Differences between M.2 ssds

[AkatsukiKun]

I'm looking to buy an m.2 ssd for my MSI Ge 62 Apache pro to have it as my OS drive, it has 3 open m.2 slots and I want to use them instead of having to re-purpose my dvd drive just in case.

I'm looking at these: Adata SP900  http://www.ncix.com/detail/adata-sp900-256gb-m-2-2280-ed-98601-1928.htm

Samsung 850 EVO http://www.ncix.com/detail/samsung-850-evo-250gb-m-2-10-110825-1786.htm

SanDisk X400 http://www.ncix.com/detail/sandisk-x400-256gb-m-2-2280-f6-125367-1307.htm

 

Do they have controllers inside them just like their 2.5 form factors? Which would be better for general use? Is it easier to get a replacement if something goes wrong.

[DHelios]

M.2 SSDs do have controller chips, and really, any other component that you might find inside their 2.5" counterparts. It's just the form factor, connector and PCB layout that are different. Performance-wise, there should be no noticable difference between a Samsung 850 EVO 2.5" SATA model, its mSATA variant or its M.2 variant. The prices will generally be similar, though the 2.5" model may be easier to shop for as more stores will carry them.

 

M.2 SSDs come in both SATA and PCIe flavours. The SSDs will be of one type or the other, but mainboards (or laptops, as is the case here) may support only SATA drives, only PCIe drives, or both. From what I can tell, your laptop supports up to three SATA/6G SSDs, or one PCIe SSD and up to two SATA/6G SSDs. Something to keep in mind for performance and future expansion. PCIe SSDs will support higher speeds than SATA ones, even though the physical connector is the same.

 

A Samsung 950 Pro may be an interesting option, if the MSi GE62 Apache Pro supports NVMe (I couldn't find this specification in the manual). Being a PCIe model, it's capable of much higher data throughput than the SATA models.

[AkatsukiKun]

Sorry to reply so slow, thank you for the information. However I cannot find if my laptop has a pcie slot for the M.2 ssd. I did get this from Canadacomputers in september, 5700HQ, 960m.

 

I guess I'll stick to the 850 EVO then.