Are There Any Negative Sides to M.2 SSDs, and Should I Buy Them?

I plan to buy an M.2 SSD for my computer. But it seems that people have mixed reviews about this SSD. Are there any negative sides to M.2 SSDs? And should I buy it or not? Why?

To answer your questions reasonably, I will briefly introduce the basic information of M.2 SSD. There are multiple SSD interfaces, such as SATA, PCle, M.2, and mSATA. Unlike protocols like SATA or NVMe, M.2 is a physical form factor that describes the size and shape of the SSD. M.2 SSD is a new device that can connect directly to the motherboard and deliver a fast speed. There are five common sizes for M.2 SSDs, and most M.2 SSDs are M.2 Type-2280 (22 x 80mm). Since you have a comprehensive understanding of M.2 SSD, we can go through the advantages and disadvantages of M.2 SSD to see if you should purchase it.

Pros of M.2 SSD

• Fast speed: The M.2 SSD communicating over the PCle or NVMe connectors can read and write faster than SATA or hard drives.
• Small and lightweight: M.2 SSDs are more compact than the standard 2.5-inch SSDs and take up less space.
• Reliable: Like other SSDs, M.2 SSDs have the benefit of lasting longer and not degrading physically.

Cons of M.2 SSD

• Expensive: Compared to the cost per MB, the price of an M.2 SSD with the same capacity is almost twice as much as a SATA disk.
• Compatibility issues: M.2 cards are highly compatible with more contemporary mobile computing devices, like laptops. Due to the form factor's differences from mSATA SSDs, M.2 SSDs cannot be used with older systems. 

If your motherboard supports M.2, you should seize the opportunity and let it improve your computer's performance. Next, you will see a detailed guide on initializing and partitioning the new M.2 SSD.

How to Set Up an M.2 SSD

First, install the M.2 SSD on your computer, then use EaseUS Partition Master to initialize your SSD safely and quickly. Install this tool and follow the simplified steps below:

Furthermore, this third-party tool can also partition your new M.2 SSD with its "New Disk Guide" feature, which can simultaneously create multiple partitions on your SSD. 

Read More: How to Partition SSD Safely in 2023