M.2 vs SATA: What's the Difference and How to Install [2024 Guide]

Updated By

Linda 

Authored By

Tracy King 

Last Updated on April 22, 2024

In reality, the world of solid-state drives (SSDs) is filled with various terms. Two of the most popular types you'll come across are M.2 and SATA. If you're considering buying an SSD, you've probably encountered these terms. However, like any other technology, SSDs have their fair share of unique terms.

For the average consumer, understanding them can get confusing, especially for those not familiar with computer internal components. One of the most common sources of confusion is the distinction between m.2 and SATA. But fret not, as we're here to clear things up.

Here, you'll learn the differences between a m.2 SSD vs SATA SSD to help you determine which is best for your computer. Read on to learn more.

#1 **What are M.2 and SATA SSDs?** M.2 and SATA SSDs are two different types of Solid State Drives (SSDs) designed to enhance a computer's storage speed and performance. **M.2 SSD:** M.2, also known as NGFF (Next Generation Form Factor), is a compact interface specification intended for installing storage devices in laptops, desktops, and tablets. M.2 SSDs typically use either the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) or SATA interface, with PCIe being more common due to its higher data transfer speeds. Known for their small size, M.2 SSDs come in various lengths (such as 2280, 2260, 2242, etc.) and do not require additional cables, as they directly slot into an M.2 socket on the motherboard. **SATA SSD:** A SATA SSD adheres to the traditional SATA interface standard, utilizing the same interface as a mechanical hard disk drive (HDD). It offers significantly faster read and write speeds compared to a traditional HDD, albeit at a slightly slower pace than an M.2 SSD. The maximum theoretical speed for SATA interfaces is 6 Gbps, while M.2 PCIe SSDs can achieve speeds several times or even tens of times higher. SATA SSDs commonly have a standard 2.5-inch form factor and require data and power cables to connect to corresponding interfaces on the motherboard. In summary, M.2 SSDs excel in both speed and compactness, making them ideal for users demanding high performance, while SATA SSDs provide a cost-effective and widely compatible option.

Well, SSDs (solid-state drives) have the advantages of being smaller in size, faster read and write speeds, and they're totally silent compared to HDDs (hard disk drives). Basically, SSDs outperform HDDs. That's why more and more computer users are opting for them. One effective way to speed up an old computer is to replace the old hard drive with a new SSD.

The problem comes when choosing a specific model or type, as the SSD's interface will also influence its performance. To help you out with this concept, we'll explain the definitions of both m.2 SSD and SATA SSD.

An M.2 SSD (Solid State Drive) is a type of storage device designed for use in compact and high-speed storage solutions. The "M.2" refers to an interface specification, formerly known as the "Next Generation Form Factor" (NGFF), commonly employed in laptops, desktops, and other mobile devices. This SSD is significantly smaller than a traditional 2.5-inch SSD or HDD, resembling a long, rectangular card. M.2 SSDs utilize the PCI Express (PCIe) interface, offering faster data transfer speeds compared to SATA interfaces. They support the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol, enabling higher read and write speeds, making them suitable for applications requiring rapid boot times and extensive data processing. Additionally, M.2 SSDs come in various lengths (such as 2242, 2260, 2280, etc.) to accommodate the space requirements of different devices.

An M.2 SSD is a type of solid-state drive (SSD). It's an expansion card for internal storage that connects to your device. Its purpose is to provide high-performance storage in power-constrained and thin devices, like tablets and ultrabooks. However, many desktop computers also use this technology. They're smaller than other SSDs, like mSATA ones.

M.2 SSD is the next generation of mSATA technology, essentially revised and enhanced. Due to its compact form factor for mechanical structures, M.2 only comes in the form of an SSD. M.2 is an interface specification that supports various applications and protocols such as PCI Express (PCIe) and SATA.

For average performance and speed test results of M.2 SSDs, you can click the link for more information.

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

This article will provide you with detailed answers about M.2 SSD performance and offer you a convenient and professional tool to check the M.2 performance.

A SATA SSD (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment Solid State Drive) is a type of solid-state drive that utilizes the SATA interface. It replaces conventional hard disk drives by employing NAND-based flash memory to store data, offering faster read and write speeds, lower power consumption, and higher durability. The SATA SSD connects to the computer's motherboard via the SATA interface, providing better performance and reliability compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). However, it is slightly slower than the latest NVMe SSDs.

A SATA SSD is a solid-state drive that uses the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface. The SATA interface employs the Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) protocol. SATA SSDs are the most widespread and popular solution, compatible with most desktops and laptops.

A SATA SSD uses a 2.5-inch enclosure. A SATA SSD looks similar to a laptop hard drive; it's a flat, rectangular shape. A computer with a SATA SSD has 3-4 times the bandwidth of a computer with a hard drive.

Is M.2 better than SATA? What's the difference between M.2 and SATA?

When choosing an SSD, you might find it challenging to pick the right one that suits your needs. To help you make an informed decision before purchasing, here's a comparison of m.2 SSD vs SATA SSD, covering all the significant factors.

