Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET's key takeaways
Most desktop users have at least one M.2 slot in their PC.
These slots aren't just for storage.
Options include upgraded internet bandwidth and additional USB ports.
I'm not sure who needs to hear this, but if you have a desktop PC in 2026, you're probably not using its M.2 slots to their fullest potential. If it's from the last five to ten years, chances are you have unused M.2 slots that could be put to use with additional accessories.
M.2 slots aren't just for NVMe SSDs; they can enable devices for several different purposes, including a faster Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection, a USB port expansion, or an extra GPU. With a little investment, one or more of these devices can significantly improve the value of your PC.
Also: The best M.2 SSDs of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
... continue reading