NGFF = Next Generation Form Factor - This is a general term that was used when M.2 PCIe ssd's were first introduced. It is rarely used anymore. It just meant the new ssd's were a lot smaller than the standard 2.5 inch ssd's.
AHCI = Advance Host Controller Interface - The process used by software and motherboard memory to communicate with SATA devices. It was originally developed to improve hard disk drive performance and is enabled in a motherboard's system BIOS.
NVMe = Non-Volatile Memory Express - The longer term is Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface Specification (NVMHCI). This newer interface is designed for use with M.2 PCIe ssd's that are connected via a PCIe header/port instead of a SATA connection. The use of multiple PCIe channels improves ssd performance.
M.2 and PCIe ssd's are both PCIe ssd's. The difference between the two is the way in which they are connected to a motherboard. PCIe ssd's are mounted on a PCIe adapter card which is inserted in an appropriate PCIe slot on a motherboard just like a graphics card or a sound card. M.2 ssd's are not mounted on a PCIe adapter card. Instead, M.2 ssd's are inserted into a small M.2 header/port on a motherboard. The M.2 version is the most popular because it is ideal for small mobile computers. A few ssd companies offer the M.2 models with or without a PCIe adapter card. If it is plugged into an M.2 slot, then it is commonly referred to as an M.2 ssd. If the same ssd is mounted on a PCIe adapter card, then it is commonly referred to as a PCIe ssd.
M.2 SATA 3 - Older M.2 version whose performance was equal to standard 2.5 inch SATA 3 6Gb/s ssd's. Still available.
mSATA - The original small form factor ssd. Quickly replaced by M.2. Still available for older computers.
Your motherboard has the following headers/ports for ssd's:
1 PCIe 3.0 x 16 slot. Normally used for a graphics card so it really is not suitable for an ssd.
1 x PCIe 3.0 x 16 slot running at PCIe 16.0 x 4. Suitable for a PCIe 3.0 x 4 or PCIe 3.0 x 2 ssd mounted on an adapter card.
1 M.2 3.0 x 4 header/port. In addition to an M.2 3.0 x 4 ssd, this header is also backward compatible with M.2 3.0 x 2 ssd's and M.2 SATA 3 6Gb/s ssd's. If an M.2 SATA 3 6Gb/s ssd is used, then SATA header/port #01 is disabled.
6 SATA 3 headers/ports for standard 2.5 inch SATA 3 6Gb/s ssd's. The headers are also backward compatible with older SATA 2 3Gb/s ssd's.
Based on how you use your computer, I recommend either a standard 2.5 inch SATA 3 6Gb/s ssd or an M.2 SATA 3 6Gb/s ssd. The Samsung 850 EVO would be a good choice. It is available in both M.2 SATA 3 and standard 2.5 inch SATA 3 formats. They perform well and have a proven track record. You'll have to check prices for both models.
I maintain an ssd database that is listed in a sticky at the very top of this forum section. Here is the link:
http://www.johnnylucky.org/data-storage/ssd-database.html
You'll see the different ssd categories. Scroll down to the categories and models you are interested in and follow the links to the technical reviews. The technical reviews are divided into two categories - English Language reviews and reviews in many other languages. There are no advertisements or other distractions. It is strictly a hobby.
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