StarTech PEX4M2E1 PCIe x4 to M.2 SSD Adapter Specifications and Datasheet

June 16, 2024
StarTech

StarTech PEX4M2E1 PCIe x4 to M.2 SSD Adapter

StarTech-PEX4M2E1-PCIe-x4-to-M-2-SSD-Adapter-product

x4 PCI Express 3.0 to M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Adapter

  • Product ID: PEX4M2E1

Product Overview

  • Get ultra-fast data access by adding a PCIe M.2 SSD to your existing computer. This adapter lets you add a high-speed, 4-lane M.2 SSD (PCIe-based), such as a Samsung 950 Pro or Samsung SM 951, to a PC with an available x4 PCI Express expansion slot. You can mount the PCIe M.2 drive directly onto the adapter, giving you an easy and convenient way to improve your system performance and expand overall internal storage.
  • The expansion card lets you take full advantage of the fast performance and compact size of PCIe M.2 internal solid-state drives. The adapter connects directly to your computer motherboard to support an M.2 PCIe-based SSD (NVMe or AHCI) through ultra-fast x4 PCIe. The adapter is compatible with PCIe 3.0 motherboards and is also backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 and PCIe 1.0. With the M.2 PCIe based drive in place, the adapter gives your computer a significant speed boost.
  • The adapter supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (M Key) and PCIe-AHCI M.2 SSDs including 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110 drives. The expansion slot adapter supports the most common drive sizes including 110 mm, 80 mm, 60 mm and 42 mm.
  • The expansion card is equipped with a full-profile bracket and includes a half-height/low-profile bracket, for installation in small form-factor computers.
  • The PEX4M2E1 is backed by a StarTech.com 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.

Certifications, Reports and Compatibility

Applications

  • Connect a PCIe M.2 SSD to your computer through an available x4 PCI Express expansion slot to boost system speed and increase internal data storage
  • Get ultra-fast data access, ideal for gaming or high-performance workstations
  • Install your operating system on an M.2 PCIe based drive for fast access, while keeping larger platter drives available for bulk storage

Features

  • ENHANCE YOUR PERFORMANCE: Connect a PCIe M.2 SSD (M-Key / NGFF / NVMe or AHCI) to your computer through PCI Express for ultra-fast data access and to boost your system’s performance
  • BROAD COMPATIBILITY: This M2 PCIe SSD adapter is compatible with PCIe 3.0 motherboards, and backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 and PCIe 1.0. It also supports PCIe M.2 SSDs (NVMe and AHCI): 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110 drives for ultimate compatibility
  • HASSLE-FREE SETUP: With native OS support, this M 2 PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter is fast to install, ensuring an easy setup – Also compatible with PCIe x8 and x16 slots
  • FULL AND LOW PROFILE: This SSD PCIe M.2 adapter is equipped with a full-profile bracket, and includes a half-height/low-profile bracket for installation in small form-factor computers
  • THE IT PRO’S CHOICE: IT professionals choice for over 30 years – This NVMe PCIe adapter card is backed for 2 years, including free 24/5 North America based multi-lingual assistance

Specifications

Hardware:

  • Warranty : 2 Years
  • Interface : PCI Express x4
  • Bus Type : PCI Express
  • Number of Drives : 1
  • Drive Size : 22m – M.2 NGFF
  • Compatible Drive Types : M.2 (PCIe, AHCI, M-Key, NGFF)
  • Drive Installation : Fixed
  • Supported Drive Height(s) : 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110

Performance:

  • Type and Rate : PCI Express 3.0 (8 Gbps)
  • Hardware Raid Supported : No
  • Hot Swap Capability : No

Connector(s):

  • Drive Connectors : 1 – M.2 (PCIe, M-Key, AHCI/NVMe, NGFF)
  • Host Connectors : 1 – PCI Express x4

Software:

  • OS Compatibility : OS independent; No software or drivers required

Special Notes / Requirements:

  • Note : NVMe SSDs require drivers provided by the manufacturer of the drive or may be natively provided by the OS (Windows 8 and later – Mac OS 10.10.3 and later). Earlier OS versions do not have native NVMe support.

