How To Distinguish the Differences Between M.2 Cards

Table of Contents:

1. Description of cards
2. M.2 Slot on Motherboard
3. Two types of M.2 SSD (SATA and PCI-E)
4. What are the performance differences between M.2 SSDs?
5. How to confirm which M.2 support which key connectors

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Description of cards

The M.2 platform is versatile and supports a wide variety of M.2 cards. M.2 cards can be configured with different hardware and functionality within the M.2 platform. (for example: To suit the individual needs of the computer and provide an array of configuration options for the user.) Physical size is the easiest observable way to distinguish the difference between cards. The M.2 standard uses a numerical naming convention to identify the specific attributes and functionality of the card.

For example, M.2 cards may include:

• A combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards
• A SanDisk SSD that uses the SATA bus
• An Intel SSD that also uses the PCIe bus
• A Samsung SSD that can use up to four PCIe lanes (x4)

The numerical naming convention is used to define the size and functionality of the card, here is how (Figure 1 [English only]):

• The first two digits specify the width (in millimeters)
• The second two (or three) digits specify the length (in millimeters)
• The last letter is intended to specify the key, interface, and bus (dual slot cards use two letters)

Figure 1: Numerical naming convention
Here are some random examples of various sizes of M.2 cards and their key designations (Figure 2 [English only]):

 Figure 2: Various sizes of M.2 cards and their key designations
In the image above, the first four digits are defined as:

• The Wi-Fi module (a) is 16 mm wide and 30 mm long, so it is labeled as 1630
• The SSD (b) is 22 mm wide and 42 mm long, so it is labeled as 2242
• The two larger SSDs (C and D) are 22 mm wide and 80 mm long, so they are labeled as 2280

This chart describes the key interfaces as they relate to the physical sizes of M.2 cards and their common uses (Table 1 [English only]):

Table 1: Key interfaces as they relate to the physical sizes of M.2 cards.

Key	Available Sizes	Interfaces	Common Uses
A	1630, 2230, 3030	PCIE x2/USB 2.0/I2C/DisplayPort (DP) x4	WiFi/Bluetooth/WWAN
B	2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 3042, 22110	PCIe x2/USB 2.0/USB 3.0/ Audio/PCM/IUM/SSIC/I2C	SATA/PCIe x2/SSD
E	1630, 2230, 3030	PCIe x2/USB 2.0/I2C/SDIO/UART/PCM	WiFi/Bluetooth/WWAN
M	2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110	PCIe x4/SATA	PCIe x4/SSD

This image contains representations of different sizes and series of M.2 SSD for comparison. The series name corresponds to the first four digits defining the size of the M.2 card (Figure 3 [English only]):

Figure 3: Sizes and series of M.2 SSD

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M.2 Slot on Motherboard

All motherboard M.2 slots are 22 mm wide, even the ones supporting 30 mm wide cards (Figure 4 [English only]).

Figure 4: Motherboard M.2 slots

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Two types of M.2 SSD (SATA and PCI-E)

1. SSDs using the SATA bus tend to use B-keys
2. SSDs using the PCIe x2 bus can use both B-keys and M-keys (to maximize compatibility

Examples from the Dell website:

1. An M.2 2280 SATA SSD purchased separately (Figure 5 [English only]):
   
   Figure 5: M.2 2280 SATA SSD purchased separately
2. Available M.2 NVMe (M-key) options for configuration for a Precision 5510 (Figure 6 [English only]):
   
   Figure 6: M.2 NVMe (M-key) options for configuration for a Precision 5510

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What are the performance differences between M.2 SSDs?

In general:

• M.2 SSDs using the SATA bus are similar in performance to SSDs using a SATA connector, but are smaller
• M.2 SSDs using the PCIe bus are faster than M.2 SSDs using a SATA bus
• M.2 M-key SSDs using the PCIe bus are faster than M.2 B-key SSDs using the PCIe bus

In summary: SSD using the SATA bus run at SATA speeds regardless of form factor. The PCIe bus is faster than a SATA bus, and an M-key SSD is faster than a B-key SSD.

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How to confirm which M.2 support which key connectors

• Compare the M.2 card and Motherboard specifications to ensure the parameters match (to ensure that the Motherboard supports the wanted M.2 card functionality).
• The main parameters to consider are:
  • Type (SATA or PCI-e)
  • Physical length
  • Model
  • Key interface

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Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

• Understanding and Troubleshooting the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid-State Drive (HDD or SSD) on a Dell Computer
• M.2 NVMe Device Specifications and Upgrade Requirements for Precision, OptiPlex, Latitude, and XPS Systems