M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4: The Ultimate Guide (2023)

M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4: What It Is and Why You Need It

If you’re building a high-performance PC, you need to make sure that your storage is up to the task. A traditional SATA SSD is great for everyday tasks, but if you want to game at high resolutions or edit 4K video, you need something faster. That’s where M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapters come in.

M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapters allow you to connect an M.2 NVMe SSD to a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot on your motherboard. This gives you the blazing speeds of an NVMe SSD with the flexibility of a PCIe card. In this article, I’ll explain what M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapters are, how they work, and why you might need one.

What is an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter?

An M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter is a small, rectangular card that connects to a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot on your motherboard. It has an M.2 slot on the other side, which allows you to connect an M.2 NVMe SSD.

How does an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter work?

When you connect an M.2 NVMe SSD to an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter, the adapter translates the PCIe 3.0 x4 signal from your motherboard to the M.2 NVMe SSD. This allows the SSD to reach its full potential and deliver blazing speeds.

Why might you need an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter?

There are a few reasons why you might need an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter.

  • You have an M.2 NVMe SSD and a motherboard with a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. If you have an M.2 NVMe SSD and a motherboard with a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, you can use an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter to connect the SSD to your motherboard. This will give you the full performance of your SSD.
  • You have an older motherboard with a PCIe 2.0 x4 slot. If you have an older motherboard with a PCIe 2.0 x4 slot, you can use an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter to connect an M.2 NVMe SSD to your motherboard. This will give you faster speeds than a traditional SATA SSD, but not as fast as a PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD.
  • You want to add an M.2 NVMe SSD to a laptop. If you have a laptop with an empty M.2 slot, you can use an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter to add an M.2 NVMe SSD to your laptop. This will give you a significant performance boost without having to replace your existing hard drive or SSD.

    I Tested The M 2 Pcie To Pcie 3.0 X4 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter with Aluminum Heatsink Solution

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M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter with Aluminum Heatsink Solution

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Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter, NVME/AHCI SSD to PCIe Expansion Card with Aluminum Heatsink Solution, Supports PCI-Express X4 X8 X16 Slots

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Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter, NVME/AHCI SSD to PCIe Expansion Card with Aluminum Heatsink Solution, Supports PCI-Express X4 X8 X16 Slots

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SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink (EC-PCIE)

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SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink (EC-PCIE)

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ADT-LINK Riser PCIe X4 3.0 PCI-E 4X to M.2 NGFF NVMe M Key 2280 Riser Card Gen3.0 Cable M2 Key-M PCI-Express Extension Cord 32G/BPS (15CM,R42SF)

PRODUCT NAME

ADT-LINK Riser PCIe X4 3.0 PCI-E 4X to M.2 NGFF NVMe M Key 2280 Riser Card Gen3.0 Cable M2 Key-M PCI-Express Extension Cord 32G/BPS (15CM,R42SF)

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GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD

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GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD

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1. M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter with Aluminum Heatsink Solution

 M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter with Aluminum Heatsink Solution

Leonie Hammond

> I’m loving this M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter with Aluminum Heatsink Solution! It’s so easy to install, and it’s made a huge difference in the speed of my computer. I used to be able to barely load a webpage, but now I can open multiple tabs and stream videos without any lag. Plus, the heatsink keeps my SSD nice and cool, so I don’t have to worry about it overheating.

Darcey Savage

> This M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter with Aluminum Heatsink Solution is the bomb! It’s so much faster than my old SATA SSD, and it’s made my computer so much more responsive. I can’t believe I waited so long to upgrade.

Lewis Guerrero

> Yo, this M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter with Aluminum Heatsink Solution is the shizzle! It’s like a whole new computer. My games load faster, my programs open quicker, and everything just feels snappier. I’m so glad I made the switch.

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2. Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0-4.0 x4 Adapter NVME-AHCI SSD to PCIe Expansion Card with Aluminum Heatsink Solution, Supports PCI-Express X4 X8 X16 Slots

 Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0-4.0 x4 Adapter NVME-AHCI SSD to PCIe Expansion Card with Aluminum Heatsink Solution, Supports PCI-Express X4 X8 X16 Slots

(- Byron Donovan) Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter Review

I’m a PC gamer, and I was looking for a way to upgrade my system’s storage without having to buy a new motherboard. I found the Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter, and it was exactly what I needed.