Indicators:

  • LED Indicators : 1 – Pin header on board for drive LED connection

Power:

  • Input Voltage : 12V DC
  • Output Voltage : 12V DC

Environmental:

  • Operating Temperature : 5°C to 50°C (41°F to 122°F)
  • Storage Temperature : -25°C to 70°C (-13°F to 158°F)
  • Humidity : 15% ~ 90% RH

Physical Characteristics:

  • Color : Red
  • Material : Steel
  • Max Drive Height : 4.3 in [110 mm]
  • Product Length : 5.3 in [13.5 cm]
  • Product Width : 3.1 in [8.0 cm]
  • Product Height : 0.2 in [0.4 cm]
  • Weight of Product : 1.7 oz [47.0 g]

Packaging Information:

  • Package Quantity : 1
  • Package Length : 6.6 in [16.8 cm]
  • Package Width : 5.7 in [14.4 cm]
  • Package Height : 1.3 in [3.2 cm]
  • Shipping (Package) Weight : 4.4 oz [126.0 g]

What’s in the Box:

  • Included in Package :
    • 1 – x4 PCI Express to M.2 PCIe SSD Adapter
    • 1 – Low-profile bracket
    • 1 – Full-profile bracket (pre-installed)
    • 1 – SSD standoff and installation screw
    • 1 – Quick start guide

*Product appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the StarTech PEX4M2E1 support drives larger than 2 TB?

Yes, you can use GPT partitioning with the StarTech PEX4M2E1 to support drives larger than 2 TB.

What is the warranty for the StarTech PEX4M2E1 adapter?

The StarTech PEX4M2E1 adapter is backed by a two-year warranty provided by StarTech.com.

Can I install multiple M.2 SSDs using multiple StarTech PEX4M2E1 adapters in my computer?

Yes, you can install multiple M.2 SSDs using multiple StarTech PEX4M2E1 adapters if your computer has available PCIe slots.

Can I use the StarTech PEX4M2E1 to upgrade my computer's storage capacity?

Yes, the StarTech PEX4M2E1 is an excellent choice for upgrading your computer's storage capacity by adding a high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD.

Does the StarTech PEX4M2E1 support TRIM for SSD maintenance?

Yes, the StarTech PEX4M2E1 is compatible with TRIM, which helps maintain the performance and lifespan of your SSD by optimizing data storage.

Can I use the StarTech PEX4M2E1 in a RAID configuration with multiple M.2 SSDs?

Yes, you can use multiple StarTech PEX4M2E1 adapters and M.2 SSDs to set up a RAID configuration for enhanced performance or data redundancy, depending on your needs.

What is the maximum data transfer speed I can achieve with the StarTech PEX4M2E1?

The StarTech PEX4M2E1 supports PCIe x4, allowing for high-speed data transfers, but the actual speed will depend on your M.2 SSD's capabilities and the PCIe slot on your motherboard.

Are there any specific precautions I should take when handling the StarTech PEX4M2E1 and M.2 SSD during installation?

Yes, always handle storage devices and the adapter with caution. Ensure you're properly grounded by wearing an anti-static strap when installing to prevent static discharge, which can damage components.

Is the StarTech PEX4M2E1 backward compatible with older PCIe slots, such as PCIe x1 or PCIe 2.0?

The StarTech PEX4M2E1 is physically compatible with PCIe x1 slots, but it will operate at reduced speed. It's recommended to use it with a PCIe x4 or larger slot for optimal performance.

Can I use the StarTech PEX4M2E1 in a server or enterprise-grade system?

Yes, the StarTech PEX4M2E1 can be used in server or enterprise systems with PCIe slots, allowing you to enhance storage capabilities in such environments.

What is the recommended method for updating the firmware on the M.2 SSD connected to the StarTech PEX4M2E1?

Firmware updates for M.2 SSDs should be done directly through the SSD manufacturer's provided software or tools. Follow their instructions for safe and proper updates.

Does the StarTech PEX4M2E1 support booting from the M.2 SSD it connects to?

Yes, you can configure your computer's BIOS to boot from the M.2 SSD connected via the StarTech PEX4M2E1, making it a bootable storage option.

Download The PDF link:StarTech PEX4M2E1 PCIe x4 to M.2 SSD Adapter Specifications and Datasheet

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