· Capacity:

Smaller capacity M.2 SSDs come in 32GB and 64GB sizes, which are suited for embedded applications or SSD caching purposes. For PC builders or upgraders, these smaller capacity M.2 SSDs hold very little interest. Typical capacities for M.2 SSDs are 120GB or 128GB; 240GB, 250GB, or 256GB; 480GB, 500GB, or 512GB; 960GB or 1TB; and up to 2TB. SATA SSDs can range in capacity from 120GB up to 4TB.

· Interface:

An M.2 SSD is a solid-state drive that uses the M.2 interface. M.2, also known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), was specifically designed for ultrabooks as a replacement for the mSATA interface. The M.2 interface comes in two types: Key M (Socket 3) and Key B (Socket 2). The Key M interface supports the PCI-E 3.0 x2 bus standard, while it may also support either the NVMe protocol or the AHCI protocol over the SATA bus standard.

For SATA SSDs, they use the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface. There are currently three different versions of the SATA SSD interface. The popular SATA SSD revision is SATA Revision 3.0, which was released by the SATA-IO (Serial ATA International Organization) in 2009. The SATA interface primarily employs the Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) protocol.

Reading speed:

An M.2 2280 SSD (22 millimeters by 80 millimeters) can achieve read speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s, while a SATA-based 2280 SSD tops out at around 550 MB/s.

· Writing speed:

An M.2 SSD can write data at up to 2,700 MB/s, while a SATA SSD tops out at 520 MB/s.

· Price:

The prices of SATA SSDs and M.2 SSDs vary depending on the manufacturer. Generally, you can expect to find a 500GB SATA SSD, a 1TB SATA SSD, and a 2TB SATA SSD priced around $60, $140, and $250, respectively. On the other hand, a 500GB M.2 SSD, a 1TB M.2 SSD, and a 2TB M.2 SSD usually have average prices of about $70, $220, and $400, respectively. Keep in mind that these are approximate average prices, and actual costs may vary based on brand, performance, and other factors.

If you want to know the specifics about your SATA SSD, such as its read and write speeds or its health status, you would need to run a benchmark using specialized tools.

Now that we've covered all the major comparison points, you might be wondering which one you should buy. Well, it all depends on your needs, compatibility, and budget. Consider the following to make an informed decision:

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly solution, go for a 2.5-inch SATA SSD. It might not be the top performer, but it's plenty for everyday use. If you have a smaller computer or a laptop without space for a 2.5-inch drive, consider an M.2 SATA SSD. They're also reasonably priced. For those with a modern computer, an M.2 PCIe SSD is worth considering. They're not overly expensive and offer better performance. Professionals who need quick access to files and applications would benefit from using an M.2 PCIe SSD. If capacity is your priority over performance, then a SATA SSD would be the way to go.

Can I use both M.2 and SATA SSDs at the same time? Here's how

Now that we've cleared up the differences between M.2 and SATA, let's move on to an important and frequently asked question: "Can I use both an M.2 and a SATA SSD at the same time?" The answer is yes! You can indeed use both an M.2 SATA SSD and a regular SATA SSD simultaneously, but your desktop computer needs to have an M.2 slot for this. Here's how you can do it:

First off, install the M.2 and SATA SSDs.

Here's a step-by-step guide to installing an M.2 and SATA SSD:

Step 1: Remove the screw securing the SATA SSD or M.2 bracket opposite the slot you'll be using.

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Step 2: Carefully insert the M.2 SSD or SATA SSD into its slot. Gently push the SSD into the slot until it clicks into place.

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Step 3: Secure the SSD with the mounting screws.

Second, install the M.2 and SATA SSDs.

Formatting an M.2 and SATA SSD might be quite challenging for you, especially when you know little to nothing about computer components. But you can easily initialize your SSD with the Partition Master Tool. It's one of the best disk management utilities that you can use. With just a few clicks, it allows you to initialize either an HDD or SSD. Here are some of the features of the Partition Master Tool:

1. **Initialize SSD with Partition Master Tool**

Here are the steps to initialize an SSD (Solid State Drive):

Step 1: Launch Partition Master and go to the “Partition Management” page.

Step 2: Right-click on the target disk - HDD or SSD, and choose "Initialize as MBR" or "Initialize as GPT." Click "Perform Tasks" and then "Apply" to save the changes.

0:00-0:18 - Initialize as MBR; 0:19-0:44 - Initialize as GPT;

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2. Use the New Disk Wizard in the disk partitioning tool to create partitions.

After initialization, you can use a tool like GParted to create partitions and set the file system. You will need to:

Step 1: Launch Partition Master and enter the partition management. Click “Partition this disk” in the pop-up New Disk Wizard window.

Step 2: Specify the number of partitions you want to create and select the partition style for your disk – MBR or GPT.

Alternatively, you can accept the default settings provided by the “Partition Wizard.” When you're done, click “Proceed.”

Step 3: Click “Run 1 Task” and then “Apply” to partition the new HDD/SSD or external hard drive.

Conclusions

That's it for this article. The main difference between M.2 SSD and SATA SSD lies in the fact that M.2 SSD supports multiple storage and non-storage interfaces.

So it's more of a form factor. On the other hand, SATA is a bus interface, specifically for storage devices.

When choosing the best SSD for different purposes, an M.2 PCIe SSD is ideal for a gaming PC. For Windows 10, a SATA SSD is the preferred option.

However, depending on your needs, you can choose the best driver for your device.