M.2 drives are solid-state drives (SSDs) that are designed to be installed into a computer’s M.2 slot on the motherboard (laptops and desktops). There are several variations of M.2 drives, including:
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SATA-based M.2 drives: These drives use the SATA interface and offer similar performance to traditional SATA SSDs. They are often the most affordable option. 
NVMe-based M.2 drives: These drives use the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) interface and offer faster read and write speeds than SATA-based M.2 drives. They are often more expensive than SATA-based M.2 drives.- PCIe-based M.2 drives: These drives use the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface and offer the fastest read and write speeds of any M.2 drive (think M.2 drive on a PCI card installed in your desktop). They are often the most expensive option
- Different lengths: M.2 drives come in different lengths, including 2242, 2260, and 2280. The number represents the width and length of the drive in millimeters.
- Different capacities: M.2 drives also come in different storage capacities, ranging from 128GB to 2TB or more.
It’s important to note that not all M.2 slots on motherboards support all types of M.2 drives. So, before purchasing an M.2 drive, make sure to check your motherboard’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
*Note: Older Apple desktops and laptops use the same technology, but their connector is proprietary (a connector made only by Apple).