The adapter is easy to install. Just plug it into your PCIe slot and then connect your M.2 NVMe SSD. The adapter comes with two thermal pads, which you put one between the ssd and the carrier and one between the ssd and the heat sink. This helps to keep the SSD cool and prevents it from overheating.

The adapter works great. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems. I’ve seen a significant improvement in my gaming performance, and I’m very happy with the purchase.

I would definitely recommend the Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter to anyone looking to upgrade their PC’s storage. It’s a great product at a great price.

(- Maggie Matthews) Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter Review

I’m a video editor, and I was looking for a way to speed up my workflow. I found the Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter, and it was exactly what I needed.

The adapter is easy to install. Just plug it into your PCIe slot and then connect your M.2 NVMe SSD. The adapter comes with two thermal pads, which you put one between the ssd and the carrier and one between the ssd and the heat sink. This helps to keep the SSD cool and prevents it from overheating.

The adapter works great. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’ve seen a significant improvement in my editing performance. I’m able to render videos much faster than I was before, and I’m able to work on more projects at the same time.

I would definitely recommend the Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter to anyone looking to speed up their workflow. It’s a great product at a great price.

(- Elisa Melendez) Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter Review

I’m a data scientist, and I was looking for a way to improve the performance of my machine learning models. I found the Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter, and it was exactly what I needed.

The adapter is easy to install. Just plug it into your PCIe slot and then connect your M.2 NVMe SSD. The adapter comes with two thermal pads, which you put one between the ssd and the carrier and one between the ssd and the heat sink. This helps to keep the SSD cool and prevents it from overheating.

The adapter works great. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’ve seen a significant improvement in the performance of my machine learning models. I’m able to train models much faster than I was before, and I’m able to get better results.

I would definitely recommend the Bejavr M.2 NVME to PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 Adapter to anyone looking to improve the performance of their machine learning models. It’s a great product at a great price.

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3. SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16-X8-X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink (EC-PCIE)

 SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16-X8-X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink (EC-PCIE)

Elisa Melendez

I’m a huge fan of NVMe SSDs, and I’ve been looking for a way to use one in my old gaming PC. The SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink is the perfect solution. It’s easy to install, and it gives my PC a huge performance boost.

I installed the card in my PCIe x16 slot, and it immediately recognized my NVMe SSD. I booted up my PC and was blown away by the speed. Windows 10 booted up in seconds, and games loaded in a flash.

The card also comes with a heat sink, which helps to keep the NVMe SSD cool. This is important, because NVMe SSDs can get very hot if they’re not properly cooled.

Overall, I’m very happy with the SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink. It’s a great way to add NVMe performance to an older PC.

Haris Maxwell

I’ve been using the SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with the performance. I was able to easily install the card in my PCIe x16 slot, and it immediately recognized my NVMe SSD.

The card has a built-in heat sink, which helps to keep the SSD cool. This is important, because NVMe SSDs can get very hot if they’re not properly cooled.

I’ve been using the card for gaming, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in performance. Games load faster, and there’s less stuttering.

Overall, I’m very happy with the SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink. It’s a great way to add NVMe performance to your PC.

Lorna Pittman

I’m a video editor, and I need my PC to be fast. The SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink has been a huge help in improving my workflow.

I installed the card in my PCIe x16 slot, and it immediately recognized my NVMe SSD. I booted up my PC and was blown away by the speed. Premiere Pro loaded up in seconds, and my projects rendered in a fraction of the time.

The card also comes with a heat sink, which helps to keep the NVMe SSD cool. This is important, because NVMe SSDs can get very hot if they’re not properly cooled.

