M.2 Slot Devices
All you need is a free expansion slot (and a spare SATA port on the motherboard plus SATA cable), and a SATA M.2 adapter. The Samsung XP941 PCIe M.2 SSD (and SM951/SM961/950/960 Evo/Pro), apart from being PCIe x4 based, is a '2280' drive, so it's 22mm wide, but 80mm long. There are many different M.2 module sizes because of the different types of M.2 cards ranging from SSDs to Wide-Area Network (WAN) cards. For SSD-based M.2 modules, the most commonly occurring sizes are 22mm wide x30mm long, 22mm x.
Probably the most annoying thing for any computer geek is the lack of proper Wi-Fi connection. Whether we are gamers or casual computer users, having seamless Internet is always a priority. However, we may not be blessed with this all the time, and that’s when we’ll need a M.2 WiFi card to help us out.
To make the purchase process easier, we have compiled a list of the best M.2 WiFi cards that are available today. Let’s take a look:
Best M.2 WiFi Card
1. Intel 7260NGW Dual Band Wireless
One of the most popular M.2 wireless cards on Amazon, this one is known for being in the affordable range and providing the best experience. It supports Windows 7, Windows 8, and Linux.
Its features are as follows:
- It is fast and provides more coverage than average competitors
- Its capacity is more as well at 802.11ac
- It is Bluetooth 4.0 smart ready
- It has an optimized power saving mode, which helps save battery life when the card is inactive
- It allows roaming among access points
Be sure to check compatibility of your laptop before making a purchase. Also, one thing you should remember is that even though it is compatible with Linux, you may not be able to enjoy all the features.
2. Intel 8265 Generic, 2230, 2×2 AC+BT (8265NGWMG)
This one seems to be fairly popular among users as well as it brings with it 3x faster WiFi speed in comparison to 802.11n and is comfortably in the affordable range.
A few of its best features are as follows:
- You can enjoy up to 3x bandwidth per stream
- It has no antennas
- Users have repeatedly said that this is a much better replacement for Killer adapters that Dell devices usually come with
- It is easy to install and comes with a pictorial instruction guide to help you through the process With this M.2 WiFi card, all your disconnection and slow connection problems are bound to be solved.
3. Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11ac
This WiFi card is known for its 3x faster speed when compared to 802.11n, 433 Mbps bandwidth (Which is also higher in comparison) and more capacity.
Let’s take a look at a few more features:
- It offers broader coverage
- The battery life is also better because of data transmit efficiencies, which ensure that power consumption is minimal
- Network connectivity remains intact even with low power consumption. Thus, updates to social networks, emails, et cetera continue even when the device is in stand-by mode.
- The card is optimized for devices with thin and light design
- It works well on multiple platforms thanks to its multiple form factors
- It connects easily through Bluetooth 4.0 not just with other Bluetooth products but also with keyboards, mice, headsets, et cetera.
4. M.2 (NGFF) Wireless Card, Wireless Card M.2 (NGFF)
Fairly popular among users, this M.2 WiFi card is slightly more expensive than its aforementioned counterparts. It is a passive adapter that works on PCs that convert NGFF( Half-size mini-card) to the standard PCI-Express 1X slot or USB 9-pin header.
Below are some of its main features:
- It easily works with USB interfaces such as Bluetooth Mini Card, WiMAX, GPS, HSPA, WWAN, CDMA, and 3G
- It is a PCI Express mini card to PCI Express adapter
- It can be used without any software drivers
- It comes with two 6DB antennas
5. Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 NGFF Wi-Fi Card
This Wi-Fi card is 3rd generation 802.11ac, dual band. It allows a speed of up to 867 Mbps and comes with higher capacity than usual.
Let’s take a look at some of its features:
- It promises much better speed than 2×2 802.11 n
- It has 3x more data capacity
- It comes with WiDi support so that you experience seamless connection even on the big screen
- This Wi-Fi card has a Bluetooth 4.2 Smart Ready through which connecting to Bluetooth, and similar devices is a breeze.
- You must remember to check compatibility before you purchase this Wi-Fi card. It works only on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. Also, it only works with certain devices. For example, you can’t use it with Thinkpad, IBM, or Lenovo.
6. Intel 7265 IEEE Bluetooth 4.0 – Wi-Fi Combo Adapter M.2 2230, 1216
Affordable and easy to use, the Intel 7265 IEEE Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card come with M.2 2230 and M.2 1216 form factors. It also has Microsoft InstantGo Support, which means that connectivity is untouched even with low power consumption.
Here are some of its features:
- When compared to 802.11n, the connectivity and Wi-Fi speed is much higher
- The bandwidth is also higher in comparison
- It works with a white list very well
- Even with distance, the connectivity and performance are noticeably good
- Dropped connections are fewer than before, as the user’s state
- It consumes less power and offers a long battery life.
You may need to find the right antennas for this M.2 WiFi card because many users have reported that the antennas that are suggested don’t really work with the device.
7. Intel 7260.HMWG.R Dual Band Wireless Network Adapter
Many users have sworn that this is the best M.2 WiFi card they have come across because it promises better Internet speed and great connectivity. The connection is stable, and the product truly lives up to the name of Intel.
Its features are below:
- It is Bluetooth 4.0 smart ready
- It comes with Intel Smart Connect technology
- It has WiFi hotspot assistant
- It has the larger capacity than the rest of its kind
- Offers Intel wireless display
- You may need to spend some time figuring out the setup and installation, but once that is done, it is a great find.
