author avatar
28 April 2024  Jennifer Thatcher  Technology Manager of Test Dept.
 

Summary
Explore the crucial distinctions between M.2 and SATA SSDs, covering definitions, storage capabilities, and performance speeds for a knowledgeable decision.



Table of contents

table iconI. What are the M.2 interface and the SATA interface, and what are the differences between them?
table iconII. Further reading: How to use Renee Becca to clone a hard drive?
m 2 vs sata

I. What are the M.2 interface and the SATA interface, and what are the differences between them?

1. About the M.2 interface

The M.2 interface, introduced by Intel as a replacement for mSATA, is a versatile host interface supporting multiple communication protocols including SATA, PCIe, USB, HSIC, UART, and SMBus. While the SATA interface suffices for most desktop users, the M.2 standard caters to the expanding storage demands of Ultrabook users and ensures compatibility with a variety of micro-interfaces.
SSD M.2 interface

2. About the SATA interface

SATA, or Serial ATA, is a computer bus designed for data transfer between the motherboard and storage devices like hard disks and optical drives. It employs a serial transmission method with an embedded clock signal, enhancing error correction. This feature allows it to verify and automatically correct transmission commands, boosting data reliability and stability. Additionally, SATA’s serial interface is straightforward and supports hot plugging.
SSD SATA interface

3. What is the difference between M.2 interface and SATA interface?

SATA and M.2 differ primarily in their physical interfaces. While many M.2 SSDs utilize the SATA bus and AHCI protocol, offering speeds comparable to SATA SSDs, those employing the NVMe protocol significantly outperform them. Specifically, NVMe M.2 SSDs can reach speeds up to 3200MB/s, over five times faster than their SATA counterparts.
difference between M.2 interface and SATA interface

4. How to choose the two interfaces?

Although both are high-performance storage devices, you can decide which interface is more suitable for you based on the following aspects.
① performance: If you are pursuing higher performance advantages, such as speed, when choosing a solid-state drive, it is recommended to choose an M.2 solid-state drive that uses the NVMe protocol.
② volume: Ordinary SATA hard drives are larger than M.2 hard drives. If it is used in a notebook, M.2 solid-state drives will be more suitable. If you’re using it on a desktop, you can choose either.
③ Range of Use: Solid-state drives with a SATA interface are ideal for older motherboards that lack an M.2 slot, ensuring better compatibility. Conversely, M.2 SSDs are designed for newer motherboards that are equipped with an M.2 interface.
The above content covers essential information on M.2 and SATA interfaces. Should you consider upgrading your hard drive and wish to preserve the data from the old one, it’s advisable to clone it using a reliable data backup tool before proceeding with the replacement. For guidance on installing an SSD for both interfaces and cloning your hard drive, click here. Let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions

II. Further reading: How to use Renee Becca to clone a hard drive?

1. What is Renee Becca?

Renee Becca is an efficient solution for system and hard disk data backup and recovery. This application is essential for protecting vital computer data, including applications, system settings, emails, photos, videos, documents, and bookmarks. Renee Becca also provides robust disk and system data cloning capabilities, featuring three distinct options: entire hard disk cloning, partition cloning, and system migration. These features give you the flexibility to choose the most suitable backup method to meet your specific needs.
Renee Becca - Reliable Data Backup & Restore Software

Quick Backup files at up to 3,000MB/min.

Fullfill different backup needs Supports system backup, disk / partition backup, file backup and disk clone.

Intelligent Automatically analyze the differences between source and backup data.

Convenient Support VSS, allowing to freely view webpages when backing up system.

Highly compatible Supports various files and storage devices.

Quick Backup files at up to 3,000MB/min.

Fullfill different backup needs Backup for disk, partition and system. Save disk space by backing up incremental /differential data.

Highly compatible Supports various files and storage devices.

Free TrialFree Trial 2000 users have downloaded and enjoy Renee Becca!

2. How to clone a hard drive with the help of Renee Becca?

Step 1: Download, install and run Renee Becca, select the option (Hard Disk Clone/Clone System Disk) in the main interface.
Renee Becca clone function:

  • Hard Disk Clone/Clone System Disk: Creates an exact copy of the selected disk. It supports moving the partition boundary with the mouse to adjust the partition size, and cloning the system disk so that the cloned hard disk can be started.
  • Partition clone: Creates an exact copy of the selected partition.
  • System Redeploy: Support to migrate the system to another hard disk.
select to clone hard disk within renee becca
Step 2: In the “Disk Clone” window, choose the source disk and the target disk. Adjust partition sizes or create new ones if necessary. To clone the system partition and ensure it is bootable, select the corresponding option. Click the Clone button to initiate the cloning process, which is fast and straightforward.
clone disk with renee becca