Question M.2 slot question-confused

[jhansman]

So, my Asrock B450M Pro4 mobo has two M.2 slots, one (called "Ultra" in the manual) which is PCIe and is currently populated by a Samsung 970 Pro as my boot drive; this one is keyed for an M type module (one notch). The other slot, again according to the manual, is a SATA 3 bus. I was expecting to see it keyed for an M & B module, as every SATA3 M.2 module I can find is keyed that way. However, this second slot is also keyed for a M module, i.e., a single notch. Hence my confusion. My question then is, can I use a M & B module in this slot if it is a SATA 3 module, or must I use an M keyed module (all of which seem to be NVMe, which is not supported by the second slot). Confusing, I know. Thanks for any help you can lend.

I did find this statement in an online article: "M.2 cards with a B Key interface can only fit into a B Key host slot, and likewise for M Key. But cards with a B+M Key design can fit in either a B or an M host slot, since they have gaps for both."

BTW, called Asrock TS and they were no help at all.

 

[Micrornd]

Yes, you can use a B+M SATA module.
It must be SATA, not NVMe, and your MB manual shows numerous supported modules.

 

[jhansman]

Thanks, that is what I suspected was the case. Dunno if I will actually ever use it, since it's no faster than the SATA3 ports for regular drives. Nice to know it's there, though.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

Dunno if I will actually ever use it, since it's no faster than the SATA3 ports for regular drives.

One particular advantage of M.2 SATA is that it doesn't require cables. This may seem like a small thing, but depending on the case it can be a significant advantage.

 

[Furious_Styles]

BTW, called Asrock TS and they were no help at all.

lol how pathetic must that TS team be!

 

[jhansman]

One particular advantage of M.2 SATA is that it doesn't require cables. This may seem like a small thing, but depending on the case it can be a significant advantage.

Decided to bite the bullet on a WD 500GB SATA3 M.2 drive the Egg had on sale. It will replace my last spinner, bringing my system into the 21st century once and for all. I have an Asrock RX 570 inbound that will need the 12v rail my Antec PSU offers but has never been used. Thanks for the replies here.