If you’re looking to get the most out of your storage drives, investing in a quality M.2 PCIe adapter is the way to go. These adapters allow you to connect high-speed NVMe drives directly to your system’s PCIe slots, giving a significant boost to both speed and overall performance.
I’ve reviewed a range of options, from the best PCIe NVMe adapters to dual M.2 PCIe adapters for those looking to expand their storage. Whether you’re upgrading your existing setup or building from scratch, these adapters will help you tap into faster load times and better data handling.
Key Factors To Consider
- 2 Key Type: Depending on the type of SSD you’re using, the key type matters. If you’re using a high-speed NVMe SSD for tasks like gaming or video editing, go for an M-key adapter. For regular SATA SSDs, a B+M key adapter works well. If you’re unsure or plan to switch between the two, a dual-key adapter gives you more flexibility.
- SSD Form Factor: M.2 SSDs come in different sizes (2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280), so make sure your adapter supports your SSD’s length. For compact builds, like a small-form-factor PC, a shorter SSD might be the best fit. For regular setups, 2280 is the most common size.
- Cooling: If you’re pushing your SSD to its limits, like in a gaming rig or heavy-duty workstation, cooling becomes a priority. An adapter with a heat sink or thermal pads helps keep temperatures in check.
Best M.2 PCIe Adapters – An Overview
| Product Name | PCIe Lane Compatibility | M.2 Key Type | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELUTENG Dual M.2 PCIe Adapter | PCIe 3.0 x4 | B-Key/M-Key/B&M Key | Check On Amazon |
| Bejavr M.2 PCIe Adapter | PCIe 4.0 x4 | M-Key/AHCI | Check On Amazon |
| SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe | PCIe 3.0 x4 | M-Key | Check On Amazon |
| GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe | PCIe 4.0 x4 | M-Key | Check On Amazon |
| ASUS Hyper M.2 X16 PCIe 3.0 X4 | PCIe 3.0 x16 | M-Key | Check On Amazon |
| MHQJRH M.2 NVMe to PCIe 3.0 x4 | PCIe 3.0 x4 | M-Key | Check On Amazon |
| MHQJRH Dual M.2 PCIe Adapter | PCIe 3.0 x4 | M-Key/B-Key | Check On Amazon |
Best M.2 PCIe Adapters Of 2024 – Reviewed
1. ELUTENG Dual M.2 PCIe Adapter
When it comes to boosting your PC’s storage, the ELUTENG Dual M.2 PCIe Adapter delivers. This adapter lets you use both NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs, supporting different sizes like 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280. It’s important to check if your motherboard can boot from an NVMe SSD, as that will help you get the most out of this adapter.
What I love is the high-speed performance, with speeds reaching up to 32 Gbps. This means transferring large files takes much less time. Plus, it has solid capacitors that protect your SSD from power issues, which is great for keeping everything stable. The heat dissipation design also keeps your SSD cool during heavy use. Overall, if you’re looking for the best M.2 PCIe adapter, this one is worth considering.
Specifications:
- SSD Form Factor: Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110.
- Cooling: Copper strips and heat dissipation design.
- Additional Features: No mention of LED indicators or multiple slots.
- Performance: Theoretical 32Gbps.
Pros:
- Recognized immediately by Windows 10 after initialisation and formatting.
- High-speed performance, especially when copying files.
- Affordable compared to faster alternatives.
- Easy installation with all necessary components included.
- Good performance with NVMe (3560 MB/s read, 2708 MB/s write) and SATA drives (561 MB/s read, 502 MB/s write).
Cons:
- Arrived with opened packaging and visible fingerprints, indicating it may have been used.
- Did not work in any configuration with the user’s setup.
2. Bejavr M.2 PCIe Adapter
This adapter from Bejavr supports various M.2 NVMe and AHCI SSD sizes, including 2280, 2260, 2242, and 2230. It works seamlessly with PCI-Express X4, X8, and X16 slots, unleashing the full potential of PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 SSDs with speeds up to 64 Gbps. Compatible with Windows 11, 10, and various Linux distributions, this is one of the best M.2 PCIe adapters you can find, with no extra drivers needed for most setups.
