How to Check M.2 SSD Performance [3 Effective Methods]

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Cici 

Updated on April 19, 2024

Key Takeaways:

Translate the following text into English: - Understand the average performance of M.2 SSDs and the most crucial metrics. - Learn to accurately run M.2 SSD performance tests using benchmarking software.

There are two main types of SSD: SATA SSD and M.2 SSD. M.2 SSDs also refer to NVMe M.2 drives, which typically connect to the motherboard.

This article will assist you in comprehending the performance of M.2 SSDs. It will also present three methods to conduct M.2 SSD performance tests on your computer. Continue reading to gain more knowledge about M.2 SSD performance.

View Required Tools to Test M.2 SSD Performance:

Overview of M.2 SSD Performance

M.2 SSD is a form factor that accommodates various protocols and applications such as PCle and SATA. For enhanced speed, the NVMe interface can also be utilized. As it connects directly to the motherboard, M.2 drives enable a tidier computer interior. M.2 SSDs are capable of replacing existing 2.5-inch storage drives.

Having learned the basics about M.2 SSDs, we will now delve into their performance from two perspectives:

Metrics for Measuring M.2 SSDs: 1. Sequential Read/Write Speed: This measures the speed at which data can be read from or written to the SSD in a continuous, linear manner. It's usually expressed in megabytes per second (MB/s). 2. Random Read/Write Speed: This metric assesses the SSD's performance when accessing small, scattered data blocks. It's crucial for multitasking and is measured in input/output operations per second (IOPS). 3. Latency: This is the time it takes for the SSD to respond to a data request. Lower latency means faster access times. It's often measured in microseconds (μs). 4. endurance: This refers to the total amount of data that can be written to the SSD before its performance degrades significantly. It's usually specified in terabytes written (TBW) or drive writes per day (DWPD). 5. Power Consumption: This measures how much power the SSD uses during operation, which affects battery life in portable devices. It's typically given in watts (W). 6. Form Factor: The physical size of the M.2 SSD, which can be 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110, indicating the length in millimeters. 7. Interface: The type of connection used, such as SATA or NVMe, which determines the maximum possible speed. 8. Thermal Throttle: This refers to the SSD's ability to manage heat, reducing performance when temperatures get too high to prevent damage. 9. Error Correction Code (ECC): A feature that detects and corrects errors during data transfer, ensuring data integrity. 10. Reliability: This encompasses factors like mean time between failures (MTBF) and the warranty period, reflecting the expected lifespan of the SSD.

As a storage device, M.2 SSDs come in two primary drive types: SATA M.2 SSDs and NVMe SSDs. When selecting an SSD, the main considerations are usually its storage capacity and read/write speed performance.

However, according to a report provided by Seagate, speed is one of the most important indicators of hard drive performance:

M.2 SSD performance also encompasses benchmark testing of M.2 SSDs. Typical specifications for assessing M.2 SSD speed performance usually involve:

• Throughput: Measures the drive's speed transfer rate.
• IOPS: Calculates the number of input/output operations per second.
• Latency: The result of the SSD's response time.
• 4K: The speed at which multiple small files can be written.

These factors are all crucial metrics that influence M.2 SSD performance. To obtain a more precise understanding of M.2 SSD benchmarks, it's essential to be aware of the typical read and write speeds for a standard M.2 SSD.

Performance of a Typical M.2 SSD:

Storage performance specifications for M.2 SSDs include capacities ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB. Read and write speeds for M.2 SSDs can reach as high as 5000 MB/sec, which is up to 10 times faster than a typical solid-state drive. Furthermore, M.2 SSDs boast a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) rating of 2 million hours.

The M.2 SSD is ideal for applications demanding high speed, such as gaming, video editing, or transferring large files. It is perfectly suited for the latest generation of desktops and laptops.

How to Perform an M.2 SSD Speed Test

To fully leverage the superior performance of an M.2 SSD, it's crucial to conduct regular SSD performance tests. This article presents three methods to run M.2 SSD benchmark tests on Windows for quicker issue resolution. You can assess your M.2 SSD's performance using professional SSD benchmark tools - specifically, the Partition Master software.

Or you can try Windows built-in tools. Refer to the comparison table to choose which one is more appropriate for testing the performance of your M.2 SSD.

As you can see, if you're not familiar with commands, tools like Partition Master are the best options for checking NVMe M.2 SSD performance. Best of all, it's free to use. Read on to learn the detailed steps.

Run M.2 SSD Performance Test via Tools - Partition Master

Tools Partition Master Free offers the DiskMark feature to scan and check M.2 SSD speed. Regarding testing M.2 SSD performance and speed, the tool provides the following facilities:

• Perform speed tests with just one click.
• Get accurate data about the drive.
• Allows users to export and analyze data.
Translation:
• Conduct speed tests with a single click.
• Obtain accurate information about the drive.
• Enables users to export and analyze data.

Next, follow these steps to check M.2 performance on Windows:

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click the download button to activate the "DiskMark" feature under the "Tools" section.

Step 2. Click the drop-down box to select the target drive, test data, and block size.

