M.2 Connector

Introduction This presentation will discuss M.2 connectors. These connectors are a new standard being placed inside laptops and mini PCs in 2015. The M.2 was introduced in 2014 for testing, DYI enthusiasts, and custom PC builders. The main use for M.2 connectors vary from PC to PC and for performance needs of the user; however, SSDs gain the most performance.

Introduction The M.2 connector is not new. The M.2 is more versatile. The M.2 can standardize connection methods. The M.2 replaces mSATA and mini PCIe. The M.2 improves SSD’s performance. The different SSDs available. What computer gains the most. Consequences of M.2 connectors.

M.2 Connectors are Not New M.2 technology is not new. Previously known as NGFF. Next-Generation Form Factor Even though the tech is not new, it is still innovative. So why switch to the M.2? (source info from Andrew Cunningham’s, Understanding M.2, the interface that will speed up your next SSD, arstechnica.com).

M.2 Connectors are Versatile There are four connection variations for the M.2 tech More options means more component options. The most interesting option is the M key slot. The connection slot is labeled as an A, B, E, or M key. Each key is associated with a particular component. The interface of choice for laptops and mini PCs that use M.2 connectors will be the M key. (Discussed later) (source info from Andrew Cunningham’s, Understanding M.2, the interface that will speed up your next SSD, arstechnica.com).

M.2 Standardizes Connectors M.2 connectors standardize specs for Manufacturers. M.2 connectors do not standardize specs for consumers. (at least currently) With the introduction of M.2 connectors in the Broadwell PCs, M.2 connectors will be more available and better adapted to meet consumers’ needs. (source info from Andrew Cunningham’s, Understanding M.2, the interface that will speed up your next SSD, arstechnica.com). Current problem is that proper labels are missing.

Picture Slide These are four different components that fit into M.2 connectors. The left is an A-keyed, the inner left is E-keyed, the inner right is B and M-keyed, and the right is M-keyed. The M.2 Connectors are the two black boxes with little metal connectors. The left M.2 is an E-keyed, while the right is a B-keyed M.2 connector. (source info from Andrew Cunningham’s, Understanding M.2, the interface that will speed up your next SSD, arstechnica.com).

A, B, E, and M Key Slots M keys are not compatible with A connectors Each key has its benefits The lack of labels on the M.2 connectors make consumers guess which connector they have. Leads to components not being compatible. (source info from Andrew Cunningham’s, Understanding M.2, the interface that will speed up your next SSD, arstechnica.com).

M key and M.2 The M key offers four PCI Express lanes Means SSD can achieve higher data transfer speeds On laptops, this potential could not be realized. With M.2 PCI Express SSDs, the data transfer rate is much faster. (source info from Andrew Cunningham’s, Understanding M.2, the interface that will speed up your next SSD, arstechnica.com).

SSDs vs. Rotation Drives SSDs have zero latency SSDs are more durable SSDs use flash memory and require no power to store data (Source: Pcmag.com, Encyclopedia “Solid State Drive”).

SSDs SATA SSD PCI Express SSD/mini PCI Express mSATA SSD M.2 SATA SSD M.2 PCI Express SSD

SATA SSDs SATA stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Source: Pcmag.com, Encyclopedia, “SATA”). Current SATA III version has been used since 2009 (Source: Pcmag.com, Encyclopedia, “SATA”). SATA Express is essentially PCI Express and runs almost two-thirds faster than SATA III (Source: Pcmag.com, Encyclopedia, “SATA”).

PCI Express SSD/mini PCI Exp. PCI Express SSD offers better performance of SSDs (Only in Desktops) Mini PCI Express slots were developed for laptops. (Usually used for integrated graphics cards) Most laptops are stuck using SATA III connection speeds while using SSD (if the rotating Hard Drive is kept)

mSATA SSD mSATA stands for mini SATA. (Source: Pcmag.com, Encyclopedia, “mSATA”). Still limited by SATA III data transfer speeds Used for smaller laptops and tablets (Source: Marshallr, “SSD Guide: PCI-Express, M.2, mSATA, and SATA Express – The Differences Explained!” rog.asus.com)

Why M.2 Might Replace mSATA and mini PCI Express More connection capabilities throughout the different components Makes SSDs at PCI Express speeds, integrated graphics cards, and hard drives possible in laptops and mini pcs. This is possible due to M.2 SSDs are more compact.

M.2 SATA SSD As mentioned earlier, M.2 connectors are very versatile. One connection used is M.2 for SATA SSDs. Not as fast as PCI Express SSD, but is compatible with current SATA SSDs (as long as the proper key connector is used).

M.2 PCI Express SSD Was said to be the interface of choice for DIYers (Source: Marshallr, “SSD Guide: PCI-Express, M.2, mSATA, and SATA Express – The Differences Explained!” rog.asus.com) Offers better data transfer rate that PCI Express lanes give Current M.2 PCI Express SSDs have the potential of 10 GB/s (Source: Marshallr, “SSD Guide: PCI-Express, M.2, mSATA, and SATA Express – The Differences Explained!” rog.asus.com)

M.2 Connector Breakdown Key Card measurements Interfaces Common uses A 1630, 2230, 3030 PCIe x2, USB 2.0, I2C, DisplayPort x4 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, cellular cards B 3042, 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 PCIe x2, SATA, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, audio, PCM, IUM, SSIC, I2C SATA and PCIe x2 SSDs E PCIe x2, USB 2.0, I2C, SDIO, UART, PCM M 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 PCIe x4, SATA PCIe x4 SSDs (Table from Andrew Cunningham’s “Understanding M.2, the interface that will speed up your next SSD.” arstechnica.com)

How to Interpret the Table First, the Key slot denotes what type of component can be inserted into the M.2 connector. Card Measurements can be interpreted by placing an x in front of the third number. Key A, 1630 tells me that this component takes up 16mmx30mm of space. The interfaces state the different options each Key offers. As mentioned earlier, the M key with a PCI Express SSD is the most promising.

The Reason M.2 is Going Mainstream Current SATA SSDs are not performing to their full potential (Source: Andrew Cunningham’s, Understanding M.2, the interface that will speed up your next SSD, arstechnica.com). Current SATA III has 6 GB/s of data transfer (this number is less in real time) (Source: Pcmag.com, Encyclopedia, “SATA”). Current PCI Express lanes have 2 GB/s of data transfer. (Source: Pcmag.com, Encyclopedia, “PCI Express”). The M.2 PCI Express SSD has 4 lanes. (Source: Andrew Cunningham’s, Understanding M.2, the interface that will speed up your next SSD, arstechnica.com).

What does PCI Express x4 mean? The x4 means how many lanes are being used. In the current M.2 PCI Express SSDs, there are 4 connections to PCI Express lanes. Each lane allots around 2 GB/s of data transfer. (Source: Pcmag.com, Encyclopedia, “SATA”) This means that the first version of the M.2 PCI Express SSDs have a minimum of 8 GB/s data transfer rate. The latest documented speed has this SSD running at 10 GB/s (Source: Marshallr, “SSD Guide: PCI-Express, M.2, mSATA, and SATA Express – The Differences Explained!” rog.asus.com).

Laptops and Desktops Currently, Laptops stand to gain more ground than Desktops. Desktops already had enough room to support PCI Express SSDs Laptops did not (laptops had to use SATA SSDs) Desktops still will outperform and have more options than laptops. New technology and increased horsepower of the PCI Express lanes do mean laptops performance is on par.

Cons of the M.2 Connector Currently, Manufacturers have a firm grasp on all the components making M.2 components sparse to consumers. Lack of labels on M.2 connectors make ordering correct or compatible components difficult for consumers