Ssd m.2: what is it, use, pros and cons and recommended models

If there is a hardware component that has had a spectacular evolution, it has been M.2 SSDs. Without a doubt, these solid state storage units are the present and future of mass storage for our personal computers, although, are they equally good for the server environment?

Index of contents

In this article we will see in detail what this M.2 SSD technology consists of current uses and what pros and cons these units provide us. In addition, we will leave you with a small list of high-performance M.2 SSDs to take your PC to a new level.

What is an SSD and how is it different from an HDD

To start, let's get to know in more detail what an SSD is and why it is precisely called an SSD.

SSD technology

Structure of a memory cell

SSD stands for " Solid State Drive " to refer to a device that is used for mass storage of data permanently. SSD drives are based on the use of non-volatile semiconductor memory, which we will call flash, and this is precisely the huge difference that exists between these storage drives and traditional hard drives.

But what does this technology of flash memory consist of? Well, a flash memory is basically a chip with an integrated circuit inside. But in this integrated circuit we do not have the typical cores as it happens in the CPU, it is only about creating a system of memory cells based on NAND logical gates (AND denied) with the ability they have, and that is to retain the Last state stored in them, which means being able to keep the stored data even when the unit is turned off.

This is also the big difference between an SSD and a RAM memory, since the latter need to always have a refresh signal through a capacitor in each memory cell so that the data is not erased.

For more complete information on what is an SSD visit this tutorial:

What is an SSD, how does it work and what is it for?

Why SSD and not HDD

We have already mentioned that the biggest difference is in the storage system, while an SSD is assisted by transistor-based electronics to store, a " Hard Disk Drive " HDD is based on magnetic technology. These have a series of metal discs that rotate at high speed with a motor and are magnetized by a needle located on each side of them.

The advantage of an SSD over an HDD is more than evident, the reduction of space and the elimination of mechanical elements is essential to gain speed in writing and reading. Keep in mind that on a PC everything is electronic except HDDs and these generate a huge bottleneck in data transfer.

So the reason why it makes no sense to call a disk a SSD is obvious, physically it does not have any disk, so we will simply call it a storage unit.

M.2 as the interface of present and future

We have already seen what an SSD is, and how it stores data, so now we are going to see how it connects to the PC.

Evolution of the SSD connection

It seems incredible that time goes by so quickly, but few of us already remember the time when hard drives were connected to the motherboard with those precious IDE cables that occupied life itself.

SATA

The IDEs were replaced by a serial data transfer interface, SATA, which we still have between us and which gives us file transfer speeds of up to 600 MB / s (6 Gbps) in its SATA III version. What was the problem? Well, that a mechanical HDD unit was only capable of reaching 150-160 MB / s, ridiculous today.

It was the perfect time to introduce the new flash chip-based SSDs that could reach those promised 600MB / s, or at least stay close. They appeared as 2.5-inch size units, something like 6.8 cm x 10 cm x 7 mm thick.

PCI-Express

But in a short time, we would not settle for 600 MB / s either, so PCIe drives were invented , which were basically SSDs that were connected to the PCIe slots of our motherboard, first in PCIe 3.0 x1 and then in PCIe 3.0 x4. Remember that a PCIe 3.0 lane has 1 GB / s directional and 2 GB / s bidirectional, so 4 lane will give us the possibility of obtaining transfers of up to 4, 000 MB / s in one direction, leaving the SATA interface in diapers.

There was another obvious advantage, that these units had direct communication with the CPU, since these lanes go directly to the processor.

But then came the M.2: just as fast and smaller

The problem with these SSDs was, in addition to the extremely expensive price they had, the place they occupied, since having an expansion card dedicated to an SSD is not exactly the best.

This is how the M.2 connector appeared, which is nothing more than a slot located physically on the motherboard in which an SSD caught by a screw is placed horizontally. The advantages then were obvious, much smaller size taking up less space on the PC and the elimination of SATA's own power connectors. An M.2 SSD is no bigger than a RAM memory module.

