What's the difference?

[Ihavenousername]

Could somebody tell me all the differences between 256GB M2 SATA-3 TLC Solid-State Drive (SSD) and 256GB M2 SATA-3 Self Encrypting (SED) Opal 2 MLC Solid-State Drive (SSD)? What does 'Opal' mean? Thank you!

 

[rgd1101]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opal_Storage_Specification

 

[Hlsgsz]

The link above will explain OPAL. I wouldn't go with M.2 for a SATA drive, though. Won't be faster than 2.5" format. Better keep that M.2 slot free for when NVMe PCIE x4 SSD prices come down.