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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 greater finish motherboards and newer chipsets, the time has come to match M.2 vs U.2 as effectively – how are they similar, totally different, and which is greatest for you?
What’s M.2?
Normal M.2 type issue drive.
M.2 is commonly used to explain each the SSD type issue and the connection that SSD makes use of to connect with the motherboard. M.2 drives are small – concerning the dimension of a 5-piece pack of gum and might 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 type issue as soon as relegated completely to excessive finish workstations and server motherboards however has develop into extra mainstream with just lately launched chipsets. U.2 drives use
Normal U.2 type issue and connection sort.
an analogous however distinctive motherboard connection to M.2 however can be found in 2.5” type elements like most SATA SSD drives. They share lots of the identical efficiency traits as M.2 as we’ll talk about shortly, however should not interchangeable.
M.2 vs U.2 – How are they the identical?
Although 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 varieties of drive might be in the identical vary on account of a scarcity of limitation from the bus like a SATA drive may have.
M.2 vs U.2 – How are they totally different?
Motherboard connection – Although 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 instantly on the board, U.2 connects utilizing a cable that appears like a double decker SATA. The drive itself sits within the exhausting drive cage with it’s different 2.5” brethren. As a result of they use much less bodily house motherboard producers can typically embody extra U.2 ports than M.2.
Type issue – Although M.2 and U.2 use the identical sort of flash reminiscence storage, they arrive in solely totally different type elements. M.2 is a small, flat, board whereas U.2 is the two.5” type issue you’re accustomed to from most SATA SSDs.
Capability – Due to the bigger type issue, U.2 has the next storage capability – round 4TB+ in comparison with the 2TB max from most M.2.
Which is greatest?
That reply will depend on 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, extensively obtainable, 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 evaluate of your storage wants and help placing collectively the proper customized desktop or workstation PC for you.
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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.
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