interface vs form factor

[GreatMaster]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/10698/samsung-announces-960-pro-and-960-evo-m2-pcie-ssds

what is the diffence between interface and form factor?
i have read several web pages :
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/02/understanding-m-2-the-interface-that-will-speed-up-your-next-ssd/

https://rog.asus.com/13322014/product-news/ssd-guide-pci-express-m-2-msata-and-sata-express-the-differences-explained/

http://www.slideshare.net/SamsungBusinessUSA/m2-ssds-comparing-ssd-form-factors-interfaces-and-software-support-whitepaper


and continue not understanding what is the difference 🙁

i thank u in advance for the help

 

[Barty1884]

A form-factor, in a simplistic sense is the shape/size/dimensions.

Whereas the interface is the method it uses to connect with other aspects of your system (SATA, PCIe, SATAExpress etc).

I'm assuming the confusing stems predominantly from M.2? That, in & of itself is a form factor (and there are various dimensions within that form) - with either SATA or PCIe being the interface.

It definitely is a little confusing.

 

[GreatMaster]

A form-factor, in a simplistic sense is the shape/size/dimensions.

Whereas the interface is the method it uses to connect with other aspects of your system (SATA, PCIe, SATAExpress etc).

I'm assuming the confusing stems predominantly from M.2? That, in & of itself is a form factor (and there are various dimensions within that form) - with either SATA or PCIe being the interface.

It definitely is a little confusing.

so, m.2 is the shape of the hardware device that connects to the pc
then the male socket is the logical or physical interface?


and, if my pc is all new then how i should look at my pc hardware connector so that i know what m.2 female sockets(can i call it m.2 socket or something else ?) my pc has and what rules i should follow so that when i buy a new m.2 hardware with male socket, then i will be sure that it will enter in the female socket and will work?

 

[Barty1884]

I wouldn't look at the hardware itself, as it's not always 100% obvious.

Look up the specs for your motherboard, and it'll spell out what options are available & any relevant limitations.

 

[GreatMaster]

I wouldn't look at the hardware itself, as it's not always 100% obvious.

Look up the specs for your motherboard, and it'll spell out what options are available & any relevant limitations.

https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/ROG-RAMPAGE-V-EDITION-10/specifications/

strangely MSI does not show much info about the connector of the m.2 form factor hardware
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/X99A-GAMING-PRO-CARBON.html#hero-specification

 

[GreatMaster]

i would like to add this: http://www.cactus-tech.com/en/resources/blog/details/solid-state-sata-modules-and-form-factors
and this: http://www.kingston.com/en/ssd/system-builder/m2_faq
to the talk in order to clarify some and other things.
i think that my confusion come from the fact that m.2 form factors also have a sata connector and i have not realized (or have forgotten) that 2.5" is actually also a form foctor standard.

i dont know how it is with the 2.5" form factor, but i think that the m.2 sata devices have the requirement to have its own physical connector (module keys, acording to : http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/02/understanding-m-2-the-interface-that-will-speed-up-your-next-ssd/ ) but that has the same logical connections (the wires) as the 2.5" form factor

 

[jsmithepa]

You are going unnecessary deep into things for the street-Joe builder.

Even if a M.2 plug derives its signal from SATA, fact is both M.2 and SATA plugs are different, you cannot plug one into the other, period.

Form Factors is interested to people building compact ITX? boxes. 2.5 SSD takes lots of space in comparison.

Interface interest to folks seeking performance, or a Mobo lacking M.2 slot.