Furthermore, the M.2 continues the PCIe trend by sending its four data lanes directly to the processor and thus reaching theoretical speeds of those 4, 000 MB / s. And it is not everything, because it also has compatibility with the SATA interface, something that was not possible with normal PCIe slots. And to this, in addition, we add that the price has fallen quite a bit and now we have really good offers with very powerful SSDs.

PCIe + NVMe the winning combination

Drives connected to an M.2 slot can work in three different ways, or rather, they support three different modes of data transfer:

• With the AHCI protocol that SATA uses: to connect to the M.2 normal SSD drives that will work at 600 MB / s. These were the earliest versions of M.2, and even on the less powerful chipsets on motherboards, we have at least one M.2 drive limited only at this speed. Let's not forget that the M.2 SATA bus will almost always be shared with some of the normal SATA connectors. Using a PCIe interface with the AHCI protocol: in this case we are using the PCIe LANES that go to the processor, but through the normal AHCI protocol. It will allow us to achieve higher transfer rates, but not yet at the next level. PCIe interface through NVMe protocol: it is the communication protocol created especially for solid state storage units. The great advantage of this protocol is that it is able to use the multitasking capacity of both the CPUs and the SSD interfaces to process several instructions at the same time, something that AHCI is not capable of. This is how the full capacity of the 4 PCIe LANES that reach the CPU is used. Without a doubt the units that we have to buy will be NVMe.

Types of M.2 SSDs

Having also seen the interface, now it is time to cite certain differences or, rather, certain types of M.2 SSD drives that we are going to find on the market. This will be important about the compatibility between the unit that we buy and the one that supports the motherboard.

Normally it is a matter of size only, although it is true that, at greater length, we will also have faster and higher capacity SSD drives, simply by taking advantage of space. Another reason for differentiation is the type of connection used.

Types in terms of size (appears in their specifications):

• 2230: It offers measures of 22 mm wide and 30 long, and is normally used to connect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards to both laptops and desktop PCs. Use SATA or PCIe x2 interface. 2242: Measurements are 22 x 42mm long, and is a common format for SSDs used in Mini-PCs and laptops with SATA and PCIe x2 interface . 2260: we have increased to 22 x 60 mm to be used in PCIe x4 interfaces and for units of higher speed and capacity. 2280: It was and is the most common size until the 22110 appeared with 22 x 80 mm. It is more common to find it on ATX motherboards for desktop PCs, although they are also seen in laptops. 22110: to finish we have the largest units, and almost always the fastest and most expensive. Used for ATX plates where space is not a problem with measurements of 22 x 110 mm long.

Types of connection:

• B Key: it is based on a connector with a row of 6 contacts on the right and a wider one both separated by a slot on the right. It is used in PCIe x2 connections normally. M Key: in this case the small row of 5 contacts is located on the left, separated by a slot from a wider one of between 59 and 66 contacts. This is used in PCIe x4 interface. B & M Key: now we will have the two above joined, 5 contacts on the left end, 6 on the right end and two grooves that separate the central area. In this way it is compatible with type B and M simultaneously. This connection is the one currently used.

Advantages and disadvantages of an M.2 SSD

With the information we have, it is not difficult to guess what the advantages and disadvantages of an M.2 SSD will be.

Advantage:

• Read / Write Speed: We currently find M.2 SSD models on the market with speeds of up to 3, 500 MB / s both read and write, which is almost the maximum of the bus capacity. Size: For obvious and already explained reasons, an SSD is much smaller than an HDD. Less consumption and less heat: being so small, and without the need for mechanical elements at high RPM, consumption is much lower, since they operate at very low voltage. This also helps to have lower temperatures. Cleaner hardware environment: It is not the same having to pull two cables to a Sata HDD or SSD than directly plugging it into your motherboard and forgetting. Failure rate and security: even if the SSD is full, the read and write speed will be the same, and it has also been verified that the transfer failure rate is much lower.