What is the M2 Expansion Slot? Definition and Benefits
For the replacement of the mSATA specification standard for the mounted internal expansion boards in the computing machines, in 2013, the M.2 came into the market. It was previously known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF).
The Mini PCIe also a good standard to improve the usage of the internal expansion in computer boards. But, to create a better environment regarding performance and space, a standard like M.2 was needed.
It has a different physical structure than the Mini PCIe which means that you cannot install the mSATA drives or other bigger wireless network cards in the M.2 slot. You cannot attach the incompatible device to it thanks to its different key structure.
M.2 has various versions which allow it to take advantage of USB, Audio, PCIe, Display, SATA and I2C buses. The specifications on the M.2 slot defines which kind of card (single or multiple keyed) can be used with it.
After getting a brief knowledge about M.2 and its working, let’s have a look at the advantages of it.
Benefits of using M.2 WiFi card expansion slot
M.2 Slot Devices Compatible
- The M.2 slot allows having more flexible and faster storage and expansion. For example, by using the M.2 SSD, the data transfer speed can be increased up to 30 GB/S which is almost 5 times higher than the traditional SSD.
- It comes in different sizes like smaller or larger and thinner or thicker, so depending on the space that is available in your system, you can pick up the right length of the slot.
- It helps to take advantages of both the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) and NVME (Non-Volatile Memory Express) command modes to make an easier interface structure.
- The M.2 expansion slot allows using the feature called as ‘DevSleep.’ This feature reduces the power consumption that the M.2 SSD uses to keep some background service on for quick recovery when the system goes into the sleep mode.
Requirements for using an M.2 WiFi card
Two main conditions need to be fulfilled to use the M.2 WiFi card in your system; space and key. The system should have a separate space for the M.2 slot in which the M.2 networking card will be inserted. The connector you are using also needs to be having the same type of key types as on the M.2 expansion slot.
Who can use this M.2 expansion slot?
If you have a modern computer system, then most probably it should have the M.2 expansion slot. It’s not possible for the advanced laptop users as such machines nowadays come with compact designs that are not suitable for the haphazard expansions. For the desktop PC users, it will be easier to have such expansion slot on your compatible motherboard. Check your motherboard manufacturer site for checking the compatibility.
There you go! We hope this list really helped you pick the right WiFi card for your device. If we missed anything here or if you have any cards that you think can make a list, please let us know!
Summary :
There are different slots that you can choose, such as SATA, but the most popular slot now is the M.2 slot. Then what is an M.2 slot and what can it do? In this post, MiniTool provides you with detailed information about the M.2 slot.
What Is an M.2 Slot?
To begin with, what is an M.2 slot? The M.2 format, formerly known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is technically a replacement for the mSATA standard, which was very popular among manufacturers of ultra-compact laptops and other small accessories. The M.2 format is specially designed for manufacturers to replace various specific devices.
What Can M.2 Slot Do?
M.2 may completely replace all aging Serial ATA formats. The M.2 slot can interface with SATA 3.0 (the cable that may be connected to the storage drive of the desktop), PCI Express 3.0 (the default interface for graphics cards and other major expansion devices), and even USB 3.0.
This means that maybe any storage or disk drive, GPU or port extension, or low-power gadget using USB connection can be installed on the card that plugs into the M.2 slot at the same time. But the actual situation is much more complicated.
When you are using the PCI bus instead of the SATA bus, depending on the function of the motherboard and the M.2 card itself, M.2 devices can transfer data 50% to about 650% faster than standard SATA.
If you have the opportunity to use an M.2 SSD on a motherboard that supports PCI third generation, its speed may be much faster than conventional SATA drives.
What Devices Use the M.2 Slot?
Currently, M.2 is mainly used as an interface for ultra-high-speed SSDs on laptops and desktops. Some laptop designs also adopt the M.2 port as a wireless connection. This is not very common for desktop computers, which generally prefer to use a USB dongle or PCIe 1x card (although there is no reason why you cannot do this on a compatible motherboard).
And some companies have begun to expand the use of M.2 slots to categories that are not suitable for storage or expansion. Although no one has yet manufactured an M.2 graphics card, Intel is selling its Optane, a speed-up cache storage device in M.2 format, to consumers.
Does Your Computer Have an M.2 Slot?
If your PC was manufactured or assembled in recent years, it may have an M.2 slot. Unlucky, the flexibility of the format means that using it is not as easy as inserting a card.
M.2 Slot Devices Vs
The M.2 card has two main compatibility variables: length and key. The first one is obvious - your computer needs to have enough physical space to support the length of the card you want to use. The second is variable - the card’s connector must match the slot you want to insert.
Can You Add an M.2 Card If Your Computer Doesn’t Have an M.2 Slot?
M.2 Slot Devices Definition
If you are using a laptop, then you can't. The design of modern laptops is so compact that there is no room for unplanned expansion. If you use a desktop computer, then it’s OK for you. Adapters sold in large quantities already use the PCIe x4 slot on your motherboard.
However, if your motherboard cannot boot from PCIe, then you cannot set the M.2 drive as the boot drive, which means you will not benefit from a lot of speed. So you should know that if you want the full advantages of the M.2 hard drive, you may need a motherboard that supports this motherboard.
If you don’t know how to boot from M.2 SSD, this post is what you need. This post demonstrates how to install Windows 10 on M. 2 SSD and how to boot from M.2.
Bottom Line
This post has given you most information about the M.2 slot, such as what it is and what it can do. If your laptops don’t have an M.2 slot, then you cannot add an M.2 card. But you can do that if you are using desktops.