Editing SATA (section)

=== M.2 (NGFF) <span class="anchor" id="M.2"></span> ===
[[File:M.2 and mSATA SSDs comparison.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|Size comparison of mSATA (left) and M.2 (size 2242, B+M keyed, right) SSDs]]
[[File:M.2 2242 SSD connected into USB 3.0 adapter.jpg|thumb|An [[M.2]] (2242) solid-state-drive ([[SSD]]) connected into [[USB]] 3.0 adapter and connected to computer]]
{{Main|M.2}}

[[M.2]], formerly known as the [[Next Generation Form Factor]] (NGFF), is a specification for computer [[expansion card]]s and associated connectors. It replaces the mSATA standard, which uses the PCI Express Mini Card physical layout. Having a smaller and more flexible physical specification, together with more advanced features, the M.2 is more suitable for [[Solid-state drive|solid-state]] storage applications in general, especially when used in small devices such as ultrabooks or tablets.<ref name="sata-io-m.2">
{{cite web
 |url         = https://www.sata-io.org/sata-m2-card
 |title       = SATA M.2 Card
 |access-date  = 2013-09-14
 |publisher   = [[Serial ATA International Organization|SATA-IO]]
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131003103042/https://www.sata-io.org/sata-m2-card
 |archive-date = 2013-10-03
}}</ref> 

A M.2 SSD is "[[M.2 keying|keyed]]" to prevent insertion of a card connector (male) to an incompatible socket (female) on the host. Typically, M.2 SSDs with a [[M.2 keying|B key]] or [[M.2 keying|B+M key]] are SATA, while M.2 SSDs with [[M.2 keying|M key only]] are mostly [[NVM Express|NVMe]] only and incompatible with SATA.

The M.2 standard is designed as a revision and improvement to the mSATA standard, so that larger [[printed circuit board]]s (PCBs) can be manufactured. While mSATA took advantage of the existing PCI Express Mini Card form factor and connector, M.2 has been designed to maximize usage of the card space, while minimizing the footprint.<ref name="sata-io-m.2" /><ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://wccftech.com/intel-ssd-530-series-arriving-august-2013-feature-ngff-m2-interface/
 |title       = Intel SSD 530 Series Arriving Next Week – Feature NGFF M.2 Interface
 |date = 2 July 2013
 |access-date  = 2013-09-14
 |publisher   = WCCF Tech
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130905063322/http://wccftech.com/intel-ssd-530-series-arriving-august-2013-feature-ngff-m2-interface/
 |archive-date = 2013-09-05
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=1-1773702-1NGFFQRG-EN&DocType=DS&DocLang=EN
 |title       = M.2 (NGFF) Quick Reference Guide
 |access-date  = 2013-11-16
 |publisher   = Tyco Electronics
 |format      = PDF
 |url-status     = live
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130810182247/http://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=1-1773702-1NGFFQRG-EN&DocType=DS&DocLang=EN
 |archive-date = 2013-08-10
}}</ref>

Supported host controller interfaces and internally provided ports are a superset to those defined by the SATA Express interface. Essentially, the M.2 standard is a small form factor implementation of the SATA Express interface, with the addition of an internal [[USB]]&nbsp;3.0 port.<ref name="sata-io-m.2" />

{{Clear}}