Even if small time differences aren't crucial, could spending more on an M2 SSD still be worthwhile?
Even if small time differences aren't crucial, could spending more on an M2 SSD still be worthwhile?
I appreciate quick loading speeds just as much as anyone else, but picking the right M2 SSD feels tricky. I need solid performance and ample storage, so I’m opting for an M2 slot that fits my needs. It’s definitely better than SATA, though there are many options at different price points. For gaming only, the gap in loading times between brands like Samsung EVO and Crucial P1 isn’t huge, which makes my decision harder. Should I splurge on the top choice or pick something more budget-friendly?
M.2 SATA is currently a solid choice—it's reasonably priced and offers better cable organization.
Choose the P1/WD Blue SN550 / Intel 660P or the more affordable option
there is a difference to be aware of. m.2 sata is the one with 2 slots in the connector. those are the same speed as 2.5inch SSDs. m.2 nvme is the one with one slot in the connector. those are the fast ones. nvme is designed speifically for SSDs so it helps a lot with latency and access times as well as random performance. for gaming, it makes zero difference because you will be mostly reading sequential data. Where nvme will make a difference though, is things like boot times, app launch times, opening/saving documents, anything where there are lots of small files.
For gaming purposes, M.2 NVMe devices mainly improve startup speed, manage cables neatly, and save space. I appreciate their design more for the compact size rather than performance.
I see two choices ahead of me, and they’re the top contenders! Thanks!
The variation goes unseen unless your actions involve extremely high data processing demands—excluding gaming, for example.