Step 3. After configuring everything, click "Start" to initiate the disk test. You will then see the Sequential or Random read/write speed, I/O, and Delay data.

tools Partition Master is a powerful and full-featured software that can also check hard drive health and fix bad sectors. If you encounter any disk or partition errors, you can rely on this tool.

Run M.2 SSD Performance Test via Task Manager

If you don't wish to utilize a third-party application, Windows offers a built-in utility - the Task Manager - to assist you in testing your SSD's performance. However, the Task Manager can only determine the read and write speeds of the SSD. For more detailed information, you'll need to rely on tools like Partition Master. Here are the steps to check the status of your M.2 SSD:

Step 1. Choose "Task Manager" from the menu when you right-click the bottom of the Task Bar.

Step 2. From the menu at the top of the newly opened window, choose "Performance."

Step 3. Select the target M.2 SSD and view its read/write data.

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Run M.2 SSD Performance Test via Command Prompt

If you're accustomed to managing and operating your hard drive via the command line, Windows provides the Command Prompt to assist you in checking the speed and performance of your M.2 SSD. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions:

< strong >Step 1. < /strong> Click < strong >Windows+R < /strong> to open a command line window.

Step 2. Type cmd to open a new window.

Step 3. Type winsat disk -drive c and wait a moment.

You can also check SSD speed via CMD. Make sure not to enter incorrect parameters when using CMD, as this might result in data loss.

Bonus Tip: How to Improve M.2 SSD Performance Translation: Bonus Tip: How to Enhance the Performance of M.2 SSD

Using the methods above, you can easily test the performance and speed of M.2 SSDs. If you encounter any suboptimal performance with your M.2 SSD, you can find solutions in this section:

For M.2 SSD Storage Performance:

The storage performance specifications for M.2 SSDs typically range from 256 GB to 2 TB of storage capacity. If the SSD is incorrectly specified without any apparent reason, the issues might stem from an incorrect MBR (Master Boot Record) partition style, the presence of virtual memory paging files/hibernation files, or compatibility issues with the system.

You can resolve this issue by following these steps:

• Converting the MBR to GPT
• Resetting the virtual memory page file
• Using an unallocated space expansion volume
These are already in English. If you meant to have them translated into another language, please specify which language you need them translated into.

To learn more about the options, click the link below for details.

SSD Reports Incorrect Size? Reasons and Solutions Here!

In this article, we will tackle the issue of SSDs showing incorrect size, along with possible causes. Readers can learn how to effectively resolve this problem and maintain optimal SSD performance.

For M.2 SSD Speed Performance:

M.2 SSDs provide read and sequential write speeds of up to 3,500 MB/sec and 3,000 MB/sec, respectively, with a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) rating of 2 million hours. Using tools like Partition Master, you can run an M.2 SSD benchmark test, save the results, and export the report. A decline in M.2 SSD performance might be attributed to insufficient disk space, incorrect configuration, or inadequate RAM capacity.

You can enhance SSD performance by:

Translating these sentences into American English:
• Expanding the partition to get more space
• Updating the SSD's firmware
• Setting the correct boot order

If you find your M.2 SSD slow, click the following link to improve the SSD read/write speed:

How to Improve SSD Read and Write Speed [100% Working Solutions]

If you're experiencing slow SSD performance, follow this guide. You'll find various solutions to enhance SSD read and write speeds, providing a better PC experience.

Conclusion

Compared to SATA SSDs, NVMe M.2 SSDs focus more on performance. Utilizing PCIe x2 or x4 lanes and the NVMe protocol, M.2 SSDs can achieve transfer speeds of up to 5000 MB/s.

This passage offers three ways to run the M.2 SSD benchmark test. You can use Windows built-in tools, such as Task Manager and CMD. But both tools will require some computer knowledge, and you can only get rough data about your SSD. Luckily, tools like Partition Master break the limitations of those built-in tools, and they can help you better manage your drives.

Frequently Asked Questions About M.2 SSD Performance

You should have a clearer understanding of M.2 SSD performance by now. If you're still confused, keep reading the FAQ section. Hopefully, it will be of assistance to you.

< strong > 1. Is M.2 faster than SSD? < /strong > Yes, generally speaking, M.2 SSDs can be faster than traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs due to their use of the NVMe protocol and PCIe interface, which offer higher data transfer speeds. However, it's important to note that not all M.2 SSDs use NVMe; some still use the AHCI protocol, which would perform similarly to a SATA SSD.

M.2 is a type of SSD that uses different bus interfaces and bandwidth from regular SATA SSDs. M.2 SSDs are significantly faster than regular SSDs. SATA SSDs have a maximum speed of around 560 MB/s, while M.2 SSDs can reach up to 5,000 MB/s.

2. Does an M.2 SSD affect performance?

An M.2 SSD won't slow you down. With support for multiple interface standards, M.2 SSDs are faster and have more storage capacity than most mSATA cards.

< strong > 3. How fast is an M.2 SSD? < /strong >

In comparison to SATA M.2 SSDs with 6Gbps, NVMe M.2 SSDs have theoretical transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps – that's already faster.

There can be several reasons why your M.2 SSD might become slow. Insufficient RAM, outdated BIOS firmware, lack of disk space, and the disabling of the TRIM command can all impact the speed of the SSD.