The M.2 interface (2024)

Table of Contents
What is M.2? For what M.2 is suitable? Which variants are there? How is the design and what are the form factors? What do the M.2 keys mean? Delock M.2 product examples Converters Adapters More products in the area of M.2 FAQs
The M.2 interface (1)M.2 connector with key B+M
The M.2 interface (2)M.2 connector with key B+M

What is M.2?

M.2 is a specification for internal expansion cards on PC mainboards and notebook computers. M.2 was conceived as an successor of the mSATA interface and for the first time introduced by Intel in 2012 under the labelNext Generation Form Factor (NGFF).

As for usage and interface variety, M.2 is more flexible because not only SATA signals can be transmitted via the M.2 interface but also USB and PCIe.Thereby extended functions are possible e.g. the application of WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS or NFC cards.

For what M.2 is suitable?

There is already an M.2 interface in many PCs and notebook computers. It is ideally applicable to connect an SSD in a compact mobile device such as in a notebook computer and Ultrabook™ but also in a desktop PC.

M.2 modules stand out for their compact design and flexible measurements. Thanks to the low power consumption M.2 SSDs can also easily be used as bootable drives within embedded systems.

The M.2 interface (3)Especially applicable for mobile devices and embedded systems

Which variants are there?

The M.2 standard contains variants with up to four PCIe lanes, one SATA 6 Gb/s and / or one USB 3.0 port. So it is possible to connect PCIe as well as SATA SSDs. Furthermore, both bus systems at every port can be used at the same time.

How is the design and what are the form factors?

M.2 cards have a rectangular shape. At their front side they show a plug connector strip and at their back side a centered placed semicircular recess. The recess is needed to mount the card: it can be slotted into the appropriate port at the board and fixed with a screw. Components can be mounted on the card's topside as well as their bottom side.

The size of an M.2 module is marked by its form factor. The form factor defines the width by length in millimeters. For example, the form factor 2260 means the card has a width of 22 mm and a length of 60 mm. The longest components have a length of 110 millimeters. At present, the most common M.2 SSDs have a width of 22 mm and a length of 42, 60 or 80 mm.

The M.2 interface (4)Form factors e. g. >>>1630 Key E•2230 Key E•3030 Key A•2242 Key B+M•3042 Key A&nbsp•2260 Key M•2280 Key B+M
The M.2 interface (5)Form factors e. g. >>>1630 Key E•2230 Key E•3030 Key A•2242 Key B+M•3042 Key A&nbsp•2260 Key M•2280 Key B+M

What do the M.2 keys mean?

The shape of the M.2 connectors differs depending on the interface the M.2 port provides. According to the possible applications the M.2 module has reccesses at certain points of the plug connector strip. The key signifies this connector form.

The different keys call for plug-in cards with reccesses at these certain points. Currently the keys B, M, A and E together with B+M and A+E are in use. The slot and the module have to support the same key in order to be compatible.

The M.2 interface (6)
Schematic figure of contact shapes of Key B, Key M, Key B+M
The M.2 interface (7)
Schematic figure of contact shapes of Key A, Key E, Key A+E
The M.2 interface (8)
Schematic figure of contact shapes of Key B, Key M, Key B+M
The M.2 interface (9)
Schematic figure of contact shapes of Key A, Key E, Key A+E
Which key supports which signal transfer?
Keysupports
Key BSATA
Key MPCIe ( x2 / x4 )
Key B+MSATA or PCIe *
Keysupports
Key APCIe (x2) and USB
Key EPCIe (x2) and USB
Key A+EPCIe (x2) and USB *

* Depending each on the internal connection

Please note: Theoretically and / or in future, the Keys listed here are able to support also other kinds of signals. Furthermore, Keys that are not listed here are reserved for coming variants or interfaces. The table depicted above is valid for Delock products.

Which key supports which signal transfer?
Keysupports
Key BSATA
Key MPCIe ( x2 / x4 )
Key B+MSATA or PCIe *
Key APCIe (x2) and USB
Key EPCIe (x2) and USB
Key A+EPCIe (x2) and USB *

* Depending each on the internal connection

Delock M.2 product examples

Converters

Converter M.2 Key B+M male >
2 x Mini SATA pin 8 power plug

Connectors:
1 x 59 pin M.2 Key B+M male >
2 x SATA 6 Gb/s plug pin 8 power with latchtype
1 x 2 pin power connector (power supply for SATA devices)
2 x 3 pin power connector (optional)
Interface: PCIe
Form factor: M.2 2242
Suitable for M.2 slot with key M or B based on PCIe
Data transfer rate up to 6 Gb/s
Supports HDD and SSD
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 42 x 22 x 11 mm

