Released by the PCI-SIG (Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group), this document is not merely an incremental update. It is the architectural blueprint that enables M.2 SSDs to leap from 16 GB/s (PCIe 5.0 x4 theoretical max) to the raw physical limits of the new signaling standard. For engineers, procurement specialists, and hardware enthusiasts, understanding this 1.0 version of the M.2 specification is critical to designing compatible, high-performance systems.
The PDF's thermal annex implicitly endorses active fan-heatsinks. As a result, you'll see more M.2 slots bundled with mini-fans on high-end boards.
The defining feature of the M.2 5.0 specification is its ability to support a (Giga-transfers per second) raw bit rate per lane.