The package comes with an aluminium heatsink, thermal pads, and both low and regular-profile brackets. The heatsink helps keep your SSD cool, ensuring stable performance during heavy tasks. If you’re looking for a dual M.2 NVMe PCIe adapter or the best PCIe NVMe adapter, the Bejavr offers great adaptability and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for upgrading your system.
Specifications:
- SSD Form Factor: Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280.
- Cooling: Aluminum heatsink and thermal pads.
- Additional Features: Low profile bracket included.
- Performance: PCIe 4.0 up to 64Gbps.
Pros:
- Comes with everything needed for installation.
- No additional drivers are required, recognised instantly in Windows.
- Tested speeds show better performance with PCIe than the motherboard’s M.2.
- Stable and works well for expanding storage.
Cons:
- Windows did not recognise the drive on the card, even after multiple attempts.
- Minimal documentation was included, leading to installation difficulties.
3. SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe
After testing out this product from SABRENT, I can say it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their storage. This NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe adapter is designed for M-Key SSDs and works with sizes 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280. It connects via PCIe x16, x8, or x4 slots, offering great speed and performance. Just a heads-up: it won’t fit in a PCIe x1 slot, and it’s not compatible with SATA M.2 SSDs.
The package includes screws and a screwdriver, making installation straightforward. If you’re in the market for the best NVMe PCIe adapter, this is a reliable option. Plus, it works well with PCI Express ethernet adapters and provides the necessary PCIe connector power for optimal performance.
Specifications:
- SSD Form Factor: Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280.
- Cooling: Aluminum heat sink.
- Additional Features: No LED indicators or multiple slots.
- Performance: PCIe x4, no specific bandwidth given.
Pros:
- Excellent quality and compatibility with various systems, including Proxmox.
- Easy to set up and see all drives.
- Includes thermal pads for effective heat dissipation.
Cons:
- Experienced resource allocation issues, causing system boot failures.
- The defective unit was returned for a refund after failure to boot.
4. GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe
I used this product for over a week, and here’s what I think about the GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe adapter. This adapter converts a PCIe X4, X8, or X16 slot into an M.2 Key M slot, allowing you to install M.2 NVMe SSDs effortlessly. It comes with a heatsink that effectively cools your SSD, keeping temperatures down by up to 20°C, which is a nice touch for performance.
This adapter supports high capacities, allowing you to use 2TB or even 4TB SSDs without any limitations. It’s compatible with various operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, and Linux, and is very adaptable. If you’re looking for the best NVMe PCIe adapter, this product would make a great choice.
Specifications:
- SSD Form Factor: Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110.
- Cooling: M.2 heatsink.
- Additional Features: No LED indicators or multiple slots.
- Performance: PCIe 4.0 up to 64Gbps.
Pros:
- Easy to install and compatible with older systems.
- Successfully used to clone and upgrade drives with good performance.
- Recognized by BIOS and Windows without issues.
Cons:
- Caused POST failure and RAM malfunctions in the user’s system.
- Unclear if the issue was solely related to the adapter.
5. ASUS Hyper M.2 X16 PCIe 3.0 X4
I spent some time using the ASUS Hyper M.2 X16 PCIe 3.0 X4 expansion card, and here’s my take on it. This best PCIe NVMe adapter allows you to connect up to four NVMe M.2 drives, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to boost storage capacity. With Intel VROC support and NVMe RAID options on AMD Ryzen Threadripper, it’s built for serious performance, enabling transfer speeds of up to 128 Gbps.
The dual M.2 NVMe PCIe adapter features a stylish heatsink and an integrated blower-style fan, which helps prevent throttling during heavy use. This makes it one of the best M.2 PCIe adapters for maintaining optimal speeds. If you’re looking for a multiple NVMe PCIe adapter that offers reliability and high performance, this is worth considering.
Specifications:
- SSD Form Factor: Supports 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110.
- Cooling: Heatsink and blower fan.
- Additional Features: Supports multiple SSDs, no LED indicators.
- Performance: Up to 128Gbps.
Pros:
- Well-built and convenient, allowing for multiple M.2 drives.
- Comes with all necessary screws and thermal pads.
- Clean design that enhances the computer’s appearance.
Cons:
- Limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds, not suitable for newer M.2 drives.
- Requires a motherboard that supports bifurcation to use all M.2 slots effectively.
