NVMe SSDs

PCIe NVMe SSDs connect to a computer's PCIe slots for high-speed storage. At Crucial, we offer Gen 3, Gen 4 and Gen 5 NVMe SSDs. Generations denote bandwidth capabilities, for example a PCIe 4.0 NVMe offers double the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 NVMe, allowing faster data transfer rates, enhancing overall system performance.

M.2 is a common interface for NVMe SSDs due to its compact size and high bandwidth capabilities, however NVMe SSDs can also be found in other form factors such as PCIe add-in cards (PCIe SSDs) and U.2 drives.

PCIe SSDs typically use PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard and can offer even higher performance compared to M.2 SSDs. U.2 drives, on the other hand, resemble traditional 2.5-inch SATA drives but use the NVMe protocol over a U.2 connector.

M.2 NVMe SSDs are prevalent in many consumer devices due to their compact size, other form factors exist for NVMe SSDs to accommodate different system configurations and requirements.
For more information on form factors read our article: Understanding M.2, SATA, PCIe and NVMe SSDs

PCIe generations differ primarily in their bandwidth, data rate, latency, and power efficiency. Generally, each generation doubles the speed of its predecessor. Gen5 SSDs are ideal for demanding applications like gaming, AI, and data analytics. However, Gen4 SSDs are still plenty fast for most users and often come at a lower price point, making them a more cost-effective option for less demanding tasks. Gen3 SSDs, can still improve speed and storage for a lower cost but most creatives, gamers, and tech enthusiasts opt for a bigger performance improvement. Ultimately, it comes down to your budget and the level of performance you require and which SSDs are compatible with your system. 

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