Disadvantages:

• Less lifespan: A major drawback to using SSDs in server environments is that memory cells have limited write and erase lives. Something that in the face of a normal user does not affect too much, since it is estimated a life time of about 8 or 10 years. Cost per GB: even today it is much higher than that of an HDD, so in a gaming PC a 2 or 4 TB HDD is practically mandatory. Failures do not warn: mechanical hard drives are degrading over time due to their nature, but SSDs directly stop working without previous abuse, and then we will have more problems to be able to recover data.

Recommended uses for M.2 SSDs

In view of these advantages and disadvantages, it is fair to say that M.2 SSD drives are intended to be used by personal computers and not by Workstation or server-oriented equipment, since the volume of daily writes and deletions could make the lifespan of a unit is reduced to just a few months or weeks. And because of what they cost, it is inadmissible, On the other hand, an SSD drive is going to be a great investment for a home PC, and we don't need more than 256 GB to be able to install our most frequent programs and our Operating System. They are certainly expensive, but their price is worth it and we will get an ease in the equipment never seen before.

Finally, another very frequent use is in laptops, especially in ultrabooks, where space is very limited and the capacities provided by M.2 SSDs already exceed 1024 GB. In addition, almost all laptops have two M.2 slots, so even if we do not have an HDD, the storage possibilities are high.

Recommended M.2 SSD models

Without further ado, let's look at the most recommended M.2 SSD models today. They are units that offer the best in benefits compared to their price, so there is something for everyone.

Samsung 970 Pro

Samsung 970 Pro, Ssd Memory, 1, 512 GB, Black

• Exceptional transfer speed and lots of capacity Smart turbowrite technology Exceptional reliability

158.99 EUR Buy on Amazon

Samsung is one of the brands that has bet the most on SSDs since they appeared on the market, and the truth is that they are practically unbeatable in terms of quality and performance. This Pro version offers a read / write speed of 3, 500 / 2, 300 MB / s, and we are offered versions in 512 GB and 1 TB at a fairly competitive price. It uses MLC type memories.

Samsung 970 Pro - Solid 1TB Hard Drive Black EUR 280.93

Samsung 970 EVO

Samsung 970 EVO - 500 GB Solid Hard Drive

• Next level ssd speed / samsung v-nand technology / sequential read / write performance of up to 3, 500/2, 500 mb / s / random performance of up to 500, 000/480, 000 iopsUnparalleled reliability - exceptional endurance with up to 1, 200 tbw / dynamic thermal guard (dtg) technology / 5-year warrantySystem design flexibility - broad range of capacity options 250gb, 500gb, 1tb, 2tb / high power efficiency and exceptional speeds / Note: SSD 970 compatibility is not guaranteed EVO with MacBook models. MacBook models from 2013 have their own proprietary M.2 format. Therefore, the Samsung SSD 970 EVO can only be used with MacBook models in combination with a suitable adapter.

119.09 EUR Buy on Amazon

The Samsung EVO are surely the SSDs of the most famous and well-known range of the Korean manufacturer. They present an excellent performance / price ratio, although their transfer rates drop a little to 3 .400 / 2, 300 MB / s. It uses 3D TLC type memories and is available in 250GB, 500GB and 1TB capacities.

Samsung 970 EVO - 250GB Solid Hard Drive 256-bit Encryption: 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption engine 119.99 EUR Samsung 970 EVO, Solid Hard Drive, 1TB Smart turbowrite technology; Superior performance; Advanced data encryption EUR 218.93

Corsair MP510

Corsair Force MP510 - Solid State Drive, 240GB SSD, NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2-SSD, up to 3, 480MB / s

• Nvme 1.3.de interface: up to four times more read and write as with sata 3.0. (6.gbit / s, 600.mb / s) Ssd of m.2..2280: ssd m.2 drives allow a new power level in capacity in a compact form factor Additional correction bit errors and improved retention and support of the latest generation memory nand Advanced garbage collection: support for provisioning over, secure wipe, disk cloning and firmware updates Compatible with ssd corsair tool box: monitor smart; attributes of and overall health of your storage drive ssd

58.89 EUR Buy on Amazon

Corsair also has a lot to say in the SSD realm, and the new addition to the MP510 range ranks as one of the best today with transfer rates of 3, 480 / 3, 000 MB / s. It is available in sizes of 240, 480, 960 and 1920 GB, almost nothing friends.

