M2 drives are a new type of drive that is becoming more popular. They are faster than SSDs, In this post, we will compare M2 drives and SSDs to find out which one is the faster. We will also look at the pros and cons of each type of drive.
There are several factors that contribute to how fast a computer will perform when using a specific hardware component such as an M2 or an SSD hard drive. The type of file being accessed also has an impact on how fast the computer performs, so does the IO load. For example, when copying a file that’s roughly 3GB in size, which uses random data to read and write information, M2 drives will be 95% slower than SSDs.
SSDs are common drives that are now standard issue for most computers, as is the case across Apple’s line of Macs. Rather than using disks, motors, and read/write heads like hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs use persistent flash memory to retain information. SSDs have become so common mainly because they hold an advantage over HDDs for performing at higher speeds and using less power.
Drive speed
Remember that SATA M.2 drives and 2.5 inch SSDs provide the same level of speed, so to gain a performance increase, you will have to opt for the NVMe-connected drives. While NVMe SSDs are going to be much faster than SATA drives, you may also need to upgrade your processor to keep up or you may experience worse performance. Finally, remember to check read and write speeds on a drive as some earlier generations of NVMe drives can have different speeds.
Drive capacity
SATA drives usually range from 500GB to 16TB in storage capacity. Most M.2 drives top out at 2TB, although some may be available at 4TB and 8TB models at much higher prices.
Size
M.2 is a new form factor for SSDs that plug directly into a computer’s motherboard without the need for any extra cables. M.2 SSDs are significantly smaller than traditional, 2.5 inch SSDs, so they have become popular in gaming setups because they take up less space.
Even at this smaller size, M.2 SSDs are able to hold as much data as other SSDs, ranging up to 8TB in storage size. But, while they can hold just as much data and are generally faster than other SSDs, they also come at a higher cost. As the old adage goes
People who are looking to improve their gaming setup with an M.2 SSD will need to make sure their motherboard has a M.2 slot or two. If your computer has two or more slots, you can run the drives in RAID.
Check capability
Check the capability of your system before choosing a drive, as some older devices don’t have the components needed for NVMe connections. Also, check that you have enough PCIe connections to support multiple PCIe devices. Not enough lanes, or only specific lanes, means you may have to choose a different drive or that only one of your lanes will be able to connect to the NVMe drive at full speed.
If you need a fast drive that is more reliable than a traditional hard disk drive, then an SSD is the better option. However, if you are looking for a lot of storage space and don’t mind sacrificing some speed, then an M2 drive is a better option.