Show application info

Also for connection of SATA DOM with standard power supply!The M.2 interface (11)

Close application info

Converter SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps with USB Type-C™ female >
1 x SATA / 1 x M.2 Key B / 1 x mSATA

Connectors:
1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female >
1 x SATA 6 Gb/s 22 pin receptacle
1 x 67 pin M.2 key B slot
1 x mSATA slot (half size / full size)
Interface: SATA
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1351
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260 and 2242
with key B or key B+M based on SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm,
application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Suitable for 2.5″ SATA HDD / SSD: supports 3.3 V / 5 V HDD / SSD
Supports SATA 1.5 Gb/s, SATA 3 Gb/s and SATA 6 Gb/s
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 90 x 40 x 8 mm

Show infographic with connectors

Converter SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps with USB Type-C™ female > 1 x SATA / 1 x M.2 Key B / 1 x mSATA

Connectors:
1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female >
1 x SATA 6 Gb/s 22 pin receptacle
1 x 67 pin M.2 key B slot
1 x mSATA slot (half size / full size)
Interface: SATA
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1351
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260 and 2242 with key B or key B+M based on SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Suitable for 2.5″ SATA HDD / SSD: supports 3.3 V / 5 V HDD / SSD
Supports SATA 1.5 Gb/s, SATA 3 Gb/s and SATA 6 Gb/s
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 90 x 40 x 8 mm

Show infographic with connectors

All connectors at front (left side) and back (right side)The M.2 interface (13)

Close infographic with connectors

Converter M.2 Key A+E male >
1 x Mini PCIe Slot half size / full size

Connectors:
1 x 59 pin M.2 key A+E male >
1 x Mini PCIe slot
Interface: PCIe + USB
Form factor M.2: 2230
Form factor Mini PCIe: half size and full size
Suitable for M.2 slot with key A or key E based on PCIe and USB
PCI Express Rev. 1.1
Operating temperature: 0 °C ~ 80 °C
Dimensions (LxWxH):
M.2 board: ca. 30 x 22 x 3 mm
Mini PCIe board: ca. 69 x 45 x 6 mm

Converter M.2 Key B+M male >
2 x USB 3.0 Pin Header

Connectors:
1 x 59 pin M.2 Key B+M male >
2 x 19 pin USB 3.0 pin header male
1 x 4 pin pin header power connector (optional for power supply)
Interface: PCIe
Form factor: M.2 2280 (resp. 2260)
Suitable for M.2 slot with key M or B+M based on PCIe
Chipset: Renesas
Data transfer rate up to 5 Gbps
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 82 x 22 x 14 mm

3.5" Converter SATA 22 Pin / SFF-8643 >
1 x M.2 Key M + 1 x M.2 Key B

Connectors:
1 x SATA 6 Gb/s 22 pin female (for SATA SSDs)
1 x 36 pin SFF-8643 female (for PCIe SSDs 2 or 4 lanes)
1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot (PCIe SSD)
1 x 67 pin M.2 key B slot (SATA SSD)
Interface: SATA / PCIe (2 or 4 lanes)
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230
with key M or key B+M based on PCIe or SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm,
application of double-sided assembled modules supported
SATA 15 pin power connector always necessary
Supports NVM Express (NVMe)
Maximale Ausgangsstromstärke: 4 A (PCIe) und 3 A (SATA)
Dimensions (LxWxH):
Board incl. installation frame: ca. 140 x 100 x 23 mm
Board without installation frame: ca. 120 x 87 x 16 mm

Show application example

3.5" Converter SATA 22 Pin / SFF-8643 > 1 x M.2 Key M + 1 x M.2 Key B

Connectors:
1 x SATA 6 Gb/s 22 pin female (for SATA SSDs)
1 x 36 pin SFF-8643 female (for PCIe SSDs 2 or 4 lanes)
1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot (PCIe SSD)
1 x 67 pin M.2 key B slot (SATA SSD)
Interface: SATA / PCIe (2 or 4 lanes)
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 with key M or key B+M based on PCIe or SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
SATA 15 pin power connector always necessary
Supports NVM Express (NVMe)
Maximale Ausgangsstromstärke: 4 A (PCIe) und 3 A (SATA)
Dimensions (LxWxH):
Board incl. installation frame: ca. 140 x 100 x 23 mm
Board without installation frame: ca. 120 x 87 x 16 mm

Show application example

Adapters

Adapter Mini PCIe > M.2 Key E slot

Connectors:
1 x Mini PCIe male >
1 x 67 pin M.2 Key E slot
Interface: USB 2.0 / PCIe
Form factor: Mini PCIe full size / half size
Supports M.2 modules in format 2242, 2230, 3042 and 3030
with key E or key A+E based on USB / PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm,
application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Dimensions (LxW): ca. 54 x 30 mm

