Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) – M.2
As detailed on Wikipedia, M.2, formerly known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and associated connectors. It replaces the mSATA standard, which uses the PCI Express Mini Card physical layout. M.2’s more flexible physical specification that allows different module widths and lengths, together with more advanced features, makes the M.2 more suitable for solid-state storage applications, and will be commonly used in ultrabooks or tablets.
The Computer bus interfaces provided through the M.2 connector, together with supported logical interfaces, are a superset to those defined by the SATA Express interface. Essentially, the M.2 standard is a small form factor implementation of the SATA Express interface with the addition of an internal USB 3.0 interface. The M.2 connector can have different keying notches that denote various uses of M.2 modules.
M.2 is a new form of SSD drive that’s smaller and faster the SSD drives we know today. It accomplishes greater transfer speeds by overcoming the speed limitations of using a SATA controller. Since the M.2 connects directly to the PCI-E bus, speed is limited only by the driver.
Data transfer speed could approach 2 Gbps. This is up to three times faster than SATA III. M.2 SSD drives are expected to increase transfer speeds of SSDs while simultaneously allowing for laptops to become smaller.
This may just give you the reason you have been looking for to buy a new mother board with the NGFF interface and build your new desktop powerhouse PC !