M.2 server SSDs are small-format drives for servers, workstations and NAS devices. Our range includes over 40 models with a SATA III or PCIe 4.0 interface. Most are from HP Enterprise, Samsung, Micron and Lenovo, and you will also find drives from Synology and Kingston.
How to choose an M.2 server SSD
Interface and slot. SATA III models read at about 520 MB/s, while PCIe 4.0 drives in our range reach up to 7000 MB/s. Before buying, check whether the M.2 slot in your server or NAS supports SATA, PCIe or both, and whether the drive length fits (usually 2280, sometimes 22110 in servers).
Capacity. Our range includes 240, 480 and 960 GB drives. A 240 or 480 GB drive is usually enough for an operating system or hypervisor, while 960 GB makes sense for caching, logs or virtual machines.
Random read and write speed. For databases and virtualisation, 4KB IOPS figures matter more than sequential read speed. Some of our models reach 550,000 IOPS random read and around 60,000 IOPS random write, while others stop at about 90,000 IOPS read.
Endurance and power-loss protection. Write endurance (TBW or DWPD) is important in a server, and many enterprise drives also protect data during a sudden power cut. If the drive will run around the clock with heavy writing, compare these figures before choosing a capacity.
Power draw and cooling. Drives in our range use between 3.1 and 7.8 W when writing. In a tight server chassis, faster M.2 drives get hot, so check airflow and whether a heatsink can be fitted.
Brands in our range
- HP Enterprise: the largest group in our range, with drives made for HPE servers, which suits buyers who want manufacturer-approved compatibility.
- Samsung: makes its own memory and controllers, and its PCIe drives are known for high sequential speeds.
- Micron: a memory chip manufacturer and the owner of Crucial, offering drives designed for data centres.
- Lenovo: drives matched to Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and workstations.
- Synology: a NAS maker whose M.2 drives are intended for use as cache in Synology NAS devices.
- Kingston: has a dedicated data centre SSD line, and its M.2 models are often used as server boot drives.
Also in our range: Solidigm and PNY drives.
Frequently asked questions about M.2 server SSDs
How does an M.2 server SSD differ from a regular M.2 SSD?
Server drives are built for continuous operation, so they often offer higher write endurance and protection against power loss. Regular PC drives are designed for shorter, less frequent workloads. Some models in our range are labelled for PCs or laptops, so check the intended use in the description.
Is an M.2 SSD suitable for a server operating system?
Yes, this is a common setup. A 240 or 480 GB drive is enough for an operating system or hypervisor, while data is kept on separate larger drives. Many servers let you pair two M.2 drives in a mirrored RAID 1, so the system keeps running if one fails.
Should I choose a SATA or PCIe M.2 server drive?
If the slot supports both, a PCIe 4.0 drive is faster: up to 7000 MB/s compared with about 520 MB/s for SATA. That matters for databases and virtualisation. For a boot drive and simpler tasks SATA is often enough, but check first which type your M.2 slot supports.
Can I use an M.2 SSD for NAS caching?
Yes, if the NAS has M.2 slots, they can be used for read or write cache. Check the manufacturer's compatibility list before buying, as some devices accept only approved models. Our range includes Synology M.2 drives intended for their NAS devices.
