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Red PCIe x4 expansion card with M.2 M-key slot and two metal brackets

STARTECH

STARTECH PEX4M2E1 M.2 NVMe adapter x4 PCIe 3.0

SKU CH-PNCD-YRSYX MPN PEX4M2E1

Adds an M.2 NVMe SSD to a desktop via a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, supports 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110 drives, includes low-profile and full-profile brackets

  • First connector1 x M.2 (NGFF, M-Key, PCIe x4)
  • Second connector1 x PCI Express x4 Male
  • Product colorRed
  • DetailsConnect a PCIe M.2 SSD (NVMe or AHCI) to your computer throu
  • Key featuresBoost system speed and performance by adding a PCIe M.2 SSD
  • Product dimensions7.2 in × 4.8 in × 7 in
  • Add ultra-fast NVMe storage via a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
  • Fits 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110 M.2 drives
  • Works with PCIe 3.0, 2.0 and 1.0 motherboards
  • Includes low-profile and full-profile brackets for any case
  • Native OS support enables driver-free installation

M.2 NVMe adapter x4 PCIe 3.0

The PEX4M2E1 adds an M-Key M.2 slot to a desktop through a PCI Express x4 lane connection. It accepts NVMe or AHCI drives in 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110 lengths. Both low-profile and full-profile brackets are included for different chassis types. The card installs in x4, x8 or x16 slots without extra drivers.

Sustained load behaviour

The adapter passes the SSD native PCIe 3.0 x4 electrical interface directly to the motherboard. Thermal performance depends on the drive itself and the airflow inside the case because the card has no active cooling. Backward compatibility with PCIe 2.0 and 1.0 slots reduces available bandwidth for long transfers. OS independence means the host manages power states and error recovery natively.

PCIe 3.0 x4 interface limits

Maximum theoretical throughput is capped at the PCIe 3.0 x4 ceiling, so drives rated for higher generations cannot exceed this bottleneck. The physical slot length limits installation to cards up to 110 mm. Motherboards without bifurcation support will not split the lane count for multiple drives. Buyers who need more than one M.2 device per slot or PCIe 4.0 speeds cannot use this adapter.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in SATA, IDE & M.2 Drive Adapters, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $31.99
Pricier than about 68% of the 1,721 comparable items (median $22.99).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameStarTech.com
Model namePEX4M2E1
Product colorRed
Ports & slots
First connector1 x M.2 (NGFF, M-Key, PCIe x4)
Second connector1 x PCI Express x4 Male
Size & build
Cable lengthNo
Product dimensions7.2 in × 4.8 in × 7 in
Product weight1.6 oz
Shipping weight0.12 kg
Package size178 × 146 × 32 mm

Questions about this item

Does the PEX4M2E1 adapter need active cooling or extra power when an NVMe SSD runs continuously?

The card draws power directly from the PCIe x4 slot and has no fan or heatsink, so it adds negligible heat and requires no auxiliary power connector.

Which M.2 SSD lengths and key types does the PEX4M2E1 support out of the box?

It accepts M-key PCIe SSDs in 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110 sizes, and the package includes a standoff and screw for each length.

Will the PEX4M2E1 work in a motherboard that only has PCIe 2.0 slots?

Yes, the adapter is backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 and 1.0 slots, though the SSD will operate at the slower bus speed.

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