StarTech.com Dual M.2 PCIe SSD Adapter Card (x8/x16) – Dual NVMe or AHCI M.2 to PCIe 4.0

Unlock the full potential of your storage with the StarTech.com Dual M.2 PCIe SSD Adapter Card. This high-performance expansion card enables you to run two M.2 NVMe or AHCI SSDs side by side in a single PCIe slot, delivering exceptional speed, capacity, and system responsiveness for demanding workloads. Perfect for desktop enthusiasts, content creators, and professionals who need faster OS boot times, rapid data transfers, and smooth multitasking, this adapter is designed to work seamlessly with PC and Linux environments. With support for a wide range of M.2 sizes and a PCIe 4.0 interface, you can upgrade your storage without sacrificing motherboard slots or internal space.

• Two M.2 slots for dual drives: Expand storage and performance by hosting two M.2 PCIe NVMe or AHCI SSDs on a single PCIe card, freeing motherboard space for other components while delivering parallel throughput for heavy multitasking and large file transfers.
• PCIe 4.0 speeds up to 7.8 GB/s per drive: Take advantage of the latest NVMe performance with blistering sequential read/write speeds. This adapter enables near-SSD-level acceleration for workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and large dataset processing, while still offering responsive OS operation and fast application load times.
• Broad M.2 compatibility (2242/2260/2280/22110, M-Key): Supports a wide array of M.2 form factors and lengths, providing flexible installation for most consumer and enterprise SSDs. Compatible with common 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110 cards, so you can choose the best capacity and performance profile for your build.
• NVMe and AHCI support: Use NVMe for peak performance, or AHCI for compatibility with legacy software or drives that don’t support NVMe. This flexibility helps you optimize for cost, compatibility, and speed based on your workload and hardware.
• Requires motherboard/bios bifurcation: To run two drives concurrently in PCIe x8/x16 mode, your motherboard must support PCIe bifurcation and the BIOS must be configured accordingly. When enabled, the two M.2 slots operate in tandem, maximizing throughput while maintaining system stability.

Technnical Details of StarTech.com Dual M.2 PCIe SSD Adapter Card

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x8/x16 with bifurcation options to support two PCIe M.2 drives.
• Slots: 2 x M.2 PCIe (M-Key) sockets capable of housing NVMe or AHCI SSDs.
• Supported M.2 sizes: 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 — accommodates a broad range of SSD lengths.
• Capabilities: Dual-drive configuration, dual-channel operation with dedicated throughput per drive, ideal for high-performance storage setups.
• Throughput (per drive): Up to 7.8 GB/s per drive under ideal PCIe 4.0 conditions, subject to the drive's own specs and system bottlenecks.
• Compatibility: PC and Linux compatible; Windows environments supported via standard storage management in the OS.
• Form factor: PCIe add-in card designed for desktop chassis, with a standard PCIe slot interface and a mounting bracket.
• Power and cooling: Passive/passive-compatible design; no onboard power connectors required beyond the PCIe slot in most configurations; ensure adequate airflow inside the case for sustained workloads.

How to install StarTech.com Dual M.2 PCIe SSD Adapter Card

• Power down the computer, unplug from the wall, and discharge any remaining static by touching a grounded metal surface.
• Open the PC case and locate an available PCIe slot (preferably PCIe x8 or x16) that matches your motherboard’s bifurcation capability.
• Remove the slot cover on the case, then insert the StarTech adapter card firmly into the PCIe slot until seated. Secure the card bracket with a screw to the chassis.
• Prepare two compatible M.2 SSDs (NVMe or AHCI) in the required M-Key format. Align them with the notches and gently insert into the M.2 sockets on the adapter, applying even pressure until secure. Do not overtighten.
• Power on the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI. Enable PCIe bifurcation for the chosen slot if required by your motherboard. Configure the PCIe slot to operate in a dual-drive mode (this option varies by motherboard model).
• Save BIOS changes and boot into your operating system. In Windows, use Disk Management to initialize and format the new drives; in Linux, use your preferred disk management or filesystem tools (e.g., fdisk, parted, mkfs) to prepare the volumes.
• Install any required chipset or storage drivers if prompted by the OS, then verify that both M.2 drives are recognized and performing as expected. Run a quick benchmark or transfer test to confirm the two-drive configuration is active and stable.
• Close the case, reconnect power and peripherals, and resume normal operation with the enhanced storage setup ready for use.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the StarTech.com Dual M.2 PCIe SSD Adapter Card used for? A: It adds two M.2 PCIe SSDs to a single PCIe slot, enabling dual-drive storage expansion and higher parallel throughput for demanding tasks, including OS boot, gaming, media editing, and data-intensive workflows.

Q: Which drives are supported? A: The card supports NVMe and AHCI M.2 SSDs with M-Key interfaces. It accepts common M.2 lengths, including 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110, giving you flexibility in choosing drive capacity and form factor.

Q: Do I need to enable bifurcation? A: Yes. To run two drives off one PCIe slot, your motherboard must support PCIe bifurcation and you must enable it in the BIOS/UEFI. Without bifurcation, the two drives may not be recognized as separate devices.

Q: What performance can I expect? A: The adapter supports PCIe 4.0 and can deliver up to 7.8 GB/s per drive under ideal conditions. Real-world speeds depend on the specific SSDs used, the motherboard’s PCIe lane configuration, and other system bottlenecks.

Q: Is this compatible with Windows, Linux, and other operating systems? A: Yes. The adapter is designed to work with PC environments and Linux systems; Windows systems typically recognize the drives via standard storage management tools once the OS detects the hardware.

Q: How many drives can I install? A: Two M.2 drives can be installed simultaneously on the adapter card, provided the motherboard supports bifurcation and the BIOS is configured accordingly.

Q: Do I need additional power connections? A: In most configurations, the PCIe slot provides sufficient power for the two M.2 drives via the motherboard. Depending on system design and drive consumption, ensure adequate airflow and consider case cooling for sustained heavy workloads.