6. MHQJRH M.2 NVMe to PCIe 3.0 x4
After using this product from MHQJRH, I have some solid insights to share. This adapter allows you to connect M.2 NVMe (M Key) SSDs to your PC using a PCIe slot, making it a versatile option for expanding storage. It supports various SSD sizes like 2280, 2260, 2242, and 2230 mm, which means you can easily fit it into most setups.
One of the standout features is the aluminium heatsink, which effectively cools the SSD, reducing temperatures by 5-20 degrees Celsius. This cooling capability is crucial for maintaining performance during intense tasks. It’s also compatible with PCIe x4, x8, and x16 slots, making this one of the best PCIe NVMe adapters available. If you need a reliable way to upgrade your storage, the MHQJRH adapter is definitely worth considering.
Specifications:
- SSD Form Factor: Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280.
- Cooling: Aluminum heatsink.
- Additional Features: No LED indicators or multiple slots.
- Performance: PCIe 3.0 x4.
Pros:
- Functions well with various setups, fitting perfectly in an Alienware Aurora R9 and R11.
- High transfer speeds between drives, comparable to native M.2 slots.
- Easy installation and setup, requiring only Disk Management to recognize the SSD.
- Affordable and provides a great upgrade for systems that don’t support NVMe natively.
Cons:
- Initially problematic, with the connected drive not appearing normally in operating systems.
- Issues with bootable media; multiple failed installations caused significant frustration.
7. MHQJRH Dual M.2 PCIe Adapter
Using the MHQJRH Dual M.2 PCIe Adapter for my setup has been a solid choice. This adapter is special because it allows you to connect two M.2 SSDs at the same time—one using SATA and the other using NVMe. It changes an M.2 NVMe SSD (M Key) into a PCIe 3.0 x4 connection and lets you connect an M.2 SATA SSD (B Key or B+M Key) to a SATA 6Gbps interface. This means you can expand your storage easily.
In comparison to the product above, which only supports one M.2 NVMe SSD, the Dual Adapter gives you more options. It also comes with a smart heat sink design that keeps everything cool during heavy use. If you need extra storage without losing speed, the MHQJRH Dual M.2 PCIe Adapter is a great pick.
Specifications:
- SSD Form Factor: Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110.
- Cooling: Advanced heat sink solution.
- Additional Features: Supports multiple SSDs, and LED indicators.
- Performance: PCIe 3.0 x4.
Pros:
- Allows for the addition of an NVMe SSD to older systems, enhancing storage capabilities.
- Easy to attach the SSD with the included heatsink, even though some rubber bands may break during installation.
- Recognised by Windows after setup through Disk Management.
- Affordable solution for expanding SSD storage without replacing the motherboard.
Cons:
- Not a true dual M.2 PCIe adapter; only supports one PCIe SSD and one SATA SSD.
- Heatsink attachment via rubber bands is flimsy, leading to premature breakage and potential overheating issues.
Complete Guide To Buying The Best M.2 PCIe Adapter For Your PC
When choosing the best M.2 PCIe adapter, several factors are critical to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with your system. Below, we’ll break down the key considerations for selecting the right PCIe NVMe adapter for your needs.
1. PCIe Lane Compatibility
- Standard: Look for adapters supporting PCIe 3.0 x4 for the best performance. This version allows for data transfer speeds of up to 32Gb/s, essential for fast NVMe SSDs.
- Alternative: If you’re working with an older system or limited PCIe lanes, consider a PCIe 2.0 adapter, which provides slower speeds but is still functional for basic use.
When choosing the best PCIe NVMe adapter, ensure it’s compatible with your motherboard’s PCIe express connector.
2. M.2 Key Type
- M-Key: An M-key adapter is the best choice if you’re using an NVMe SSD, as it provides the necessary interface for high-speed data transfer.
- B+M Key: For those who plan to use a SATA SSD, ensure the adapter supports B+M key connections, which accommodate slower SATA-based drives.
- Dual Key: For flexibility, a dual M.2 NVMe PCIe adapter supports both M-key and B+M key SSDs, making it a versatile option for future upgrades.
3. SSD Form Factor
- Common Sizes: Ensure the adapter supports various SSD lengths like 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280, as SSDs come in different sizes. Always verify that the best M.2 PCIe adapter you choose can accommodate your SSD’s form factor.
