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M.2

M.2, formerly called Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and connectors.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

M.2, formerly called Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and connectors. It is used for devices such as solid-state drives, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and other add-in modules in thin computing platforms. The standard was developed as a smaller, more flexible successor to mSATA and Mini PCIe.

Overview

M.2 defines a compact form factor for internal computer modules and the sockets they use. It is common in laptops, desktops, and other thin or space-constrained systems.

Development and standardization

The format was first introduced by Intel in 2012 as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) and later standardized as M.2. It was intended as a smaller, more flexible replacement for older module standards such as mSATA and Mini PCIe.

Interfaces and uses

M.2 modules can carry PCI Express, SATA, and USB signals, which makes the form factor suitable for storage and communication devices. Common M.2 applications include SSDs, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, and similar modules.

Physical sizes

M.2 modules are defined by width and length, with several standard lengths available. This range of sizes helps manufacturers fit modules into different device designs.

Key facts

  • M.2 is a specification for internally mounted expansion cards and their connectors.
  • It was introduced as NGFF and later renamed M.2.
  • It was designed to replace mSATA and Mini PCIe in compact devices.
  • M.2 supports multiple host interfaces, including PCI Express, SATA, and USB.
  • The form factor is used widely for SSDs and wireless communication modules.
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Canadian context

M.2 is widely used in laptops, desktops, and compact PCs sold in Canada, especially for SSD upgrades and Wi‑Fi modules.

Frequently asked questions

What is M.2?
M.2 is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and connectors, used in devices such as SSDs and wireless modules.
What does M.2 stand for?
It was formerly known as Next Generation Form Factor, or NGFF.
What replaced M.2?
M.2 replaced older internal module standards in many devices, especially mSATA and Mini PCIe.
What interfaces does M.2 support?
M.2 can support PCI Express, SATA, and USB, depending on the module and socket design.
What is M.2 used for?
It is used for SSD storage and for communication modules such as Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and GNSS.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.2
    Supports: Defines M.2 as an internally mounted computer expansion card and connector specification; notes former NGFF name and replacement of mSATA and Mini PCIe.
  2. DeLOCK — https://www.delock.com/infothek/M.2_2022/M.2_e.html
    Supports: Describes M.2 as an internal expansion-card specification, successor to mSATA, and notes support for SATA, USB, and PCIe.
  3. PCI-SIG — https://doc.inmys.ru/hash/281e2eb3fc89b8d40946cf99ab3f53f7/PCIe_M.2_Electromechanical_Spec_Rev1.0_Final_11012013_RS_Clean.pdf
    Supports: States M.2 is a family of form factors for modular add-in cards and identifies uses including WiFi, Bluetooth, GNSS, NFC, and mobile platforms.
  4. TechTarget — https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/M2-SSD
    Supports: Explains that M.2 SSDs are small-form-factor storage expansion cards and that M.2 can be SATA or PCIe NVMe.
  5. PCMag — https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/m2
    Supports: States M.2 is a small expansion card form factor used for SSDs and communications controllers and supports PCIe, SATA, and USB.