M.2

M.2 is a connection type specification for computer expansion cards, introduced in 2014. The two major types of M.2 devices are the SATA M.2 and the significantly faster (and more expensive) PCIe M.2.

M.2 is often used for storage devices, such as SSDs, and high-performance non-volatile memory storage, such as Intel Optane.

Other M.2 devices

Other devices that are not storage devices that support the M.2 standard include:

·         Bluetooth

·         NFC

·         Satellite navigation

·         Wi-Fi

Specification

Sometimes abbreviated as a spec, a specification is descriptive information about hardware or software products. For example, the technical specifications of a printer may list the printer's size dimensions, ink, acceptable paper, etc.

How do I understand the specs?

Often the words and terms used in the specifications can be difficult for most users not familiar with computers to understand. The easiest method of determining the meanings behind these terms is to perform a search on the word that confuses you.

For example, you could use the search on the top and bottom of all our pages to search for "GHz." You would be directed to our GHz page and learn about this abbreviation being related to a computer processors speed.

Expansion Cards

Alternatively referred to as an add-on card, expansion board, internal card, interface adapter, or card, an expansion card is a PCB that fits into an expansion slot on a desktop computer. An expansion card is used to give a computer additional capabilities, such as enhanced video performance via a graphics card.

Types of expansion cards in a computer

·         Interface card (ATA, Bluetooth, EIDE, FireWire, IDE, parallel, RAID, SCSI, serial, and USB).

·         Modem

·         MPEG Decoder

·         Network Card

·         Sound Card

·         Video capture card

·         Video Card

Expansion card example

Below is a graphic illustration of an ISA Modem expansion card

As seen in the picture, an expansion card has two main parts, the gold plated connector that connects to a motherboard expansion slot and the connector plate. The back metal plate often has connections that allow an outside device to communicate with the card and computer. In this example, the modem has two RJ-11 jacks that allow it to communicate over a phone line.

Do laptops or netbooks have expansion cards?

Laptops, netbooks, and other mobile computers do not have expansion cards like what was explained above. However, some laptops can have PC Cards that can be inserted into the side of the laptop. They may also have a Cardbus slot for an ExpressCard to be added.