M.2 SSD vs. SATA SSD: Which SSD is Right For PC’s?

Solid-State Drives (SSDs) have dramatically transformed data storage in recent years. They have rapidly replaced older mechanical hard drives (HDDs) due to their speed, reliability, and efficiency. Today, many users, whether they are building gaming rigs, handling large amounts of data, or simply improving a PC or laptop’s performance, prefer SSDs because of their quick data access and lower power consumption.

The advancement of SSD technology has led to multiple form factors and interfaces. Among these, two popular types are: SATA SSDs and M.2 SSDs. Choosing the correct SSD depends on various factors, such as speed requirements, budget, and the type of workload.

In this guide, we will compare the two primary types of SSDs: M.2 SSD vs. SATA SSD. We will discuss their key differences in terms of speed, compatibility, form factor, and cost.

What are SSDs?

SSDs or Solid-state Drives are a type of computer storage drives. They are considered a significant upgrade over hard disk drives (HDDs). These storage drives have a different architecture than HDDs. The traditional HDDs use a spinning magnetic disks and other mechanical parts to read and write data. The mechanical nature of HDDs limits their speed and increases the chances of failure over time.

In contrast, SSDs rely on flash memory, which use semiconductors for storing data. This eliminates moving parts and significantly boosts performance.

Unlike the moving parts of HDDs, an SSD has no spinning disk. Due to this difference, the data moves faster without latency. SSD is mostly installed as an internal storage drive and yet supports external installation. Over the course of years, SSD went through continuous advancements which lead to the introduction of various types.

What is a SATA SSD?

SATA SSDs, based on the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface, are a well-established storage technology. SATA emerged as a successor to older IDE connections and was originally designed for hard disk drives (HDDs).

Over the years, this interface transitioned from HDDs to SSDs. With SATA SSDs. consumers could move away from the slower, mechanical hard drives to faster and more reliable storage without changing their overall system infrastructure. SATA SSDs most commonly come in the 2.5-inch form factor, which is the same physical size as most standard laptop hard drives.

SATA SSDs use AHCI data transfer protocol to transfer data to the motherboard. The first-generation interface (SATA I) has a data transmission speed of only 150 MB/s. This speed doubled to 300 MB/s with the introduction of SATA interface 2 (SATA II). With the 3rd SATA interface (SATA III), the speed had been upgraded to 600 MB/s. The current SATA SSDs run on a sub-version of the SATA III.

Even though newer interfaces like NVMe now exist, SATA still remains widely popular due to its balance of performance, affordability, and compatibility. It uses a combination of SATA Cable and power cable to connect to the motherboard and power supply.

Advantages of SATA SSDs

• Affordability is one of the key advantages of SATA SSDs, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious users.
• They have a broad compatibility with older and newer systems.
• Installation is straightforward. Users only need a basic understanding of how to connect cables.
• SATA SSDs have a widespread availability in a plethora of capacities. This means that these drives are always easy to find, even in the second-hand market.

Disadvantages of SATA SSDs

• They are large and occupy lot of space (they usually come in a 2.5-inch form factor).
• With maximum speeds around 550 MB/s, SATA SSDs fall significantly short of NVMe SSDs.

What is an M.2 SSD?

Previously known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) SSDs, M.2 SSDs are compact versions of regular SSDs. Originally designed to reduce the physical footprint of storage devices, M.2 SSDs have quickly become popular in modern laptops and desktops.

The M.2 form factor is significantly smaller than the standard 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. They connect directly to the motherboard via an M.2 slot and eliminate the need for bulky cables. Even with a small size, these storage drives do not compromise their performance. They offer ample storage capacity, even beyond 2 TB.

Different Types of M.2 SSDs

One of the standout features of M.2 SSDs is their ability to use two different protocols: SATA and NVMe.

M.2 SATA SSDs, as the name suggests, utilize the SATA protocol but fit the M.2 form factor. They have the same speeds as traditional SATA SSDs, which typically max out around 550 MB/s. While M.2 SATA SSDs do not provide a performance boost over 2.5-inch SATA drives, they appeal to users who want a compact, cable-free solution.

On the other hand, M.2 NVMe SSDs use the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol. NVMe is a high-speed PCIe interface that can deliver dramatically faster speeds (NVMe-based M.2 SSDs can achieve read and write speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and even higher in some cases).

M.2 SSD Size

Dimension is an important parameter while selecting an M.2 SSD for your devices. Usually, the width of this SSD is fixed to the 22mm limit. The length however, has several options. The dimension of M.2 SSD can be determined by reading the 4 to 5 digits mentioned on the drive.

The first two digits of these numbers indicate the width of the SSD while the remaining digits give you an idea about the length. You might have heard of 2280 M.2 SSD. Here, 22 is the width of the card (22mm) while 80 is the length (80mm). The following table mentions some of the common M.2 sizes.

M.2 Key Configuration

Apart from different lengths, M.2 SSDs also have another important parameter, their key configuration (the type of connector), which determine the compatibility with specific slots on the motherboard.

M.2 SSDs mainly uses three different types of connectors to establish a connection with the motherboard: B, M, or both. The major difference between these three connectors is the placement of the key notch and the gap between the edge connector.

The B-type connector has its notch placed at a distance of six pins from the left side. The M-type notch has its notch placed at five pins distance from the right side. A combined connector called the B and M connector features a unique design. It has two different notches placed at a distance of six pins from the left and five pins from the right side. It is important to check the motherboard specification before selecting the connector type.

