M 2 Key Types

M 2 key types posted by mya larkin on september 21 2019 how to distinguish the differences between m 2 cards m 2 ngff ssd compatibility list m 2 m key pcie nvme ssd to 2013 2017 macbook 12 16 pin ssd new ngff m 2 key a wifi bluetooth card to mini pci e.

M 2 key types.

Since m 2 is designed to be used with so many different kinds of devices it has some frustratingly similar looking ports. As the key positions of b and m are slightly different the m. While the m 2 standard uses the same 22 millimeter wide slot for all cards it s not necessarily the exact same slot. Ssd can only be installed one way.

This asymmetrical layout prevents users from reversing the m 2 ssds and attempting to plug a b keyed m 2 ssd. While physical size is the easiest observable way to distinguish the difference between cards the m 2 standard uses a. An m 2 ssd socket can only have one type of key but an m 2 ssd drive can have keyways cut for multiple keys if it supports those socket types. Each key exposes a different set of interfaces to each card m 2 can connect directly to the pci express bus but different pins can be used to connect to the usb 2 0 and 3 0 buses sata iii.

B m and b m. B m or b m while a socket can only have one key. In addition to the different physical sizes m 2 drives are further complicated by the fact that different m 2 drives connect to the system. The different key types are often labeled on or near the edge connector or gold fingers of the m 2 ssd and also on the m 2 socket.

For example the asus z97 a lists the m 2 slot as m 2 socket 3 with m key type 2260 2280 so it supports drives that are 22mm wide and either 60mm or 80mm long with a m key. M 2 formerly known as the next generation form factor ngff is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and associated connectors. The m 2 platform is versatile and supports a wide variety of m 2 cards. M 2 replaces the msata standard which uses the pci express mini card physical card layout and connectors.

M 2 cards can be configured with different hardware and functionality within the m 2 platform to suit the individual needs of the system and provide an array of configuration options for the user. M keyed m 2 ssds 5. M 2 logical interfaces. Currently an m 2 ssd has either one of three key types.

Key id b pins 12 19 gives pcie ssds up to two lanes pcie x2 of connectivity and key id m pins 59 66 provides pcie ssds with up to four lanes pcie x4 of connectivity and correspondingly higher. The m 2 specification identifies 12 key ids on the module card and socket interface but m 2 ssds typically use three common keys.