In the PC hardware, one of the best and biggest storage devices is the Solid State Drive (SSD), as it will increase the boot and shut down the speed of the system, and also it will increase the system speed. But when it comes to M.2 Vs NVMe, which is the better SSD and which will be the more beneficial.
M.2 Vs NVMe – Facts You Need To Know
What is NVMe?
NVMe is known for its Non-Volatile Memory Express, and it is industry-standard software, which enables the SSD and other components to run directly through the PCIe that is attached to the computer processor. NVMe is an alternative to the older SATA interface and it is mainly designed to connect the storage devices to the PC. But SATA doesn’t have any direct contact with the computer processor but NVMe uses M.2 form factor to directly connect to the motherboard.
Some NVMe drives are designed to fit into the standard PCIe motherboard like graphics card but most systems used NVMe that drives form factor.
What is M.2?
M.2 is known as Next Generation Form Factor which belongs to the modern time and in few years it replaces the mini-SATA standard. The M.2 are directly connected to the motherboard using M.2 connector slot, but the other storage devices like HDD and SSD, are connected to the motherboard via cable.
Depending on your functions and types, M.2 drive can be used as a SATA interface or as a faster PCIe. M.2 card also helps by allowing a cleaner and less cluttered PC interior with fewer cables to manage as it lies flush with the motherboard.
In recent times, most desktop PC peripherals like Wi-Fi cards are also available in the form of M.2 factors but the most used storage system for M.2 is SSD data storage. If your M.2 is using the SATA interface protocol then it won’t give faster speed, for that you need to use M.2 that uses the NVMe interface protocol.
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Difference between NVMe and M.2:
- Form Factor
SSD that used the factor of NVMe will be faster because they are already connected to the PCI-E, but M.2 slots are not faster because of its form factor. Also, NVMe will be helpful if you are transferring any larger files. But the only drawback of NVMe is it is expensive but it offers a bigger size for the same price.
M.2 is the slimmest form factor that is used for the storage devices and NVMe protocol which lets the data read and write through PCI-E.
- Speed
The most exciting feature in the list of M.2 vs NVMe is speed. When it comes to NVMe, it will drive at higher speed and even it is capable of flash memory. Also, NVMe allows the SSD to unleash their potential, as they are blistering in fast read or write speeds. When compared to other systems, NVMe will yield more speed.
Even M.2 can able to perform a high-speed system, but it should support the PCIe SSDs. In the recent version, you will get this feature but some older version has M.2 slot which will connect only to the SATA bus. But if your M.2 slot doesn’t have any PCIe support, then you won’t experience the increased speed of NVMe drives.
- Performance
When it comes to the performance, M.2 is a salvation for both laptops and computers. It offers high performance and the operations will reach up to 90, 000 to 10, 000 IOPS. So, it would be ideal for everyday use.
But the NVMe models are becoming popular because of their standard feature. These types of SSDs will be compatible even with newer laptops and computers. Like M.2, this NVMe is also mounted directly on the motherboard, and it doesn’t require any additional cables. When it comes to performance, it offers better performance than traditional SSDs. The random operations of this slot will be 400 to 500k IOPS. Even though the cost is a little bit high, it is the most demanding among the users and it will give quick access to the files.
When it comes to performance, NVMe will be better as it will come under the future requirements, and it would be worth to consider the feasibility of this slot.
- Interface
SATA is one of the most widely sued interface industrial and enterprise applications. So when it comes to M.2 that has a SATA module will be the best option for those who want compatibility with eh existing system and also the convenience of the hot-swapping and hot-plugging.
While the NVMe is coming with a greater speed and also it is coming with the interface that comes with NAND flash and the next SSDs generation. Also, the recent time NVMe adopted the technology of PCIe so it will support the bandwidth efficiently that is needed for the enterprise and client system.
- Latency
When it comes to latency, NVMe has the most primary benefit. NVMe drives a latency of just a few microseconds but other M.2 has a latency of 30 to the 100-microsecond range. Also, the slot based on M.2 can reach up to 500MB per second while the NVMe drive can reach up to 3500MB per second. When you look at this in the terms of latency then it may seem that NVMe would be the best option to choose.
But the M.2 is a clear slot when compared to others and also, M.2 drives are easy to install and it is very hard to screw up.
Bottom Line:
In the past few years, the storage system of the PC has changed quite a bit. A few years back, hard drives were the only storage source available, but after that SSD arrived, and then it evolved into M.2 and NVMe. Both are offering a good speed and convenient form factor, so based on our requirements we can choose the one that suits our needs.