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Difficulty: MediumStorage Devices and Interfaces

A technician is replacing a storage drive in a desktop computer. The motherboard manual specifies that the available internal M.2 slot supports only the SATA protocol and uses a B-key slot layout. Which of the following drive specifications is fully compatible with this motherboard slot?

  1. An M.2 SSD utilizing the SATA protocol with a B&M-key connector configurationAnswer
  2. B
    An M.2 SSD utilizing the NVMe protocol with an M-key connector configuration
  3. C
    An M.2 SSD operating over PCIe x4 lanes requiring an M-key socket
  4. D
    A 2.5-inch Enterprise SAS solid-state drive connected via a passive M.2 connector cable

Answer

An M.2 SSD utilizing the SATA protocol with a B&M-key connector configuration
The M.2 form factor supports multiple pin keying arrangements and bus standards. B-key slots accommodate SATA or PCIe x2 interfaces. SSDs manufactured with a B&M-key configuration feature dual notch cutouts, allowing them to physically fit B-key motherboard sockets while transmitting data across the required SATA protocol.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the slot constraints given by the motherboard specifications.
The slot physical key is B-key, and the supported communication protocol is SATA.
M.2 slots vary in physical notch layout (B-key, M-key) and underlying bus protocol (SATA vs PCIe/NVMe).
2
Evaluate keying compatibility across M.2 solid-state drives.
B&M-keyed M.2 drives feature two notch cutouts, allowing them to fit into both B-key and M-key slots.
Physical keying prevents insertion of incompatible drive types into slots that cannot support their interface voltage or protocol.
3
Verify protocol and pinout alignment.
A B&M-keyed SATA SSD matches both the physical pin housing and the SATA signaling requirements of the motherboard.
This guarantees both mechanical fit and proper system recognition in the BIOS/UEFI.

Key Concept

M.2 Slot Keying and Protocol Compatibility (SATA vs. NVMe)
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Topics

Storage Devices and Interfaces

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