In earlier posts, we’ve coated the distinction between sure storage interfaces like SATA, M.2, and NVMe. With the continued proliferation of U.2 on increased finish motherboards and newer chipsets, the time has come to match M.2 vs U.2 as nicely – how are they identical, totally different, and which is finest for you?
What’s M.2?
M.2 is usually used to explain each the SSD kind issue and the connection that SSD makes use of to connect with the motherboard. M.2 drives are small – concerning the measurement of a 5-piece pack of gum and may are available SATA variations just like the Essential MX500 and NVMe variations just like the Samsung 980 Professional.
What’s U.2?
U.2 is one other SSD kind issue as soon as relegated completely to excessive finish workstations and server motherboards however has grow to be extra mainstream with not too long ago launched chipsets. U.2 drives use
an identical however distinctive motherboard connection to M.2 however can be found in 2.5” kind elements like most SATA SSD drives. They share a number of the identical efficiency traits as M.2 as we’ll focus on shortly, however usually are not interchangeable.
M.2 vs U.2 – How are they the identical?
Though they use distinctive port varieties, each NVMe M.2 and U.2 use the PCIe bus with x4 lanes to attach electrically to the PC. This implies each have the identical potential bandwidth that interface permits – 32 GB/s for PCIe 3.0. So although there could also be some efficiency gaps from mannequin to mannequin when evaluating M.2 and U.2, each forms of drive shall be in the identical vary on account of an absence of limitation from the bus like a SATA drive could have.
M.2 vs U.2 – How are they totally different?
Motherboard connection – Though each M.2 and U.2 talk to your motherboard through the PCIe bus, the port they use to bodily hook up with the motherboard is totally different. Whereas M.2 drives are positioned straight on the board, U.2 connects utilizing a cable that appears like a double decker SATA. The drive itself sits within the laborious drive cage with it’s different 2.5” brethren. As a result of they use much less bodily house motherboard producers can usually embody extra U.2 ports than M.2.- Type issue – Although M.2 and U.2 use the identical kind of flash reminiscence storage, they arrive in totally totally different kind elements. M.2 is a small, flat, board whereas U.2 is the two.5” kind issue you’re accustomed to from most SATA SSDs.
- Capability – Due to the bigger kind issue, U.2 has a better storage capability – round 4TB+ in comparison with the 2TB max from most M.2.
Which is finest?
That reply depends upon you. For many customers with common storage wants of 2TB or much less, an M.2 NVMe just like the Samsung 980 Sequence is quick, broadly accessible, and the only option. However for customers in want of extra excessive storage in both a single drive or RAID array, the scalability of U.2 is probably going interesting, assuming the motherboard helps them.
Nonetheless confused? Give our gross sales workforce a name at 804-419-0900 x1 for a consultative overview of your storage wants and help placing collectively the right customized desktop or workstation PC for you.
Josh has been with Velocity Micro since 2007 in varied Advertising, PR, and Gross sales associated roles. Because the Director of Gross sales & Advertising, he’s liable for all Direct and Retail gross sales in addition to Advertising actions. He enjoys Seinfeld reruns, the Atlanta Braves, and Beatles songs written by John, Paul, or George. Sorry, Ringo.
