M.2 and U.2 Information

[That_PC_Kid]

If anyone could explain to me what M.2 and U.2 is that would be great. The videos I have watched gave me little information on it.

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, That_PC_Kid said:

If anyone could explain to me what M.2 and U.2 is that would be great. The videos I have watched gave me little information on it.

https://rog.asus.com/articles/hands-on/easy-guide-to-ssds-sata-msata-m-2-and-u-2/

[knightslugger]

m.2 is a physical standard. as is U.2, as in the shape of it and how they are wired.

Each can use different or the same protocols.

 

 

[That_PC_Kid]

9 minutes ago, knightslugger said:

m.2 is a physical standard. as is U.2, as in the shape of it and how they are wired.

Each can use different or the same protocols.

 

 

I've watched the video and I still have unanswered questions.

[done12many2]

3 minutes ago, That_PC_Kid said:

I've watched the video and I still have unanswered questions.

 

You never asked a question.

[That_PC_Kid]

14 minutes ago, deXxterlab97 said:

https://rog.asus.com/articles/hands-on/easy-guide-to-ssds-sata-msata-m-2-and-u-2/

I still have questions like what is M.2 (M) and M.2 (B+M) or something like that. Also what is Key E for M.2? And what about the difference between 

M.2-2242

M.2-2260

M.2-2280

Are there certain M.2 ports that don't work with other M.2 ports? Are there faster or slower ports like SATA 3Gb/s and SATA 6Gb/s? And all specifics so that I don't screw up when I buy one.

[That_PC_Kid]

1 minute ago, done12many2 said:

 

You never asked a question.

I actually asked the questions in a different reply.

[knightslugger]

On 2/18/2017 at 8:47 PM, That_PC_Kid said:

I still have questions like what is M.2 (M) and M.2 (B+M) or something like that. Also what is Key E for M.2? And what about the difference between 

M.2-2242

M.2-2260

M.2-2280

Are there certain M.2 ports that don't work with other M.2 ports? Are there faster or slower ports like SATA 3Gb/s and SATA 6Gb/s? And all specifics so that I don't screw up when I buy one.

the specification designation you referenced is physical.

 

M.2 is the connector interface, 2242/60/80 is the physical dimentions. 22mm x 42mm or 60mm, or 80mm.

 

M key and B key is simply a notch in the PCB much like the notch in RAM or PCIe so that you cannot accidentally install an incompatible component. if it's labeled B+M it can take either shape. If it is labeled M key, it will only accept M keyed devices. same for B key.

 

E Key is dual notched on one side. not typical for drives.

 

 

The speed of the port depends on the protocol used and the abilities of the device itself.

[DnFx91]

they are just types of PCIe connector. M.2 is the keyed socket that NGFF (next-gen form factor) SSD's and Wifi cards go into which can also operate in SATA mode. U.2 is AFAIK only used for 2.5 inch form factor NVME drives like the 750 series. I think U.2 probably only exists to accomodate for the 2.5 inch drives as i don't think they can be powered by sata power connectors, so the U.2 plug is just PCIe plus power.