There are four main types of SSDs, categorized by their interface and form factor:
SATA SSD (2.5-inch)
Uses the SATA interface.
Speed: Up to 550 MB/s.
Common in laptops and desktops.
M.2 SATA SSD
Smaller M.2 form factor but still uses the SATA interface.
Speed: Up to 550 MB/s.
M.2 NVMe SSD (PCIe)
Uses the PCIe interface with the NVMe protocol.
Speed: 2,000–14,000 MB/s (depending on PCIe generation).
Most popular choice for modern computers.
PCIe Add-in Card (AIC) SSD
Plugs directly into a PCIe expansion slot.
Very high performance, mainly used in workstations and servers.
Quick comparison:
Type Interface Typical Speed
SATA 2.5″ SATA Up to 550 MB/s
M.2 SATA SATA Up to 550 MB/s
M.2 NVMe PCIe/NVMe 2,000–14,000 MB/s
PCIe AIC PCIe/NVMe 3,000–14,000+ MB/s
If you’re buying an SSD for a PC or laptop, the most common choices are SATA SSD and M.2 NVMe SSD.
SSD vs HDD
SSD vs HDD
Feature SSD HDD
Which one is better?
SSD is better for performance. It makes Windows boot faster, applications open quickly, and the computer feels much more responsive.
HDD is better for inexpensive bulk storage. For example, if you need several terabytes for documents, videos, backups, or CCTV data, an HDD can be more economical.
Best combination for a desktop:
👉 SSD for Windows + HDD for large data storage.