4. Cooling
- Heat Sink: A heat sink is essential for dissipating heat, ensuring your SSD doesn’t overheat during prolonged use. Look for adapters with a built-in heat sink, especially if you’re opting for the best NVMe PCIe adapter for high-performance setups.
- Thermal Pads: Some adapters come with thermal pads that enhance heat transfer from the SSD to the heatsink.
- Active Cooling: For extreme cooling, some adapters offer active cooling, such as small fans, to reduce the temperature during heavy workloads.
5. Additional Features
- Low Profile Bracket: For slim or compact cases, a low-profile bracket is ideal.
- LED Indicators: Some adapters come with LED indicators that provide visual feedback on power and data activity.
- Multiple M.2 Slots: A multiple NVMe PCIe adapter allows for the installation of two or more SSDs, maximising storage and performance within one PCIe slot.
6. Performance
- Bandwidth: A PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter can offer a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 32Gb/s. However, real-world performance will depend on factors like SSD type and system configuration.
- Latency: NVMe SSDs generally provide lower latency compared to SATA SSDs, resulting in faster response times. For the best M.2 PCIe adapter, prioritize one that can handle NVMe SSDs with minimal latency.
7. Price
- Range: Prices for M.2 PCIe adapters vary significantly, with basic models starting as low as $20 and more feature-rich adapters going up to $100 or more.
- Consider: Balance your budget against the features you need. For example, you’ll likely spend more if you’re looking for the best PCIe NVMe adapter with dual slots and a heat sink.
8. Brand And Warranty
- Reputation: Stick with reputable brands known for producing high-quality PCIe adapters. Some well-known brands offer more reliable and durable products.
- Warranty: Most adapters come with at least a one-year warranty, but it’s always a good idea to check the warranty length, especially when investing in a best-rated NVMe PCIe adapter.
9. Compatibility
- Motherboard: Before purchasing, ensure the adapter is compatible with your motherboard’s PCIe connector and can fit into the available PCIe slot configuration.
- Installation: Choose an adapter that’s easy to install, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. Plug-and-play options with clear instructions are ideal.
FAQs:
The best PCIe NVMe adapter depends on your needs. For optimal performance, choose one that supports PCIe 3.0 x4 lanes, which will offer the highest speeds and efficiency with NVMe SSDs.
Yes, a dual M.2 NVMe PCIe adapter allows you to connect two SSDs simultaneously, which is ideal for expanding storage in a limited number of PCIe slots.
Look for features like M-key or B+M key compatibility, a heat sink for cooling, and PCIe 3.0 x4 support for fast data transfer. Choosing the best M.2 PCIe adapter depends on your specific SSD and system needs.
A PCIe NVMe adapter improves performance by allowing you to use NVMe SSDs, which have faster read and write speeds compared to traditional SATA SSDs. This leads to quicker boot times and file transfers.
Yes, some PCIe adapter SSDs support both SATA and NVMe drives via a B+M key slot, making them more versatile for different types of SSDs.
A PCIe PCI adapter typically refers to adapters that allow other devices like network cards or USB hubs to connect to the PCIe bus, whereas a PCIe NVMe adapter is specifically designed to support NVMe SSDs for fast storage access.
No, the PCIe connector 8 pin is used for providing power to high-performance GPUs, not for SSD adapters. Most PCIe adapters for SSDs don’t require external power from an 8-pin connector.
The best NVMe PCIe adapter for gaming would support PCIe 3.0 x4 lanes for high-speed performance, have good cooling features like heat sinks, and accommodate various SSD form factors.
A PCI express ethernet adapter allows for faster network speeds and a more stable connection, which is particularly useful for gaming, streaming, or data-heavy applications.
Yes, a 5GHz WiFi adapter PCIe can be installed in your system to improve wireless network performance, allowing for faster and more reliable connections compared to 2.4GHz WiFi adapters.
Conclusion
When selecting the best M.2 PCIe adapter, it’s essential to consider factors such as lane compatibility, cooling, form factor, and overall performance. For those looking for a versatile solution, a dual M.2 NVMe PCIe adapter or a multiple NVMe PCIe adapter may offer the flexibility you need. Always check the features, performance, and warranty before making your decision to ensure you get the best value for your money.
