NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) and SATA (Serial ATA) are interfaces between your SSD and the rest of your computer. SATA arrived in 2003 and was instrumental in helping modern HDDs increase their transfer speeds. SATA was later used in SSDs to communicate between the drive and the rest of the system. As such, there are SATA HDDs and SATA SSDs. NVMe, on the other hand, is a newer interface and was solely created for use in SSDs. NVMe SSDs use the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (simply known as PCIe) bandwidth, a general-purpose interface standard found on motherboards for connecting high-speed components like graphics cards and SSDs.
Under PCIe, there are two standards. They include AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) and NVMe. AHCI is older and was created for use in HDDs but later utilized in SSDs. On the other hand, NVMe is the newer and better standard made solely for use in SSDs. NVMe delivers faster performance and is one of the key reasons why NVMe SSDs are more expensive than their SATA counterparts for the same amount of storage. However, although NVMe SSDs are faster, there are reasons why you should stick to SATA SSDs instead of jumping straight to the NVMe standard. Depending on the interface used, you'll see SSDs labeled as SATA or PCIe. There are different factors to consider when choosing between SATA and PCIe SSDs. As mentioned previously, PCIe SSDs can use the older AHCI driver or the newer NVMe driver. But if speed is all you care about, then pick an NVMe over a PCIe SSD with the AHCI driver. Also, keep in mind that the maximum transfer speeds vary depending on the PCIe generation. M.2 Is an SSD Form Factor: Aside from NVMe and SATA, M.2 is also a common term in the SSD space. But what is an M.2 SSD? Simply put, an M.2 SSD is an SSD in the M.2 form factor. M.2 is what was previously called the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF). While NVMe SSDs exclusively use the M.2 form factor, SATA SSDs are available in the standard 2.5-inch form factor and the smaller and slimmer M.2 form factor. Most modern SATA SSDs come in the 2.5-inch form factor. However, you'll find M.2 SSDs in ultrathin laptops, tablets, and mini PCs. M.2 was developed by the SATA International Organization and a consortium of industry players. It is often referred to as a replacement for mini Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (mSATA) SSDs. Although mSATA is older, you can still buy SSDs with the interface off the shelf. In conclusion, there are different types of M.2 SSDs, including SATA SSDS, PCIe NVMe SSDs, and PCIe AHCI SSDs. So, remember that M.2 only tips on the form factor and doesn't tell you much about the interface used, which is equally, if not more important. Understand NVMe, SATA, and M.2 SSDs: You'll come across many insider terms when shopping for an SSD. However, don't let all of that jargon confuse you. As detailed above, the main difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs is the interface used—NVMe uses a PCIe interface while SATA SSDs use a SATA interface. On the other hand, M.2 is an SSD form factor often used to incorporate high-performance storage in high-end gaming rigs, ultra-portable laptops, and tablets. You can get SATA and PCIe SSDs in the M.2 form factor. More often than not, these terms are combined. You'll find someone talking about their new M.2 NVMe SSD or M.2 SATA SSD.
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