M 2 Key Types

This asymmetrical layout prevents users from reversing the m 2 ssds and attempting to plug a b keyed m 2 ssd.

M 2 key types.

M 2 replaces the msata standard which uses the pci express mini card physical card layout and connectors. Currently an m 2 ssd has either one of three key types. As the key positions of b and m are slightly different the m. B m and b m.

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. 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. B m or b m while a socket can only have one key. The m 2 specification identifies 12 key ids on the module card and socket interface but m 2 ssds typically use three common keys.

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. Employing a more flexible physical specification the m 2 allows different module widths and lengths and paired with the. 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.

M 2 logical interfaces. Note that b keyed m 2 ssds have a different number of pins at the edge 6 vs. 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. The m 2 platform is versatile and supports a wide variety of m 2 cards.

You will find the key type labeled on or near the edge connector or gold fingers of the ssd. 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. Ssd can only be installed one way. Since m 2 is designed to be used with so many different kinds of devices it has some frustratingly similar looking ports.

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. While physical size is the easiest observable way to distinguish the difference between cards the m 2 standard uses a.