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Product Features
Technical Overview
This controller card implements a PCI Express 2.0 interface with two independent M.2 B-Key sockets, each supporting SATA III transfer speeds up to 6Gbps. The hardware supports Native Command Queuing (NCQ) for optimized drive performance and data handling efficiency. Electrical power can be drawn directly from the PCIe slot or supplemented via an optional 4-pin floppy power connector for additional stability with power-intensive drive configurations.
The card's physical design accommodates M.2 drives measuring 22110, 2280, 2260, 2242, or 2230 millimeters in length through multiple mounting positions. PCIe slot compatibility extends to x4, x8, and x16 interfaces, ensuring broad motherboard support. The steel construction with red finish provides durable component protection while maintaining standard PCIe card dimensions for universal case compatibility.
Relevant factors for this section include Color Family, Product Color, Product Material, Package Contents. 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 dual M.2 SATA controller delivers exceptional value by maximizing PCIe slot utility with two independent drive connections in a single card footprint. The combination of broad drive compatibility, flexible power options, and included mounting hardware creates a comprehensive storage expansion solution requiring minimal additional components.
Universal Drive Support
Compatible with five standard M.2 lengths from 30mm to 110mm, ensuring support for current and future SATA SSD form factors without compatibility concerns.
- 22110, 2280, 2260, 2242, 2230 support
- Adjustable stand-offs
- Multiple mounting holes
Installation Flexibility
Includes both full-profile and low-profile brackets for compatibility with standard and compact computer cases, plus PCIe x4/x8/x16 slot support for motherboard versatility.
- Dual bracket inclusion
- Wide slot compatibility
- Tool-free OS detection
Performance Optimization
SATA III 6Gbps interfaces with NCQ support ensure maximum drive performance, while PCIe bus power or supplemental connector options maintain stable operation.
- 6Gbps per drive
- Native Command Queuing
- Dual power options
Deployment / Use Cases
The PEX2M2 controller card serves multiple practical applications in desktop computing environments. For performance-focused users, it enables RAID 0 configurations using two M.2 SATA SSDs for accelerated data access, or RAID 1 mirroring for critical data redundancy. The dual-drive capability effectively doubles available M.2 SATA connectivity on motherboards with limited native slots.
System builders and upgraders benefit from the card's ability to repurpose older PCIe slots for modern storage expansion, extending system lifespan without motherboard replacement. IT departments can standardize on M.2 SATA drives across diverse hardware platforms by adding consistent connectivity through this universal adapter. The low-profile bracket option makes the card suitable for compact workstations and small form-factor systems where internal space is constrained.
Physical Profile
Constructed from steel with a distinctive red finish, this PCIe card maintains standard dimensions compatible with virtually all desktop computer cases. The 0.8-inch width ensures proper clearance in multi-card configurations, while the 7.1-inch length provides ample PCB real estate for dual M.2 sockets and supporting circuitry. The lightweight 2.2-ounce design minimizes slot stress while the included brackets offer secure mounting in both standard and low-profile chassis configurations.
- Width
- 0.80" (20.32 mm)
- Height
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
- Weight
- 2.20 oz (62.37 g)
- Length
- 7.10" (180.34 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for immediate installation and operation.
Highlights
- Adds two M.2 SATA SSDs to any desktop PC via PCIe slot
- Supports SATA III transfer speeds up to 6Gbps per drive
- Compatible with 22110, 2280, 2260, 2242, and 2230 M.2 drive lengths
- Includes both full-profile and low-profile mounting brackets
- PCIe bus-powered or optional 4-pin floppy connector power
- Supports Native Command Queuing (NCQ) for performance optimization
- Works in x4, x8, or x16 PCI Express slots
- 2-year limited warranty with CE, FCC, and TAA compliance
- Steel construction with red finish for durability
- Tool-free installation with native OS driver support
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEX2M2 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 2x M.2 SATA SSD Controller Card - PCIe |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | M.2/SATA to PCI Express Adapter |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Red |
| Product Color | Red |
| Product Material | Steel |
| Height | 4.70" (119.38 mm) |
| Width | 0.80" (20.32 mm) |
| Length | 7.10" (180.34 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.20 oz (62.37 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 2x M.2 SATA SSD Controller Card - PCIe 1 x Low-profile Bracket 2 x M.2 Mounting Screws |
| Certifications & Standards | CE FCC |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of M.2 drives does this controller card support?
The PEX2M2 supports M.2 SATA SSDs with B-Key interfaces. It is compatible with drives measuring 22110, 2280, 2260, 2242, and 2230 millimeters in length. The card includes adjustable stand-offs and multiple mounting holes to accommodate these five standard form factors. This broad compatibility ensures support for most current and future M.2 SATA solid-state drives available on the market.
What power connection does this PCIe card require?
The card offers dual power options. It can operate using only PCIe bus power from the slot itself, which is sufficient for most M.2 SATA SSD configurations. For additional power stability or when using drives with higher power requirements, the card includes a 4-pin floppy power connector that can be connected to your computer's power supply. This flexibility ensures reliable operation across various drive combinations and system configurations.
Will this controller work in a small form-factor computer case?
Yes, the card includes both a standard full-profile bracket and a half-height/low-profile bracket specifically for installation in small form-factor computers. The low-profile bracket replaces the full-profile bracket during installation, allowing the card to fit in compact cases with limited vertical clearance. The card's standard PCIe dimensions and dual bracket inclusion make it suitable for both traditional desktop towers and space-constrained small form-factor systems.
What PCIe slots are compatible with this controller card?
The PEX2M2 is compatible with PCI Express x4, x8, and x16 slots. The card physically fits into any of these slot sizes while electrically operating as a PCIe 2.0 device. This broad slot compatibility ensures the card will work with virtually any desktop motherboard that has an available PCIe slot, regardless of whether it's a shorter x4 slot or a full-length x16 slot typically used for graphics cards.
Does this controller require special drivers for operation?
No special drivers are required for basic operation. The card uses native operating system support available in Windows, Linux, and other modern operating systems. This plug-and-play functionality means the card is typically detected automatically when installed, with the operating system handling driver installation through its standard hardware recognition processes. For advanced features or specific configurations, you may consult the included documentation, but day-to-day operation requires no additional driver installation.
What connectivity or interface options are available?
Connectivity details help confirm how StarTech.com 2x M.2 SATA SSD Controller Card - PCIe - PCI Express M.2 SATA III Controller - NGFF Card Adapter - Add two Next Form M.2 (PEX2M2) can integrate with your network, accessories, and surrounding peripherals before rollout or replacement planning.