What are the different M.2 form factors?
M.2 is a form factor primarily used for solid-state drives (SSDs) and other storage devices. There are several different M.2 form factors available, each designated by a specific keying configuration. Here are the common M.2 form factors:
- 2230: This form factor measures 22mm in width and 30mm in length. It is typically used for smaller storage devices, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules, rather than SSDs.
- 2242: The 2242 form factor measures 22mm in width and 42mm in length. It is commonly found in entry-level SSDs or compact storage solutions.
- 2260: This form factor measures 22mm in width and 60mm in length. It is a popular choice for consumer-grade SSDs and offers a balance between capacity and compactness.
- 2280: The 2280 form factor is one of the most common M.2 sizes. It measures 22mm in width and 80mm in length. It is widely used in various applications, including consumer-grade SSDs and high-performance enterprise storage solutions.
- 22110: This form factor measures 22mm in width and 110mm in length. It is the longest M.2 form factor available and is commonly used in high-capacity enterprise SSDs or other storage devices that require maximum storage space.
The numbers within the form factor names represent the width and length in millimeters. For example, the 2280 form factor is 22mm wide and 80mm long. The keying configuration, which consists of notches or gaps along the edge of the M.2 connector, determines the compatibility and functionality of the M.2 device with the corresponding slot on the motherboard.
It's important to note that not all M.2 slots on motherboards support all form factors. The motherboard's specifications will indicate which form factors are compatible with each M.2 slot.
