StarTech.com PEX1TO162 PCI Express X1 to X16 LP Slot Extension Adapter - Riser Card for Low Profile Graphics/Expansion Cards
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This extension adapter features a PCI Express x1 host interface that connects directly to the motherboard, with a PCI Express x16 expansion slot for the target card. The single expansion slot configuration provides dedicated connectivity for one low-profile expansion card, with the adapter handling the lane conversion between x1 and x16 interfaces.
The electrical design maintains signal integrity across the interface conversion, supporting PCI Express generation compatibility as determined by the host system and installed card. The adapter does not include additional controllers or chipsets, functioning as a passive extension that preserves the native capabilities of both the host slot and installed card.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Total Number of Expansion Slots, Expansion Slot Type. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This adapter enables system expansion in configurations where physical space or slot availability would otherwise prevent installation of x16 cards. By converting an x1 slot to accept x16 cards, it provides flexibility for adding graphics, networking, or storage expansion in compact systems.
Space Optimization
The low-profile design allows installation in systems with limited vertical clearance, making it ideal for small form factor builds, compact workstations, and space-constrained server environments.
- 0.30" height profile
- Proper low-profile card mounting
- Compact footprint
Compatibility Assurance
Designed to maintain electrical specifications and mechanical alignment, ensuring reliable operation with compatible PCI Express cards without requiring additional drivers or configuration.
- Complete pass-through design
- Supports latest PCIe speeds
- No additional controllers required
Deployment / Use Cases
The PEX1TO162 adapter serves multiple deployment scenarios where system expansion is needed but slot compatibility or physical space presents limitations. It enables installation of x16 cards in systems that only have x1 slots available, expanding connectivity options without requiring motherboard replacement.
Common applications include adding discrete graphics cards to office workstations for enhanced display output, installing network interface cards in compact servers for additional Ethernet ports, or integrating storage controllers in small form factor systems for RAID configurations. The adapter is particularly valuable in pre-built systems where expansion options are limited by factory configurations.
Graphics Expansion
Enable installation of low-profile graphics cards in systems with only x1 slots available, providing additional display outputs or basic GPU acceleration for office and light multimedia applications.
Network & Storage Expansion
Add network interface cards for additional Ethernet ports or storage controllers for RAID configurations in compact systems where full-height slots are unavailable.
Physical Profile
Measuring 0.30" in height, 1.70" in width, and 5" in thickness, the adapter maintains a compact form factor suitable for installation in systems with limited internal space. The low-profile design ensures proper mounting and alignment of low-profile expansion cards while maintaining structural stability within the chassis.
With an approximate weight of 1.40 oz, the adapter adds minimal mass to the system while providing robust connectivity. The mechanical design includes secure mounting points and proper card retention features to ensure stable installation in various chassis configurations.
- Width
- 1.70" (43.18 mm)
- Height
- 0.30" (7.62 mm)
- Weight
- 1.40 oz (39.69 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for installation and operation of the extension adapter.
Highlights
- Connects low-profile x16 PCI Express cards to x1 slots
- Complete pass-through design supports latest PCI Express speeds
- Properly mounts low-profile cards into full profile slots
- Single expansion slot configuration
- Low-profile design for space-constrained installations
- Lifetime warranty for long-term reliability
- EU RoHS compliant for environmental safety
- Includes installation guide for straightforward setup
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEX1TO162 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Model | PEX1TO162 |
| Product Name | PCI Express X1 to X16 LP Slot Extension Adapter |
| Product Type | Riser Card |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express x1 |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 1 |
| Expansion Slot Type | PCI Express x16 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Height | 0.30" (7.62 mm) |
| Width | 1.70" (43.18 mm) |
| Thickness | 5" (127 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.40 oz (39.69 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | PCI Express X1 to X16 LP Slot Extension Adapter 1 x PEX1 To 162 Adapter 1 x Installation Guide |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of PCI Express cards can I install with this adapter?
The PEX1TO162 adapter supports low-profile PCI Express x16 cards, including graphics cards, network interface cards, storage controllers, and other expansion cards designed for x16 slots. The adapter maintains electrical compatibility while converting the physical interface from x1 to x16, allowing installation of compatible cards in systems with only x1 slots available.
Does this adapter support the latest PCI Express generations?
Yes, the adapter features a complete pass-through design that supports the latest PCI Express speeds as determined by your host system and installed card. Since it functions as a passive extension without additional controllers, it maintains compatibility with PCI Express generations supported by both the motherboard slot and the expansion card you install.
What is the difference between low-profile and full-profile cards for this adapter?
This adapter is specifically designed for low-profile PCI Express cards, which have a shorter bracket height (typically around 2.536 inches) compared to full-profile cards. The adapter properly mounts and secures low-profile cards while maintaining the correct mechanical alignment. It is not designed for full-profile cards, which require different mounting hardware and more vertical clearance.
Can I use this adapter in any computer with a PCI Express x1 slot?
The adapter is compatible with systems that have an available PCI Express x1 slot and sufficient physical space for the adapter and installed card. You'll need to verify that your chassis has adequate clearance for the low-profile card and that your power supply can support the additional card. The adapter works with standard PCI Express implementations but does require proper installation following the included guide.
What warranty coverage does StarTech.com provide for this product?
StarTech.com provides a lifetime warranty for the PEX1TO162 PCI Express X1 to X16 LP Slot Extension Adapter. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product, offering long-term reliability assurance for your expansion needs. The warranty is supported by StarTech.com's technical support and replacement services.
Are there any environmental certifications for this adapter?
Yes, the adapter is EU RoHS compliant, meaning it meets the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive. The product also complies with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) regulations. These certifications ensure the adapter meets environmental safety standards for hazardous substance restrictions and end-of-life disposal requirements.