M.2 Socket 3

[bk T]

I need to replace my Samsung SSD.

Checked the MB Asus Z97-A specs that it has a "M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 22602280 storage devices support (PCIE mode only)" - exact words

I know what M.2 is; but all others that followed are too technical for me. Can someone explain in layman's terms, what they are?

Cheers

[pcuser42]

"M key" and "PCIe mode only" are pretty much the same thing - the M.2 slot only supports (physically) drives running in PCIe mode (which is what you want anyway).

22602280 is actually two things, 2260 and 2280 this refers to the physical size, 22mm wide and 60 or 80mm long.

[ClarissaBull]

Hey, I have same problem, MB is Asrock z390 phantom gaming 4s and my SSD M2 is Samsung Evo 970 plus with 250gb memory, on official page from Asrock, isn't wrote as a supported SSD version, only some version, is it compatible ?

[Lawrence]

Hey, I have same problem, MB is Asrock z390 phantom gaming 4s and my SSD M2 is Samsung Evo 970 plus with 250gb memory, on official page from Asrock, isn't wrote as a supported SSD version, only some version, is it compatible ?

The release date for the Samsung 970 EVO Plus was January 2019 ,your Board release date was October 2018 so it has not been updated in the support list

[dugimodo]

Basically you don't want a Sata based M.2 drive but rather an NVME one. Usually the listing on a web page will mention PCIE and/or NVME for example https://www.pbtech.co.nz/category/co.../ssd-pcie-nvme

Sata mode M.2 SSDs are still using the same interface and protocols as sata ports and are keyed differently
NVME / PCIE mode M.2 SSDs are using a newer standard interface for more performance. and less overhead.

Being keyed different is just referring to the notches in the connectors and the matching "key" pieces in the socket which prevent you plugging in un supported devices.

Some M.2 ports are dual mode and will support both, others only support one specific mode.

Sata drives typically max out around 500mb/s and NVME are often 3 or 4 or more times that.
Sometimes a port that supports sata mode SSDs will share the sata functions with one of the onboard sata connectors meaning you can only use one of the two with a sata drive. You can use both if a supported NVME drive is used instead though.