Connectors:
1 x Mini PCIe male >
1 x 67 pin M.2 Key E slot
Interface: USB 2.0 / PCIe
Form factor: Mini PCIe full size / half size
Supports M.2 modules in format 2242, 2230, 3042 and 3030 with key E or key A+E based on USB / PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.5 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Dimensions (LxW): ca. 54 x 30 mm

Adapter M.2 > 1 x RJ45 Gigabit LAN Port (PCIe)

Connectors:
1 x M.2 key B+M male >
1 x Gigabit LAN RJ45 female
Interface: PCIe (2.1 x1)
Form factor: M.2 2280
Chipset: Intel® i210
Maximum power consumption: 0.65 W (3.3 V, 200 mA)
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 50.9 x 30 x 7.05 mm

Adapter M.2 > mSATA

Connectors:
1 x 59 pin M.2 key B+M male >
1 x mSATA slot (half size / full size)
Interface: SATA
Suitable for full size and half size modules
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 80 x 31.5 x 4.7 mm

More products in the area of M.2

PCI Express Card >
1 x internal NVMe M.2 PCIe / 1 x internal SFF-8643 NVMe

Connectors:
1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
1 x PCI Express x4, V3.0
1 x 36 pin SFF-8643 female
Interface: PCIe
Low profile form factor
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230
with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm,
application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Supports NVM Express (NVMe)
Short circuit protection, over heating protection

Show application example

PCI Express Card > 1 x internal NVMe M.2 PCIe / 1 x internal SFF-8643 NVMe

Connectors:
1 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
1 x PCI Express x4, V3.0
1 x 36 pin SFF-8643 female
Interface: PCIe
Low profile form factor
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 with key M or key B+M based on PCIe
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Supports NVM Express (NVMe)
Short circuit protection, over heating protection

Show application example

The M.2 interface (22)

Close application example

M.2 SSD PCIe / NVMe Key M 2280 - 1 TB
NEW

Connector: 1 x 67 pin M.2 Key M male
Interface: PCIe x4 Rev. 3.0
Form factor: M.2 2280
Controller: SMI SM2263XT
Flash type: TLC
Capacity: 1 TB
Maximum speed: read 2000 MB/s - write 1700 MB/s
Maximum write cycles: 1000
Supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T. and NVMe 1.3
Operating temperature: 0 °C ~ 70 °C
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 80 x 22 x 2.1 mm

Also available with:
Item 54080 Capacity 512 GB
Item 54079 Capacity 256 GB
Item 54078 Capacity 128 GB

Depending on storage capacity of the flash module, read and write speed vary.

PCIe x8 / x16 Card to 4 x internal NVMe M.2 Key M
NEW

Connectors:
1 x PCI Express x8 / x16, V3.0
4 x 67 pin M.2 key M slot
1 x SATA 15 pin power connector
1 x Molex 4 pin power connector
1 x 2 pin header for fan
Chipset: Asmedia ASM2824
Interface: PCIe
M.2 formats 22110, 2280, 2260 and 2242 with key M or key B+M
Data transfer rate up to 32 Gbps

The ideal PCIe card for gaming and servers!

Especially in the demanding server and gaming areas, this card is perfectly suited to expand the existing system by four fast M.2 NVMe slots. All slots can be used simultaneously. The large heat sink and fan ensure adequate cooling of the modules.

The M.2 interface (25)

1 Molex power connector2 SATA power connector3 Asmedia ASM28244 M.2 key M slot5 PCIe x8 / x16

External Enclosure M.2 SSD 80 mm >
SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2)

Connectors:
external: 1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female
internal: 1 x 67 pin M.2 key B slot
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1351
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230
with key B based on SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm,
application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Data transfer rate up to 6 Gbps
LED indicator for power and access
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 126 x 40 x 10 mm

External Enclosure M.2 SSD > SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2)

Connectors:
external: 1 x SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2) USB Type-C™ female
internal: 1 x 67 pin M.2 key B slot
Chipset: Asmedia ASM1351
Supports M.2 modules in format 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230 with key B based on SATA
Maximum height of the components on the module: 1.35 mm, application of double-sided assembled modules supported
Data transfer rate up to 6 Gbps
LED indicator for power and access
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 126 x 40 x 10 mm

Also available as:
Item 42573 Enclosure M.2 SSD 60 mm
Item 42572 Enclosure M.2 SSD 42 mm

M.2 Flash Module SATA 6 Gb/s SSD 256 GB

Connector: 59 Pin M.2 Key B+M Stecker
Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s
Form factor: M.2 2242
Chipset: Toshiba
Flash Type: MLC
Storage capacity: 256 GB
Maximum speed: read 530 MB/s - write 210 MB/s
Maximum write cycles: 3000
Maximum power consumption: 1.4 W (3.3 V x 422 mA)
With Thermal Sensor, ATA security, iSmart
Operation temperature: Industrial grade -40 °C ~ 85 °C
Dimensions (LxWxH): ca. 42 x 22 x 3.2 mm

All Delock M.2 products at a glance

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The M.2 interface (2024)

FAQs

What is an M.2 interface? ›

M. 2 is a form factor specification that was introduced in 2012 and designed to replace the mSATA standard. The form factor specification spells out the physical size and shape of the SSD card you can connect to your system.

