M.2 SSD for the 42mm slot in NUC12WSHi7

[rs1959]

I would like to add a second m.2 SSD to my NUC12WSHi7.

I know the second slot must be 22x42mm, Key-B. I am still confused. Looking at the connector, there are two little slots for sets of connectors. One longer one and one short.

Yet when I search for 2242 Key B SSDs to buy, they all seem to have three sets of connectors. And when I check the Intel compatibility tool for options, it only lists a Transcend brand such as model TS512GMTS430S, which has those three banks of connectors. It sure doesn't seem like it will fit.

Also, I know the first M.2 slot is longer and for NVME. But can this shorter 42mm slot also use NVME (if there even are NVME for 42mm ) ?

Can anyone point me to even one M.2 drive known to work in that second shorter slot of the NUC12WSHi7 ?   If I find one that is known to work, I can go from there.

Thank you.

RS

[rs1959]

From my searching, it sure looks like the pictured connector on the second slot is for an NVME SSD, with the two sets of connection points.  And I do indeed find 42mm length M.2 NVME SSDs which look like they would fit.   But the NUC specs indicate that NVME is only for the first slot, longer length slot.    So I'm quite confused.   Help me Obi Wan, you're my only hope.   Thank you.  

[n_scott_pearson]

No! The M.2 2242 connector only supports an M.2 SATA SSD. It *does not* support M.2 NVMe SSDs.

The TPS states (I highlighted the pertinent portion):

Storage

One M.2 PCIe Gen4 connector supporting M.2 22x80 (key type M) for NVMe only
One M.2 connector supporting M.2 22x42 (key type B) for SATA SSD, PCIe x1 or USB 3.2 expandability
One SATA 6.0 Gb/s combined data and power connector for 2.5 inch HDD

Hope this covers it,

...S

[rs1959]

Yes, thank you and I appreciate the response.  I read that too, but it is part of my confusion, rather than clearing it up.   It's the middle drive I am looking for - the one you list as  "One M.2 connector supporting M.2 22x42 (key type B) for SATA SSD"

If I search for a 2242 M.2 SSD SATA (NOT NVME) I only find ones like the ROGOB in the photo below.  But look at the pins, and look at the photo of the slot from the NUC I posted originally.  It's not going to fit.

Now look at the other photo, the Sabrent that IS NVME.  It sure looks like it will fit.  But it is NVME, which the specs say won't work.

I found a third-party online that sells custom configured and built NUC kits.  Their configurator shows that exact Sabrent M.2 2242 NVME as an option for a second drive.   Intel specs would indicate that is not an option - but it is something this third-party integrator is selling.   They seem to think it works.  

Can you find and point me to even one M.2 SATA SSD whose connectors look like they would fit in the NUC slot photo above?   I cannot.  Is it possible the specs are in error?

Again, I sincerely appreciate the answer.   

[n_scott_pearson]

It is certainly true that an NVMe SSD can be plugged into this socket, but, as the TPS, User's Guides and Integration Guides all state and as the sticker on the connector verifies, only SATA is supported.

I am not sure what else to say. Could the TPS, the User's Guides, the Integration Guides and the sticker on the connector all be wrong? Sure, anything's possible.

...S

[n_scott_pearson · Accepted solution]

BTW, there are lots of compatible drives available via Amazon (see https://www.amazon.com/s?k=m.2+ssd+2242+sata) - and yes, they will plug into this connector just fine. The fact that the second keying tab is not implemented in the connector does not stop it from being plugged in.

...S

[rs1959]

I see - so even though it looks like the connectors do not align, there are just some extra pins on the M.2 SATA that are superfluous and it should still work.  So something like the SATA Not NVME photo I posted above should indeed be ok.   

I was confused as the one that looks like it should fit has the wrong spec, and the one that has the right specs looks like it wouldn't fit.  Your comment that it will still plug into the connector and work fine is the key to clearing up my confusion.  I'll give it a go.  

(I'm still a little curious about the 3rd party selling custom configurations that has an NVME for drive 2, which per the specs should not work.)  

Thanks for your help.  

[n_scott_pearson]

Frankly, I am just as curious. I looked at the SimplyNUC site and saw they list NVMe as possible.
...S

[rs1959]

What the heck - I'm going to buy both the SATA and the NVMe drives I showed the photos of above.    I'll return at least one of them.
They will arrive in a week - I'll circle back and let you know.   Thanks again for your help.  

[rs1959]

Circling back as promised.

The Sabrent NVMe SSD does NOT work.  It doesn't even fit - connectors aren't right.

A "Dogfish" Ngff SATA M.2 2242 SSD works great.   Certainly the speed as measured by CrystalMark is not nearly as good as NVMe, but it is just about the same as a Samsung 2.5" 870 EVO I have in the 2.5" slot.     I bought the 2TB Dogfish on Amazon for $211.   There were not many choices in a larger capacity drive for M.2 2242 SATA, but this seems fine.  I have no experience with the brand - I hope it's reliable.  Reviews are solid.  

All is well.  Thanks. 

[Xtian]

Well done rs1959  tracking down a ssd 22x42 with a B & M key for the Nuc i also took your final outcome & bought a 1000g  "Dogfish" Ngff SATA M.2 2242 SSD from ebay australia cheers for you initial effort