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Icy Dock Intros ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B M.2 NVMe SSD to PCIe 4.0 Adapter Card

Nomad76

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The ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B is a PCIe 4.0 x4 adapter card designed for M.2 NVMe SSDs, featuring a tool-less removable M.2 NVMe SSD tray for seamless drive access and easy maintenance. IT professionals, audio/video editors, and gamers can quickly install or swap M.2 NVMe SSDs without opening the system chassis, making it ideal for servers, industrial PCs, workstations, and media-heavy environments where fast SSD swapping is essential for minimizing downtime, maximizing productivity, or managing media libraries.

Innovative Removable Design for M.2 NVMe SSD
Unlike traditional M.2 NVMe SSD PCIe adapter cards, which require opening the chassis for maintenance, the ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B revolutionizes the process with a removable M.2 NVMe SSD tray that can be easily accessed from the PCIe slot panel. This tray allows quick and tool-less access, perfect for tasks like data backup, system recovery, or daily operations in demanding environments. With no need to remove the entire adapter card, it's an ideal solution for enterprise-level systems where time and uptime are critical.



Support 1x M.2 NVMe SSD & Tool-less SSD Installation
Thanks to the tool-less SSD installation design, installing the M.2 NVMe SSD into the MB305M4P-B has never been easier. First, position the M.2 SSD mounting clip into the semicircular notch above the screw hole, then place both the M.2 NVMe SSD and the mounting clip onto the tray. Next, apply the thermal pad and reattach the heatsink lid to complete the installation. The entire process takes less than 60 seconds, allowing you to install or remove the SSD without unmounting the MB305M4P-B from the PCIe slot.



Optimized Thermal Management
The MB305M4P-B is equipped with an aluminium heatsink lid and an included thermal pad to efficiently dissipate heat from the M.2 NVMe SSD, ensuring stable performance even under intensive PCIe 4.0 workloads. This prevents thermal throttling and maximizes data throughput. The design effectively channels airflow to keep the M.2 NVMe SSD cool, ensuring reliable performance during heavy data transfers.



Superior PCIe 4.0 Performance
The PCIe 4.0 interface delivers unparalleled speed, providing 64 Gbps transfer rates—10 times faster than SATA III. This makes the MB305M4P-B an ideal solution for applications that demand high-speed data transfer, such as AI, big data analytics, and cloud computing. With PCIe 4.0, you'll experience reduced latency and faster data access, making your system future-proof for data-intensive workloads.

Maximum Compatibility for Modern Systems
Designed for PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, the ExpressSlot Core MB305M4P-B is fully compatible with x4, x8, and x16 PCIe slots, offering unmatched flexibility for various system architectures. Whether you're upgrading your server, workstation, or enterprise system, this adapter is engineered to integrate seamlessly.



Packed with Features
The MB305M4P-B comes equipped with drive activity LED indicators, allowing you to monitor SSD power and activity at a glance. The auto-power-off feature further enhances energy efficiency by shutting down the device when no SSD is detected.

The optional 2-pin HDD activity signal output (cable not included) allows you to transfer the drive activity signal to the computer case or LED panel and lets you monitor the drive activity in your desired location.



The PCIe slot bracket of the MB305M4P-B can be swapped between full and half-height for flexible system installation. Use the half-height bracket with a low profile system and use the full-height bracket for standard desktop systems, the choice is yours.

Key Features
  • Supports PCIe 4.0 x4 up to 64 Gbps transfer speeds
  • Supports 1x M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (30-80 mm length) in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, also compatible with x8 and x16 slots
  • Install into a single-width full-height or half-height PCIe expansion slot
  • Tool-less removable M.2 NVMe SSD tray for quick and easy SSD maintenance
  • Quick release knob for fast SSD tray removal and installation
  • Aluminium heatsink lid and included thermal pad for optimal heat dissipation
  • Active Power Technology (APT) to save power when the device is not in use
  • High-speed PCIe interface that reduces clutter and delivers both power and data transfer
  • Drive activity LED indicator to monitor SSD status
  • Optional HDD activity signal output lets you transfer the drive activity signal to computer case
  • 3-year industry-leading warranty to protect your investment
  • Complimentary support from our highly trained, US-based technical team

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can you hotswap pcie devices like that at all
Most consumer platforms lack full support, but yes.

Part of the reason for the varying length of some pins in the various PCIe PHYs, is to facilitate hot plugging.
 
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Oooooooh.

Now do a single-height two-slot PCIe 4.0 x16 design that allows four drives to be swapped like this!
 
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Oooooooh.

Now do a single-height two-slot PCIe 4.0 x16 design that allows four drives to be swapped like this!
Can't find it on their site anymore, but
Amfeltec (of the 'Squid' expander branding) made almost exactly that.

It's certainly interesting, seeing Enterprise gear that I've researched and oogled over, trickling into consumer availability.
 
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Bring back 5-1/4" bays and jam one of those in there with as many that will fit. Internal USB-4 or U.2 header maybe.

I'd probably never buy another spinner.
 
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