-E Solid State Hard disk introduction of the instructions in the following figure:

The above is about m.2, PCI-E and SATA Interface SSD distinction, take the SATA channel m.2 SSD price more affordable, lightweight and flexible access to a variety of ultra-extreme, and PCI-E SSD is the pursuit of the ultimate performance and quality, users can purchase according to their actual needs, Note the m.2 interface between the motherboard.