I'm running low on storage and want to utilize the second M.2 port on my ASrock B450M motherboard by installing a SATA SSD. However, I'm confused because the manual says it's compatible with M key type SSDs, but I can't find any SATA drives that fit that description. Can anyone advise which M.2 SATA SSDs would work for that port?
3 Answers
For M.2 SATA drives, most of them are B+M keyed, so they should fit in both B and M slots. You can find good options like Timetec or TeamGroup models. Just be sure to verify that they are definitely SATA M.2 to avoid any incompatibility.
Just to clear things up, M-key slots are generally for NVMe drives, which are becoming more common, while M.2 SATA drives are usually B+M keyed. So, if your board is specifically mentioning an M-key, that can be misleading if it can actually support B+M drives. You might want to look into those instead.
Totally agree, it could use some improvement. Double-check if there's an update or a section that details compatibility in the manuals.
The keying isn’t a foolproof way to tell whether it's NVMe or SATA. There are definitely M.2 SATA drives out there. You can check out lists on PCPartPicker or look for popular models like the WD Red SA500—they’re pretty reliable and affordable.
Yeah, the manual should clarify that better. It really is confusing, especially with the way they label things.