Which M.2 SSD Fits My Motherboard?

ryevick · 26 Jun 2020

I have the ASUS Z97-A MB and honestly I was in such a hurry when I built this PC about 5 years ago I didn't notice it had M.2 SSD support but then again people weren't really talking about M.2 drives 5 years ago, not that I remember. I want to make use of it now and after upgrading my laptop M.2 I figured I would temporarily use the M.2 that it came with but even though it seemed to fit my PC doesn't see it. That's when I discovered there are multiple types of M.2 SSD.

M.2 Interface, Key and Socket explained

My laptop came with the Lite-On CV1-8B128. I upgraded to the Samsung (MZ-V7S1T0B/AM) 970 EVO Plus SSD 1TB. My laptop apparently takes both types because it works. I say this because if you look at the 2 M.2 SSD they are different key pin configurations.

I've looked on the ASUS website and everything I see just says it has M.2 SSD support but apparently for only some. I could but another Samsung 970 EVO (2TB) but if it doesn't work I'd be out a chunk of cash.

Anyone?

Plankton · 26 Jun 2020

What's the make/model of your Asus mobo?

ignatzatsonic · 26 Jun 2020

I think the Lite-On has an B+M key design and will fit into a board that has ONLY an M key port.

But, it may be that your particular motherboard can see only an M key only design, rather than a combination B+M. Not sure exactly how that works. M key drives seem to be the most common now.

https://tinyurl.com/y8b3vfry

Above looks like the detailed spec sheet for the Lite On.

ryevick · 26 Jun 2020

plankton said:

what's the make/model of your asus mobo?

asus z97-a

Plankton · 26 Jun 2020

Your mobo supports type M. But the problem with your mobo as well as mine (Gigabyte GA-Z97 Gaming 7), it's dependent on the SATA controller and is disabled by default. You'll have to enable it in the BIOS so check your mobo manual. Keep in mind that back then the M.2 speeds are the same as a standard SSD....roughly 550/520 read/write speeds.

To take advantage of the modern M.2 SSD's of 3500/1800 and 5000/3500 read/writes speeds....you'll need a newer mobo that supports Gen 3/4 M.2.That's why I'm not bothered with getting a M.2 now.

Compumind · 26 Jun 2020

@ryevick -

Are you *sure* that it supports M.2 or is it eSata?

ryevick · 26 Jun 2020

Compumind said:

@ryevick -

Are you *sure* that it supports M.2 or is it eSata?

I'm sure.

bobkn · 27 Jun 2020

According to the manual (https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/m..._UG_V2_WEB.pdf), the M.2 slot can accept PCI-E M.2 SSDs, but only at PCI-E X2. NVME is supported by BIOS 2205 or later.

The M.2 slot competes with two PCI-E X1 slots, and is disabled by default. If the board isn't seeing the M.2 drive, it may be that you haven't turned on the slot in the BIOS settings. (Which will disable the two X1 slots.)

Crucial sells NVME SSDs for the board. Memory RAM & SSD Upgrades | asus | asus motherboards | Z97-A | Crucial.com