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What Is An M.2 SSD? A Lightweight Storage Option For PCs!
ByBilal Khan- Read Time6 mins
If you are a PC user looking for fast data storage devices, SSDs are the real bet for you. SSDs are the standard option for fast and reliable data storage solutions. They have been built for heavy applications and data processing that could make any computer super slow.
As time is flying, SSDs are not just getting faster but they are also getting thinner.
The elite club of Solid State Drives has gotten bigger with the inclusion of smaller and thinner storage devices such as M.2 SSD.
To a PC enthusiast like me, the introduction of M.2 SSDs is probably hinting towards the beginning of an era that would be based on the shrinking size of SSDs.
Although the manufacturers have already achieved unimaginable data processing speeds, it’s probably the right time for them to work on shrinking the size of Solid-State Drives and make them useable for all.
This post is dedicated to the increasingly popular M.2 Solid-State Drives that have taken storage technology to the next level. Let’s start the post.
What Is An M.2 SSD?
In the world of storage devices, M.2 refers to the form factor (Physical Structure) of an SSD. An M.2 SSD possesses the same properties as any other type of SSD. However, it is just the form factor or physical structure that separates it from the ultra-common 2.5-inch SSDs.
The form factor or physical structure of an M.2 SSD makes it look like a stick of gum. An M.2 SDD can be connected to a motherboard using a dedicated slot called M.2 slot. The M.2 SSDs have been built for the small and thin PCs that can’t accept thick hardware into their system. They are a great addition to the family of Solid State Drives.
Properties Of M.2 SSD
An M.2 SSD comes packed with excellent properties that make it a great data storage solution. To learn about the properties, take a look at the following.
Size
When it comes to the size of the M.2 SSDs, they are usually 22mm in length and 60-80mm in width. That’s the standard length and width for most of the M.2 SSDs. However, there are also some other sizes for the M.2 SSDs such as (22 x 44mm) and (22 x 110mm). Due to their sleek design, M.2 SSDs can be installed in thin laptops for premium performance. They can easily be fitted into a desktop computer that struggles to have space for a 2.5-inch SSD. Since they are ultra-thin, you can easily mount them on the slot with bare hands.
Memory System
An M.2 SSD is based on multiple Flash Memory Chips that act as mini storage stores. The more the Flash Memory Chips the larger the capacity of the M.2 SSD. These chips are used as the premium memory protocol in M.2 Solid State Drives.
Connectors
M.2 SSDs feature different connectors than the conventional ones featured in other types of SSDs. These connectors own a combo of different module keys and interfaces that allow USB 3.0 and SATA connections. For ultra-fast NVMe connections, a separate adapter is required. The SATA-based M.2 SSDs feature B and M-shaped module keys whereas NVMe-based M.2 SSDs feature only M-shaped module keys.
Speed
The overall properties of an M.2 SSD have less to do with its speed and more to do with its size and capacity. An M.2 SSD of any type shares the same speed as a 2.5-inch SSD of any type. Therefore, it doesn’t entertain the consumers who are into fast data storage speed.
Storage Capacity
Starting from the not-so-bad 120GB, M.2 SSDs offer as much as 2TB of storage. Considering the small size of the M.2 SSD, 2TB is absolutely a good number. And it’s because of the size that an M.2 Solid State Drive is a bit more expensive than the rest of the types of drives.
Average Price Of An M.2 SSD
For most SSD fans, the soaring prices of the M.2 SSDs are a big problem. Despite being way too expensive, they are still the best to go for.
A 250GB NVMe-based M.2 SSD with an elite brand tag of Western Digital or Samsung costs $50-$60. While the same double-sized drive of the same brands costs $75-$80.
Moreover, in case you want to go for bigger storage options, the prices will be in the three figures. For example, the price of a 1TB NVMe-based M.2 SSD touches the bracket of $100-$140. Whether it’s Western Digital, Samsung, or HP, the prices fall in the said bracket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrap Up
Hopefully, today’s post has cleared your confusion about the M.2 SSDs and 2.5-inch drives. Since M.2 SSDs are gifted with a smaller and lighter form factor, they are often mistaken as a separate type of Solid State Drives. Like it or not, I am into giving names to impressive tech products and M.2 SSD is no exception. I call an M.2 SSD ” The Little Data Store ”.
I love the fact that M.2 SSDs are too handy to be transported easily. Unlike bulky HDDs or medium-sized 2.5-inch SSDs, I can just put an M.2 in a pocket and take it anywhere effortlessly. It, definitely, is no less than a great privilege to use these ultra-thin storage devices to get the same data transfer speed as any other SSD.
