Supermicro Low Profile Dual NVMe M.2 PCIe Add-on Card

Unlock premium storage performance in compact systems with the Supermicro Low Profile, Dual NVMe M.2 PCIe Add-on Card. The AOC-SLG3-2M2 is engineered to fit into tight server, workstation, and embedded environments, delivering two internal M.2 NVMe sockets that empower your platform with high-speed, low-latency storage expansion. Perfect for developers, IT pros, and power users who demand maximal throughput without sacrificing space or energy efficiency, this PCIe add-on card transforms ordinary systems into capable, data-driven engines. Built to work with standard NVMe drives and broad operating system support, it’s the ideal upgrade for people who value performance, reliability, and ease of integration in a compact footprint.

• The Supermicro AOC-SLG3-2M2 provides two internal M.2 NVMe sockets, enabling you to install up to two fast NVMe SSDs for parallel I/O and significantly enhanced data throughput. This dual-drive capability allows you to run demanding workloads—such as virtualization, databases, high-resolution video editing, and big data analytics—without bottlenecks, while preserving a compact, space-saving form factor.
• With a PCIe 3.0 x4 host interface, this add-on card delivers robust bandwidth from the motherboard to your NVMe drives. The result is low-latency access and sustained, high-performance storage throughput that can accelerate boot times, application load times, and data-intensive workflows, all while maintaining energy efficiency.
• Designed in a low-profile (half-height) form factor, this PCIe add-on card is tailor-made for slim servers, microservers, small form factor workstations, and dense data center environments. It fits into systems with limited clearance and lets you expand storage capacity without needing a full-height expansion slot or remodeling your chassis.
• Engineered for efficiency, the dual NVMe configuration offers excellent power-per-IOP characteristics, helping to keep thermal envelopes in check during sustained workloads. The card’s design focuses on reliable operation in data-intensive tasks, enabling you to achieve high performance with controlled power consumption in compact deployments.
• Installation is straightforward: insert the card into a suitable PCIe slot, attach up to two NVMe M.2 SSDs to the internal sockets, and boot. It supports standard NVMe drivers across major operating systems, so you can leverage existing storage management tools and software without specialized software or complex setup steps.

Technical Details of Supermicro Low Profile Dual NVMe M.2 PCIe Add-on Card

• PCIe interface: PCIe 3.0 x4 host connection for high bandwidth between the motherboard and NVMe drives
• Drive support: 2 internal M.2 NVMe sockets for dual-drive configuration
• Form factor: Low-profile, half-height PCIe add-on card designed for compact systems
• Compatibility: Works with systems that offer a PCIe slot and support NVMe drives (drives sold separately)
• Power: Powered through the PCIe slot; no external power connectors required in typical deployments
• Operating environment: Compatible with standard operating systems that provide NVMe driver support (Windows, Linux, VMware, and others)

how to install Supermicro Low Profile Dual NVMe M.2 PCIe Add-on Card

Step 1: Power down your system completely, unplug the power cord, and discharge any static with proper ESD precautions. Remove the chassis side panel if needed to access the PCIe slots.

Step 2: Locate an available PCIe x4 (or larger) slot on your motherboard. Confirm that the slot is compatible with a low-profile add-on card and that there is enough clearance for the card and any installed NVMe drives.

Step 3: Insert the Supermicro AOC-SLG3-2M2 into the PCIe slot, applying steady, even pressure until it seats fully. Secure the card to the system chassis using the appropriate screw in the expansion slot bracket to ensure stability during operation.

Step 4: Install up to two NVMe M.2 SSDs into the internal sockets on the card. Align the drives with the M-key edge connector and press gently until they’re firmly seated. If your chassis requires it, ensure that any cooling or airflow paths remain unblocked to maintain optimal temperatures.

Step 5: Replace the chassis panel and power up the system. Enter the BIOS/UEFI to verify that the PCIe slot and NVMe devices are detected. Depending on your OS, you may need to initialize and format the new drives or configure them for your intended use (RAID, tiered storage, or standalone NVMe storage).

Step 6: Install or update NVMe drivers in your operating system and configure storage settings as needed. The AOC-SLG3-2M2 is designed to work with standard NVMe drivers, so you can leverage existing storage management utilities and system tools for monitoring, SMART data, and performance tuning.

Tips for optimal setup:

• Ensure adequate cooling around the PCIe slot, especially in compact enclosures or densely packed servers, to maintain performance during long-running workloads.
• When using two NVMe drives, consider separating workloads or applying a tiered storage strategy to maximize throughput and responsiveness.
• Consult your motherboard and chassis documentation for any slot-specific considerations or BIOS options that influence NVMe device visibility and performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Supermicro AOC-SLG3-2M2? A: It is a low-profile PCIe add-on card that provides two internal M.2 NVMe sockets, enabling dual-drive NVMe storage expansion in compact systems without occupying a full-height expansion slot.
• Q: How many drives can it support? A: Up to two NVMe M.2 SSDs can be installed simultaneously for enhanced parallel I/O and throughput.
• Q: What kind of PCIe slot do I need? A: A PCIe x4 (or larger) slot is recommended. The card is designed to fit in low-profile (half-height) chassis and is compatible with systems that support NVMe drives.
• Q: Do I need any extra power connectors? A: In typical configurations, power is supplied through the PCIe slot itself; no additional power connectors are required. Verify your system’s PCIe slot power delivery as needed.
• Q: Which operating systems support this card? A: The card works with standard NVMe drivers supported by major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware, allowing seamless integration with existing storage management workflows.
• Q: Will both drives run at full speed? A: Performance depends on the host system’s PCIe bandwidth and the workloads. With a PCIe 3.0 x4 connection, you can expect substantial throughput, but real-world speeds may vary based on drive model, queue depth, and concurrent tasks.