M 2 Key Types

The m 2 platform is versatile and supports a wide variety of m 2 cards.

M 2 key types.

M 2 formerly known as the next generation form factor ngff is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and associated connectors. You will find the key type labeled on or near the edge connector or gold fingers of the ssd. Each key exposes a different set of interfaces to each card m 2 can connect directly to the pci express bus but different pins can be used to connect to the usb 2 0 and 3 0 buses sata iii. In addition to the different physical sizes m 2 drives are further complicated by the fact that different m 2 drives connect to the system.

This asymmetrical layout prevents users from reversing the m 2 ssds and attempting to plug a b keyed m 2 ssd. The m 2 specification identifies 12 key ids on the module card and socket interface but m 2 ssds typically use three common keys. M 2 key types posted by mya larkin on september 21 2019 how to distinguish the differences between m 2 cards m 2 ngff ssd compatibility list m 2 m key pcie nvme ssd to 2013 2017 macbook 12 16 pin ssd new ngff m 2 key a wifi bluetooth card to mini pci e. M 2 logical interfaces.

B m or b m while a socket can only have one key. Ssd can only be installed one way. The different key types are often labeled on or near the edge connector or gold fingers of the m 2 ssd and also on the m 2 socket. M 2 cards can be configured with different hardware and functionality within the m 2 platform to suit the individual needs of the system and provide an array of configuration options for the user.

For example the asus z97 a lists the m 2 slot as m 2 socket 3 with m key type 2260 2280 so it supports drives that are 22mm wide and either 60mm or 80mm long with a m key. Since m 2 is designed to be used with so many different kinds of devices it has some frustratingly similar looking ports. While the m 2 standard uses the same 22 millimeter wide slot for all cards it s not necessarily the exact same slot. An m 2 ssd socket can only have one type of key but an m 2 ssd drive can have keyways cut for multiple keys if it supports those socket types.

Key id b pins 12 19 gives pcie ssds up to two lanes pcie x2 of connectivity and key id m pins 59 66 provides pcie ssds with up to four lanes pcie x4 of connectivity and correspondingly higher. As the key positions of b and m are slightly different the m. B m and b m. While physical size is the easiest observable way to distinguish the difference between cards the m 2 standard uses a.

Currently an m 2 ssd has either one of three key types. Note that b keyed m 2 ssds have a different number of pins at the edge 6 vs.