M.2 vs U.2 – Velocity Micro Blog

In earlier posts, we’ve lined 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 nicely – how are they identical, totally different, and which is greatest for you?

What’s M.2?

M.2 is usually used to explain each the SSD type issue and the connection that SSD makes use of to hook up with the motherboard. M.2 drives are small – concerning the dimension of a 5-piece pack of gum and might are available in 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

the same however distinctive motherboard connection to M.2 however can be found in 2.5” type components like most SATA SSD drives. They share a number of the identical efficiency traits as M.2 as we’ll talk about shortly, however are usually not interchangeable.

M.2 vs U.2 – How are they the identical?

Although they use distinctive port sorts, 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 kinds of drive will probably be in the identical vary as a consequence of an absence of limitation from the bus like a SATA drive can have.

M.2 vs U.2 – How are they totally different?

• Motherboard connection – Although each M.2 and U.2 talk to your motherboard by way of the PCIe bus, the port they use to bodily hook up with the motherboard is totally different. Whereas M.2 drives are positioned immediately on the board, U.2 connects utilizing a cable that appears like a double decker SATA. The drive itself sits within the onerous drive cage with it’s different 2.5” brethren. As a result of they use much less bodily house motherboard producers can usually 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 fully totally different type components. M.2 is a small, flat, board whereas U.2 is the two.5” type issue you’re conversant in 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 is determined by you. For many customers with common storage wants of 2TB or much less, an M.2 NVMe just like the Samsung 980 Collection is quick, extensively out there, and your best 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 crew a name at 804-419-0900 x1 for a consultative overview of your storage wants and help placing collectively the proper custom desktop or workstation PC for you.

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Josh has been with Velocity Micro since 2007 in numerous Advertising, PR, and Gross sales associated roles. Because the Director of Gross sales & Advertising, he’s answerable 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.