M.2
M.2
M.2 is a compact expansion card form factor used for connecting various hardware devices, such as solid-state drives (SSDs), wireless network cards, and storage controllers, to a motherboard. It offers high bandwidth and speed, and is commonly used in laptops, ultra-thin computers, and servers.
What does M.2 mean?
M.2 is a form factor for internal Computer expansion cards, primarily used for solid-state drives (SSDs). It is a compact, low-profile design that allows for faster speeds and smaller form factors compared to traditional cards. The M.2 connector is a small, surface-mount connector, measuring 22mm wide and 16mm or 30mm Long, with a central notch and keys to ensure proper alignment. This small form factor allows M.2 cards to fit into compact devices, such as laptops and tablets.
Applications
M.2 cards are primarily used for solid-state drives (SSDs), which are faster and more reliable than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol is commonly used for M.2 SSDs, allowing for even higher speeds than SATA-based SSDs. M.2 SSDs offer several advantages, including faster boot times, quicker Application loading, and improved overall system performance. Due to their compact size and high performance, M.2 SSDs are preferred for use in compact devices and applications that require fast data access.
Besides Storage, M.2 cards can also be used for various other applications. These include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS modules, WWAN cards, and TV tuner cards. The versatility of M.2 cards allows for customization and expansion of device capabilities without the need for additional PCIe or other expansion slots.
History
The M.2 form factor was originally developed by Intel and introduced in 2012 as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF). It was intended as a replacement for the mSATA form factor, which was used for mini-sized SATA SSDs. Over time, the term “NGFF” has been phased out in favor of “M.2.”
Initially, M.2 cards were primarily used for SATA-based SSDs. However, with the advent of NVMe technology, M.2 cards gained support for faster PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interfaces, enabling significantly higher data transfer rates. This led to the widespread adoption of M.2 NVMe SSDs, which became the preferred choice for high-performance computing and gaming applications.
Today, M.2 is a widely used form factor for SSDs and other expansion cards. Its compact size, high performance, and versatility have made it an essential component in modern computing devices.