Answer:
- M. 2 SSDs support a variety of interface standards such as PCIe 3.0, SATA 3.0 and USB 3.0 interfaces, compared to mSATA, which only supports SATA interface standards.
- M. 2 SATA SSDs have a similar level of performance to mSATA cards, but M.
Step-by-step explanation:
M.2 slots, also known as M.2 connectors or sockets, support various types of interfaces and protocols, and the ports they use can vary depending on the specific M.2 slot and its intended purpose. M.2 slots are commonly found on motherboards, laptops, and other devices to accommodate various types of M.2 solid-state drives (SSDs), wireless cards, and other expansion devices. Here are some of the common ports or interfaces that M.2 slots typically support:
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express):
- PCIe 3.0 x4: This is a common configuration for M.2 SSDs and provides high-speed data transfer rates.
- PCIe 4.0 x4: Some newer M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0, which offers even higher data transfer speeds compared to PCIe 3.0.
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment):
- M.2 slots can also support SATA-based M.2 SSDs, which offer slower speeds compared to PCIe-based SSDs but are still faster than traditional HDDs.
USB:
- Some M.2 slots are designed to accommodate M.2 Wi-Fi cards or other peripherals that use USB interfaces.
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express):
- NVMe is a protocol designed specifically for SSDs to take full advantage of high-speed PCIe connections.
- Many M.2 SSDs use the NVMe protocol for improved performance.
Keying:
- M.2 slots come in different "keying" configurations, including B-key, M-key, and B+M-key.
- These determine which types of M.2 devices can be installed in the slot, as they have different connectors and pin arrangements.
It's essential to check your device's documentation or specifications to determine which specific ports and protocols your M.2 slots support. The keying and compatibility of the M.2 slot will determine which types of M.2 devices, such as SSDs or wireless cards, are compatible with your system. Additionally, some motherboards may have multiple M.2 slots, each with different supported ports, so be sure to verify the specifications for each slot if applicable.