While going for buying a motherboard, you find out that the chosen motherboard has two different types of SSD slots, M.2 and ultra M.2. After seeing that you have been confused and looking for an answer that includes which one is better between M.2 and M.2 Ultra.
It’s very natural to be confused while choosing between slots M.2 and M.2 ultra. The M.2 and M.2 ultra is nothing but the new identity of a 10/Gbps M.2 socket and a full 32/Gbps M.2 socket. Though they might seem the same they have a few differences.
In today’s article, we have shared the differences between these two SSD slots that will help you to understand the differences. Also, in the end, you will find out which one is suitable for you.
Differences between M.2 SSD Socket and M.2 Ultra SSD Socket
The main difference between M.2 and M.2 ultra is their speed. Generally, M.2 ultra is faster than M.2. Besides that, there are other notable differences present between these two.
Here we have provided a chart that includes the differences between M.2 and M.2 ultra.
| Parameters | M.2 | M.2 Ultra |
| Data Speed | Up to 16 Gbps | Up to 32 Gbps |
| Connectivity | First, connect to the chipset then the CPU | Directly connect to CPU |
| Compatibility | All M.2 SSDs | PCIe 4 M.2 SSDs |
| Bandwidth | Lower | Higher |
| Form Factor | Either M keyed or B+M keyed with 5 or 6 pins or both. | M keyed with 5 pins |
Here are the key differences between these two.
M.2 ultra only supports PCIe 4.0 and for that, it has way more bandwidth and data speed. And you can see that clearly from the table above.
If you look at the data speed of these two slots the M.2 Ultra has way more speed than M.2 slot. According to ASRock’s report, M.2 ultra is 46% faster than M.2. Also, M.2 ultra uses more PCIe lanes, that’s why it’s, increasing the usage of PCIe lanes, increases the data speed.
You can have a higher bandwidth while using M.2 ultra slots. It directly connects to the CPU whereas M.2 first connects to the chipset and then it connects to the CPU. Connecting to the CPU directly helps to reduce latency as well as increase the bandwidth. And as a result, you get an improved performance.
Which One You Will Require?
Undoubtedly, M.2 ultra can provide you with faster and better performance than M.2 slots. However, they are more expensive than the traditional M.2. Besides this, M.2 ultra has other drawbacks. For example, if you use a motherboard like Intel Z97 then using M.2 ultra will prevent you from using a GPU.
Also, if you are using an old modeled motherboard, then using SSD in the M.2 ultra slot can decrease the bandwidth between the GPU and CPU. By this, you won’t be able to get actual performance from the GPU.
So, if you are using a modern motherboard and don’t have any financial issues then using M.2 ultra will be beneficial to you otherwise you should go for the traditional M.2.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers)
What is ASRock Ultra m2?
Basically, it’s a marketing term that is used by the ASRock corporation. The full 32/Gbps M.2 socket was named the ASRock Ultra M.2. It was named to differentiate the M.2 slots that support PCIe 4.0 from the older M.2 slots.
What is the difference between m2 and m2 NVMe?
Actually, there aren’t any differences between M.2 and M.2 NVME. Because they are different from each other. M.2 is a form factor of SSDs whereas the NVMe M.2 is a type of M.2 form factor.
What are the two types of M2?
There are two types of M.2 SSDs. The first one is SATA M.2 SSD and the second one is NVMe M.2 SSD. The NVMe is the newer protocol and it offers better performance than the SATA m.2 SSD.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are using a modern motherboard then the M.2 ultra slots can provide you with an unmatchable performance. But if you are using an older motherboard or motherboard without PCIe 4.0 then you will have consequences. Hope that all of your confusion is cleared by now. If you have any further queries, feel free to share them with us in the comment box below.
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