QM2-2P10G1TB: Dual M.2 NVMe SSD & 10GbE Expansion Card for QNAP NAS

The QM2-2P10G1TB is a high-performance expansion card for QNAP NAS systems that combines two M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD slots with a 10GbE RJ45 connection in a single, space-efficient module. This versatile card is designed to turbocharge caching performance, accelerate data access, and dramatically boost network throughput, enabling you to tackle demanding workloads with confidence. By offloading cache and fast storage to dedicated NVMe drives while delivering ultra-fast network access, this expansion card helps you break through bottlenecks in virtualization, large-scale backups, media editing, surveillance data processing, and data-intensive workflows. Built to integrate seamlessly with QNAP’s ecosystem, the QM2-2P10G1TB provides a streamlined upgrade path for both storage and connectivity in compatible NAS models.

• Two M.2 NVMe SSD slots: Add ultra-fast cache or direct storage to your QNAP NAS using NVMe drives for dramatically improved random I/O and sequential performance. The two slots offer flexible configurations for read or write caching, backlog reduction, and acceleration of frequently accessed data, helping to deliver snappier databases, faster VM operations, and smoother media workflows. The NVMe interface minimizes latency and unlocks the full potential of SSD caching in modern NAS environments.
• 10GbE RJ45 connectivity: A built-in 10 Gigabit Ethernet port delivers significantly higher throughput than traditional gigabit networking, enabling rapid backups, fast remote access, and smooth multi-user collaboration. For small to mid-size deployments, you can connect to a 10G switch or a compatible router to achieve near-local storage speeds over the network, enhancing virtualization, media streaming, and disaster-recovery workflows.
• PCIe Gen3 x8 host interface: The card communicates with the NAS through a PCIe Gen3 x8 interface, providing generous bandwidth to support both NVMe SSDs and the 10GbE port without creating bottlenecks. This generous lane allocation helps sustain high performance during simultaneous read/write operations, cache warmups, and large data transfers.
• Integrated cooling design: Effective passive cooling with an efficient heatsink design helps dissipate heat from sustained caching and high‑throughput transfers. By maintaining cooler operating temperatures, the QM2-2P10G1TB helps prevent thermal throttling and preserves consistent performance during heavy workloads and long-running tasks.
• Easy installation and broad compatibility: Engineered for quick, tool-free upgrades in compatible QNAP NAS units, the QM2-2P10G1TB supports a wide range of NAS models that offer QM2 expansion slots. This all-in-one solution lets you increase caching, storage speed, and network performance in one step, minimizing downtime and simplifying upgrades for home labs, small offices, and enterprise environments alike.

Technical Details of QM2-2P10G1TB

• Two M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD slots: Allows deployment of NVMe drives for caching and/or fast storage, leveraging PCIe performance for low latency and high IOPS. Supports the M.2 NVMe SSDs commonly used in consumer and enterprise applications.
• M.2 form factor: Primarily supports 2280 NVMe drives (with NVMe PCIe signaling); provides two dedicated slots on a single card for flexible caching or storage configurations.
• PCIe interface: Host connection via PCIe Gen3 x8, delivering ample bandwidth to support both NVMe modules and the 10GbE network interface without contention.
• Network interface: One 10GbE RJ45 port for ultra-fast network connectivity, ideal for high-speed backups, fast data transfers, and bandwidth-intensive workflows.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with QNAP NAS models that support QM2 expansion cards; check your model’s compatibility list and firmware requirements for optimal operation.
• Cooling: Built-in passive cooling with an efficient heatsink to help manage thermals during heavy caching and sustained data transfers.
• Power and integration: Draws power from the NAS PCIe slot; no external power supply required. Integrates with QNAP OS caching and storage management features for seamless configuration.
• Warranty and support: Covered under QNAP warranty terms; compatible with QNAP OS updates and caching utilities to maximize performance and reliability.

How to install QM2-2P10G1TB

• Power down and unplug your QNAP NAS, then open the chassis to access the motherboard and PCIe slots.
• Identify an available PCIe slot that supports QM2 expansion cards and remove any necessary covers or brackets to accommodate the card.
• Insert the QM2-2P10G1TB card firmly into the PCIe x8 slot, ensuring full engagement and a solid connection to the motherboard.
• Install two NVMe M.2 SSDs into the card’s two M.2 sockets, securing them with the included screws or mounting hardware as instructed by the card’s packaging or manual.
• Reattach any heat shields or thermal containment if required by your NAS model, then close the chassis and reconnect power and network cables.
• Power on the NAS and boot into the QTS or QuTS hero operating system. The system will detect the new hardware and guide you through initial configuration.
• Open Storage & Snapshots or Cache Manager in the NAS OS to decide whether to configure the M.2 drives as cache, as a separate storage pool, or in a hybrid arrangement, and configure the 10GbE port for network access in the Network settings.
• Run a quick performance check by benchmarking typical workloads (backups, virtualization, or media workflows) and monitor thermals to ensure the cooling solution is effective during heavy use.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Which NAS models are compatible with the QM2-2P10G1TB? A: The card is designed for QNAP NAS models that support QM2 expansion cards. For exact compatibility, consult the QNAP hardware compatibility list for your specific NAS model and firmware version.
• Q: Can I use the two M.2 slots for both caching and storage? A: Yes. The two NVMe M.2 SSDs can be configured as cache to accelerate hot data or used as fast storage, depending on how you configure caching and storage pools in the NAS OS.
• Q: Does this card require an external power supply? A: No. The QM2-2P10G1TB is powered through the NAS PCIe slot and does not require an additional power source.
• Q: Is the 10GbE port compatible with standard switches and networks? A: Yes. The 10GbE RJ45 port works with standard 10GBASE-T networking equipment, including 10G switches, routers, and uplinks, for high-speed data transfers.
• Q: Do I need to install drivers or firmware updates to use this card? A: The QM2-2P10G1TB is supported by QNAP’s QTS/QuTS hero operating systems. Firmware updates from QNAP may include optimizations for caching, storage, and networking features related to QM2 modules.