Corsair MP510, Read Speed ​​up to 3, 480 MB / s, 480 GB, Black Compatible with: Intel 100, 200, 300, X99, X299 Chipsets, AMD Socket AM4 Platform, X399 109.97 EUR Corsair MP510 Read Speed ​​up to 3, 480 MB / s, 960 GB, Black EUR 183.88 Corsair Force MP510 - Solid State Drive, 1920 GB SSD, NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2-SSD, Read Speed ​​up to 3, 480 MB / s EUR 372.92

ADATA XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro

XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro Solid State Drive M.2 512 GB PCI Express 3.0 3D TLC NVMe - Solid Hard Drive (512 GB, M.2, 3350 MB / s) 118.82 EUR Buy on Amazon

This SSD is one of the best options that the brand has in terms of performance, with registers of 3, 500 / 3, 000 MB / s with 3D TLC memories as in previous cases and a heatsink already incorporated in a configuration of 2280 compatible with practically any license plate. Available capacities are 250GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

ADATA XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro Solid State Drive M.2 256GB PCI Express 3.0 3D TLC NVMe - Solid Hard Drive (256GB, M.2, 3350MB / s) EUR 75.98 ADATA XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro Solid State Drive M.2 1000 GB PCI Express 3.0 3D TLC NVMe - Hard Drive (1000 GB, M.2, 3350 MB / s) Adata Ssd Drive Xpg Gammix S11 Pro 1Tb EUR 209.23

Corsair MP300

Corsair Force MP300 - Solid State Drive, 480 GB SSD, M.2 PCIe Gen. 3 x2 NVMe-SSD, Read Speed ​​up to 1, 600 MB / s

• High-speed NVMe PCI Express Gen 3 x2 interface that reaches speeds of up to 1600 MB / sec. Up to three times faster than SATA 6Gbps Uses modern high-density 3D TLC NAND technology to achieve a perfect combination of performance, durability and value Compatible with Microsoft Windows 10, Mac OS and Linux, without the need for driver or specific management rights The software CORSAIR SSD Toolbox allows you to further control the drive from your desktop. For example, you can safely erase and update firmware Improved error correction and durability ensure data integrity and reliability of the drive

Buy on Amazon

And to finish we have another somewhat more affordable Corsair, although also with a little less performance, for those users that are a bit fairer for money. In this case we will get 2, 300 / 1, 500 MB / s, which is still much more than a SATA SSD and at a price almost laughable for what we have in our hands. It is available in 120GB, 240GB, 480GB and 960TB capacities .

Corsair Force MP300 - Solid State Drive, 120 GB SSD, M.2 PCIe Gen. 3 x2 NVMe-SSD, Read Speed ​​up to 1, 520 MB / s EUR 38.87 Corsair Force MP300 - Solid State Drive, 240 SSD GB, M.2 PCIe Gen. 3 x2 NVMe-SSD, Read Speed ​​up to 1, 580 MB / s EUR 117.35 Corsair Force MP300 - Solid State Drive, 960 GB SSD, M.2 PCIe Gen. 3 x2 NVMe- SSD, Read Speed ​​up to 1, 600 MB / s

Conclusion about M.2 SSDs

This is the end of our article on M.2 SSDs and their main characteristics, types and the use that we see most recommended. Also, you have a few SSDs that are the best on the market today. Now we leave you with some other links of interest from tutorials and recommended hardware

Know any M.2 SSD that is the same or better than the ones we have put here and that you recommend? Of course, leave it in the comments to help us and help other users.