Advantages of M.2 SSDs

• 2 SSDs that use the NVMe protocol have read and write speeds far beyond traditional SATA SSDs
• They have a compact and sleek design. M.2 SSDs mount directly onto the motherboard.
• 2 SSDs are versatile as they come in both NVMe and SATA variants.

Disadvantages of M.2 SSDs

• NVMe-type M.2 SSDs tend to cost more than traditional SATA SSDs.
• Not all motherboards support NVMe M.2 drives. Even if a motherboard includes an M.2 slot, it may only support SATA-based M.2 SSDs.
• The high read and write speeds of M.2 NVMe SSDs generate significant heat.

M.2 SSD vs. SATA SSD: Key Differences

Performance

One of the significant difference between SATA and M.2 SSDs is in their performance. SATA SSDs, which rely on the SATA III interface, have a maximum theoretical speed of 600 MB/s (practically around 550 MB/s).

While this speed is sufficient for many users (especially when upgrading from a traditional hard drive), it feels severely limiting for more demanding applications (when handling large files or running programs that require fast data retrieval).

M.2 SSDs, particularly those using the NVMe, have much faster speeds. While M.2 SATA SSDs operate at the same speed as traditional SATA drives, M.2 NVMe SSDs can offer speeds in the range from 3,000 MB/s to 7,000 MB/s, depending on the PCIe generation (PCIe 3.0 or 4.0).

Form Factor and Design

The physical design of SATA and M.2 SSDs is also different. SATA SSDs follow the traditional 2.5-inch form factor, which mimics the size and shape of a laptop hard drive. This larger size requires a separate SATA cable to connect the SSD to the motherboard, and an additional power cable. The use of these cables can create clutter inside a desktop case, especially in builds where space is tight or airflow is important.

On the other hand, M.2 SSDs have a much more compact, card-like design. These drives mount directly onto the motherboard using a dedicated M.2 slot and eliminates the need for cables.

This design not only makes installation easier but also improves airflow within the system.

Protocol and Interface

SATA SSDs, as the name suggests, rely solely on the SATA protocol, which has been around since 2000. While SATA remains one of the most commonly supported interfaces across desktop and laptop systems, its aging technology limits the maximum data transfer rate to 600 MB/s.

SATA SSDs have a broad compatibility across a wide range of systems, from older desktops to newer laptops. Most desktop motherboards come equipped with multiple SATA ports, making it easy to add or upgrade to a SATA SSD without needing specialized components.

M.2 SSDs, however, are much more flexibility. They can use either the SATA protocol or the NVMe protocol. M.2 SATA SSDs function in the same way as traditional SATA SSDs but use the more compact M.2 form factor. Coming to M.2 NVMe SSDs, they take full advantage of the PCIe lanes with dramatically faster data transfers.

NVMe operates with lower latency, multiple command queues, and higher IOPS (input/output operations per second). However, users need to verify that their motherboard supports the NVMe protocol to take advantage of these faster speeds (might not be a problem with most recent motherboards).

Price

The price difference between SATA SSDs and M.2 SSDs (especially the NVMe variants) is huge. SATA SSDs are generally more affordable. The price-per-gigabyte cost of SATA SSDs has decreased over the years, and many budget-friendly options provide solid performance for general computing needs.

M.2 NVMe SSDs, due to their superior speed and advanced technology, come at a higher price point. Users can expect to pay more for NVMe drives, especially when opting for the latest PCIe 4.0 models, which offer even faster performance.

How to Choose the Right SSD?

The first step in choosing the right SSD is analyzing your usage patterns as different tasks demand different storage speeds and capacities. If you frequently engage in gaming, multimedia editing, or other intensive tasks, you’ll need faster storage to minimize delays and boost performance. M.2 NVMe SSDs, known for their high read and write speeds, could dramatically reduce load times and improve responsiveness in these scenarios.

M.2 NVMe SSDs outperform SATA SSDs, but this boost in speed isn’t always necessary for every user. If your daily activities consist of web browsing, document editing, or watching videos, a SATA SSD may serve you just as well. It has a reliable performance at a fraction of the cost.

Older motherboard supports may not support the faster M.2 NVMe drives. So, first check what slots and connections are available before making a purchase. If your motherboard only supports M.2 SATA, you won’t gain the speed advantages of an NVMe drive.

SATA SSDs typically cost less than M.2 NVMe drives. For example, you can find high-quality SATA SSDs in the 1 TB range for around $50 to $100. However, if you have room in your budget, you can invest in an M.2 NVMe SSD. These drives can range from $80 to $150 for a 1 TB model, depending on the brand and generation (PCIe 3.0 vs. PCIe 4.0).

Conclusion

SSDs have become popular since they were first introduced to the market. They have been efficiently replacing HDDs thanks to their high performance. SATA SSDs have remained a popular choice for many users due to their balance of price and performance. On the other hand, M.2 NVMe SSDs have emerged as the go-to option for users seeking the fastest storage available today.

The choice between SATA and M.2 SSDs largely depends on what the user requires in terms of speed, compatibility, and affordability.

As SSD technology continues to advance, we are already seeing the next generation of storage solutions with PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD with speeds that could exceed 10,000 MB/s. While this might not be necessary for most users today, the trend toward faster storage will make future systems more powerful and efficient.