See More ›
What is the function of the M.2 port? ›

2, pronounced m dot two and formerly known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and associated connectors. M. 2 replaces the Mini-SATA (mSATA) standard, which uses the PCI Express Mini Card physical card layout and connectors.

See Details ›
What is the difference between U 2 and M.2 interface? ›

2 communicate to your motherboard via the PCIe bus, the port they use to physically connect to the motherboard is different. While M. 2 drives are placed directly on the board, U. 2 connects using a cable that looks like a double decker SATA.

Find Out More ›
What is the speed of M.2 interface? ›

By leveraging the PCIe bus, NVMe M.2 SSDs have theoretical transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps which is already faster compared to SATA M.2 SSDs with 6Gbps.

Get More Info ›
What are the advantages of M.2 interface? ›

M. 2 drives can accommodate NVMe SSDs, allowing them to take advantage of the faster speeds provided by the NVMe protocol. In addition to the ability to utilize a faster NVMe protocol, the advantages of an M. 2 size are its small size and easy direct-to-motherboard installation.

Show Me More ›
Is M.2 better than SSD? ›

M. 2 drives are extremely power efficient compared to other kinds of SSDs and take up less space. Additionally, they don't require cables of any kind to connect, and they are both smaller and faster than the widely used, 2.5-inch SSDs.

View Details ›
How do M.2 drives connect? ›

Insert the drive into the M. 2 PCIe slot. Connect the pins at a 30° angle. Press the end down flush with the screw mount and fasten the screw.

Explore More ›
Which M.2 port should I use? ›

On regular office and gaming PC motherboards, the M. 2 slot closest to the CPU will most often be the one that has the highest bandwidth, but always check your motherboard manual to make sure. This is especially important if you purchase a high-end SSD, such as one of these speedy M.

Keep Reading ›
What is the M.2 slot on a motherboard? ›

An M. 2 slot is a type of expansion slot found on modern motherboards that is primarily used for connecting solid-state drives (SSDs). These slots are designed to provide a high-speed interface between the motherboard and an M. 2 SSD, allowing for faster data transfer rates and improved system performance.

Get More Info ›
Why M.2 is a viable interface for a SSD? ›

NVMe M. 2 SSDs use the PCIe interface, which provides faster data transfer speeds than traditional SATA-based SSDs. This means that games will load faster when stored on an NVMe M.

Find Out More ›

Is M.2 different from PCIe? ›

M. 2 is the connection between the motherboard and the storage (or other) device. PCIe is the “cables” (traces) on the motherboard between the CPU and that M. 2 port.

See Details ›
Why is m 2 faster than SATA? ›

M. 2 SSDs are faster and store more data than most mSATA cards. M. 2 SSDs support a variety of interface standards such as PCIe 3.0, SATA 3.0 and USB 3.0 interfaces, compared to mSATA, which only supports SATA interface standards.

See More ›
Is M 2 slot faster than PCIe? ›

The M. 2 Slots closest to the CPU which are controlled by the CPU is the fastest for NVME Type SSDs. The PCIe expansion card probably will not make a difference since it is also PCIe 3.0, In fact it might even be slower than the M. 2 slot.

Read On ›
Is m 2 faster than HDD? ›

M. 2 NVME SSD - This is a connection type that tells you nothing about how fast the device can operate. Solid state drives (SSDs) are always faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDD).

Tell Me More ›
Are M.2 and NVMe the same? ›

The quick answer to the NVMe versus M. 2 question is that there is no versus at all. NVMe is the interface, and M. 2 is the latest form factor for SSDs.

Discover More ›
What is a M.2 connector on a motherboard? ›

An M.2 slot is a type of connector found on some motherboards that is used to connect M.2-compatible devices, such as solid-state drives (SSDs). M.2 slots are designed to be smaller and more flexible than traditional connectors, and they allow for faster data transfer speeds.

Explore More ›
What is NVMe management interface? ›

NVMe-MI technology provides an industry standard for management of NVMe devices in-band (through an operating system) and out-of-band (usually through a BMC, or baseboard management controller).

Find Out More ›
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