Quick question on M2 card drives

[Man Manne]

I'm confused on some things with this media...

I can see that the Asus Z97-K - https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-605-AS states "10Gb/s M.2" - 1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, type 2260/2280 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode)*2

So what M key M2 card could go into that? I don't want a PCI card at all... and I'm seeing Sata 6 GB/s and then ones requiring a PCI-E card to plug into the board.

The 6GB/s are just going to be the same as normal Sata 3 SSD's aren't they, but basically saving "space" and giving a cleaner case?

I kind of don't get the M / B key and the 2260/2280 sizes, but have been explained a little on that.


I'm after a 120GB one (I'd prefer a 60GB / 64GB to go sub £45 if possible), as I only want for OS like I have now.

What is the best one to go for? I have an 850 EVO SATA 3, so something tells me to get another one of those! - I have looked at the cheapest ones and I'm split between:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-202-SA

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-069-KS

 

[LordBarrass]

Most of the ranges are SATA III (6Gbps) drives. These will all fit in nicely and work fine. The 2260 and 2280 are the lengths of the cards. either 60mm or 80mm most motherboards will take both. Pricing seems to be the same on them.

If you are wanting speed then the PCI-E M.2 cards are the fastest with either the Plextor or Kingston at the moment. We also have a Samsung one in but is 512GB at the moment.

The smallest M.2 drive Crucial do is a 250GB MX200. Intel do an 80GB M.2 drive which is cheap. Or Kingston do a 120GB M.2 drive even cheaper.

 

[Man Manne]

Cheers for that response.

These PCI-E speedier cards, won't they require the PCI card to plug the M2's into though? Or can they go straight on to the motherboards in the same socket?

If yes,

out of the Evo and the Kingston ones I've listed (or any other under £70), which do you recommend for pure speed for my OS?

Thank you