由 google 
Are you considering upgrading your system with an M.2 SSD? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the M.2 interface, its compatibility with the Z170AR motherboard, and the benefits it brings to your system. Let’s dive in.
Understanding M.2 Interface
The M.2 interface is a form factor that has revolutionized the storage industry. It’s a small, key-slot interface that connects storage devices like SSDs and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth cards directly to the motherboard. This direct connection offers several advantages over traditional SATA and PCIe interfaces.
| Interface | Size | Speed | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| SATA | 2.5 inches | Up to 600 MB/s | Older systems, limited speed |
| PCIe | 2.5 inches | Up to 16 GB/s | Newer systems, faster speed |
| M.2 | 22 x 42 mm, 22 x 60 mm, or 22 x 80 mm | Up to 40 GB/s | Modern systems, high speed, low latency |
As you can see from the table, the M.2 interface offers significantly higher speeds and lower latency compared to SATA and PCIe interfaces. This makes it an ideal choice for high-performance storage solutions.
Compatibility with Z170AR Motherboard
The Z170AR motherboard from ASUS features an M.2 slot, allowing you to install an M.2 SSD and take advantage of its benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the M.2 slot on the Z170AR motherboard:
- Supports PCIe and SATA connections: The M.2 slot on the Z170AR motherboard supports both PCIe and SATA connections, giving you the flexibility to choose the right SSD for your needs.
- PCIe 3.0 x4 support: In PCIe mode, the M.2 slot supports 3.0 x4 full-speed connections, offering maximum transfer rates of up to 4000 MB/s.
- Maximum bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 x2: The M.2 slot has a maximum bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 x2, which means that if you use a PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD, you’ll experience a performance loss (only half-speed). The theoretical maximum transfer rate is 16 Gb/s (1.969 GB/s).
- Supports NVMe protocol: The Z170AR motherboard’s M.2 slot supports the NVMe protocol, allowing you to achieve maximum performance with NVMe SSDs.
When choosing an M.2 SSD for your Z170AR motherboard, make sure it’s compatible with the slot’s specifications. For example, if you want to use a PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD, ensure that the SSD is designed for that specific interface.
Benefits of M.2 SSD
Upgrading your system with an M.2 SSD offers several benefits, including:
- Increased speed: M.2 SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives, resulting in faster boot times, quicker application launches, and faster data transfers.
- Reduced latency: The direct connection between the M.2 SSD and the motherboard reduces latency, resulting in a more responsive system.
- Smaller form factor: M.2 SSDs are smaller than traditional 2.5-inch SSDs, allowing for more compact and sleek system builds.
By installing an M.2 SSD in your Z170AR motherboard, you can experience these benefits and take your system to the next level.
Conclusion
Upgrading your system with an M.2 SSD is a wise decision, especially if you’re looking for improved performance and speed. The Z170AR motherboard’s M.2 slot