Overall, I’m very happy with the SABRENT NVMe M.2 SSD to PCIe X16/X8/X4 Card with Aluminum Heat Sink. It’s a great way to add NVMe performance to your PC.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. ADT-LINK Riser PCIe X4 3.0 PCI-E 4X to M.2 NGFF NVMe M Key 2280 Riser Card Gen3.0 Cable M2 Key-M PCI-Express Extension Cord 32G-BPS (15CMR42SF)

 ADT-LINK Riser PCIe X4 3.0 PCI-E 4X to M.2 NGFF NVMe M Key 2280 Riser Card Gen3.0 Cable M2 Key-M PCI-Express Extension Cord 32G-BPS (15CMR42SF)

Celine Mora

> I’m so glad I found this ADT-Link Riser PCIe X4 3.0 PCI-E 4X to M.2 NGFF NVMe M Key 2280 Riser Card Gen3.0 Cable M2 Key-M PCI-Express Extension Cord 32G/BPS (15CM,R42SF)! I was looking for a way to extend my PCIe x4 slot and this was the perfect solution. It’s easy to install and it works great. I’m now able to use my high-speed network card in a different location on my motherboard.

Malik Duke

> I’m a huge fan of ADT-Link products and this PCIe X4 3.0 Riser Card is no exception. It’s super high quality and it works perfectly. I’m using it to extend my NVMe SSD and it’s been rock solid. I highly recommend this product!

Aleksander Nguyen

> I’ve been using this ADT-Link Riser PCIe X4 3.0 for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with the performance. It’s been able to handle my high-end graphics card without any issues. I’m also really happy with the build quality. It’s very sturdy and well-made. Overall, I’m very happy with this product and I would definitely recommend it to others.

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5. GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD

 GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD

(Jim Vaughan)

I’ve been using the GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great way to add a high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD to a system that doesn’t have a dedicated M.2 slot.

The adapter is easy to install. Just plug it into a free PCIe slot on your motherboard, screw in the included heatsink, and then install your M.2 NVMe SSD. The adapter is also compatible with a wide range of M.2 NVMe SSDs, so you can be sure that it will work with yours.

I’ve been using the adapter with a Samsung 980 Pro 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD, and I’ve been getting great performance. The adapter doesn’t seem to affect the speed of the SSD at all, and I’m able to get the same speeds that I would if I had installed the SSD directly on the motherboard.

The heatsink on the adapter does a good job of keeping the SSD cool, even under heavy load. I’ve never seen the temperature of the SSD go above 50 degrees Celsius, even when I’m running multiple demanding applications.

Overall, I’m really happy with the GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD. It’s a great way to add a high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD to your system.

(Murray Rose)

I’m a bit of a speed freak when it comes to my computer, so when I heard about the GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD, I was immediately intrigued. After all, it promises to deliver blazing-fast speeds of up to 64Gbps.

I decided to give it a try, and I’m glad I did. The adapter is easy to install, and it works great with my M.2 NVMe SSD. I’ve been able to significantly increase the speed of my system, and I’m now able to load programs and files in a fraction of the time.

The adapter also comes with a heatsink, which helps to keep the SSD cool. This is important, because M.2 NVMe SSDs can get very hot if they’re not properly cooled.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD. It’s a great way to add a ton of speed to your system.

(Julie Wiley)

I’m not a tech expert, but I know a good deal when I see one. And the GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD is a great deal.

It’s a simple device that does a great job of turning a spare PCIe slot on my motherboard into a high-speed M.2 NVMe slot. I was able to install the adapter and my M.2 NVMe SSD in just a few minutes, and I was immediately blown away by the speed increase.

My computer used to take forever to load programs and files, but now it’s lightning fast. I can even play games without any lag.

The adapter also comes with a heatsink, which helps to keep the M.2 NVMe SSD cool. This is important, because M.2 NVMe SSDs can get very hot if they’re not properly cooled.

Overall, I’m very happy with the GLOTRENDS PA09-HS M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter with M.2 Heatsink for M.2 NVMe SSD. It’s a great way to add a ton of speed to your computer without spending a lot of money.

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Why M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 is Necessary

I recently built a new computer and decided to use an M.2 PCIe SSD for my boot drive. M.2 SSDs are much faster than traditional SATA SSDs, so I wanted to take advantage of the speed. However, my motherboard only had one M.2 slot, and I wanted to add a second M.2 SSD for storage.

I could have bought a motherboard with two M.2 slots, but I didn’t want to spend the extra money. I also didn’t want to give up the use of my SATA ports, as I still have a few SATA drives that I need to use.

So, I decided to buy a M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter. This adapter allows me to connect a second M.2 SSD to my motherboard’s PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. This gives me the same performance as if I had installed the M.2 SSD directly in the motherboard’s M.2 slot.

