This does get confusing, especially with some older M.2 SSDs and M.2 motherboards, so let’s try to clear it up.
SATA: The Seasoned Veteran
First up, SATA (Serial ATA), the tried-and-true warrior of data transfer protocols. Picture it as the reliable, somewhat aged sedan. It’s been around the block since the early 2000s, delivering data at a steady, if not breathtaking, pace. With speeds capping at about 600 MB/s, SATA isn’t winning any races, but it gets you where you need to go, reliably ferrying your data from point A to point B without too much fuss.
But here’s the thing – in the world of computing, where speed is king, SATA’s leisurely stroll is akin to a Sunday drive in the fast lane. Functional? Yes. Exciting? Not so much.
Note, some older M.2 SSDs and motherboards use SATA protocol (i.e. SATA protocol doesn’t always use only SATA connectors).
NVMe: The Speedy Upstart
Enter NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express). Imagine NVMe as the flashy, high-performance sports car. It’s the new kid on the block, built for speed and efficiency, leveraging the express lanes of your computer’s PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) bus. NVMe isn’t just fast – it’s ludicrously fast, reaching speeds up to 13,000 MB/s (with NVMe Gen 5). It’s like strapping a rocket to your data and watching it zoom.
NVMe’s secret sauce? It’s designed specifically for the streamlined, flash-based storage of modern SSDs. It reduces latency, increases input/output operations per second (IOPS), and generally makes SATA look like it’s moving in slow motion.
NVMe drives are connected via the M.2 interface.
The Showdown
So, how do they stack up? SATA, with its broad compatibility and respectable performance, is like your dependable everyday footwear. NVMe, on the other hand, is like a pair of high-tech running shoes, offering blistering speeds that leave SATA in the dust, but with a catch – it needs a motherboard that supports PCIe and M.2 (or U.2) slots.
The Verdict
Which one should you choose? For system and “working” drive, go with a good NVMe SSD.
For storing the cat-pics, where storage space beats speed, go with a SATA Hard Disk Drive (SATA SSDs prices don’t justify their purchase anymore).