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IT Support & Hardware · Foundational

M.2

A small form factor connector and card standard used mainly for SSDs, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth modules.

Definition

M.2 cards are identified by size codes such as 2280 (22 mm wide, 80 mm long) and by key notches. M-key slots support PCIe x4 NVMe SSDs, B-key supports SATA or PCIe x2, and A/E-key slots are used for wireless cards. An M.2 slot may support SATA, NVMe, or both depending on the board.

Example

A 2280 M-key NVMe SSD installed in a motherboard M.2 slot and secured with a small screw.

Exam tip

An M.2 SATA SSD will not work in an NVMe-only M.2 slot even though it physically fits B+M keyed slots.

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