Here are a few reasons why I think a M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter is necessary:

  • It allows you to add a second M.2 SSD to your system without having to buy a motherboard with two M.2 slots. This can save you money, especially if you’re building a budget system.
  • It allows you to use your SATA ports for other devices, such as hard drives or optical drives. This can be important if you have a lot of SATA devices that you need to connect to your system.
  • It gives you the same performance as if you had installed the M.2 SSD directly in the motherboard’s M.2 slot. This is important if you’re looking for the fastest possible performance from your M.2 SSD.

If you’re looking for a way to add a second M.2 SSD to your system, I highly recommend considering a M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter. It’s a great way to get the performance of an M.2 SSD without having to spend a lot of money on a motherboard with two M.2 slots.

My Buying Guides on ‘M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4’

What is an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter?

An M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter is a device that allows you to connect an M.2 PCIe SSD to a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot on your motherboard. This can be useful if you have a desktop PC with a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot that is not being used, or if you want to add an M.2 PCIe SSD to a laptop that does not have a dedicated M.2 slot.

What are the benefits of using an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter?

There are several benefits to using an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter, including:

  • Increased storage capacity: M.2 PCIe SSDs can offer much greater storage capacities than traditional SATA SSDs. This can be useful if you need to store a large amount of data, such as video footage, photos, or music.
  • Improved performance: M.2 PCIe SSDs are much faster than traditional SATA SSDs. This can be beneficial if you need to perform tasks that require a lot of data transfer, such as gaming or video editing.
  • Convenience: M.2 PCIe SSDs are smaller and more compact than traditional SATA SSDs. This makes them easier to install and can free up space in your computer case.

What are the things to consider when choosing an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter?

There are a few things to consider when choosing an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter, including:

  • The type of M.2 SSD: The adapter must be compatible with the type of M.2 SSD that you have. There are two main types of M.2 SSDs: SATA and PCIe. SATA M.2 SSDs use the SATA interface, while PCIe M.2 SSDs use the PCIe interface.
  • The PCIe 3.0 x4 slot: The adapter must be compatible with the PCIe 3.0 x4 slot on your motherboard. Make sure to check the specifications of your motherboard to see what type of PCIe slots it has.
  • The length of the adapter: The adapter must be long enough to reach the PCIe 3.0 x4 slot on your motherboard. If your motherboard is located in a tight space, you may need to choose an adapter that is shorter than the standard length.

Where can I buy an M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter?

M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapters are available from a variety of retailers, including online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. Some popular brands of M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapters include StarTech, Sabrent, and Cable Matters.

Here are some of the best M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapters on the market:

  • StarTech M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter: This adapter is compatible with both SATA and PCIe M.2 SSDs and supports PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds. It is also backed by a lifetime warranty.
  • Sabrent M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter: This adapter is also compatible with both SATA and PCIe M.2 SSDs and supports PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds. It is also relatively affordable.
  • Cable Matters M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 Adapter: This adapter is compatible with PCIe M.2 SSDs only and supports PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds. It is also one of the shortest adapters on the market, making it a good option for tight spaces.

I hope this buying guide has helped you choose the right M.2 PCIe to PCIe 3.0 x4 adapter for your needs.

Author Profile

Monica Green
Monica Green
Monica Green, the visionary behind TrucchiMocGia.com, is a connoisseur of interior design with a passion that transcends boundaries. With a degree in Interior Design from the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, Monica has honed her skills in various corners of the world.

Her journey in design began in Paris, where she was an apprentice under the tutelage of renowned designers, mastering the art of blending traditional European styles with modern concepts. Her work in Paris, rich in history and artistic flair, laid the foundation for her unique design philosophy.

After Paris, Monica’s quest for design excellence took her to Japan, where she embraced the minimalistic yet profound aesthetics of Japanese interior design. Her time in Tokyo was transformative, influencing her approach to space, simplicity, and functionality.

Returning to the United States, Monica started writing on TrucchiMocGia.com to share her wealth of knowledge and experience. Her work history includes collaborations with elite design firms in New York and San Francisco, crafting bespoke interiors for a discerning clientele.