Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 review four SSD slots for optimal PCs
If you're looking to enhance your PC's storage capabilities without breaking the bank, the Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 might just be the solution you need. This innovative adapter card allows for extensive NVMe storage options, and in this article, we’ll explore its features, performance, pricing, and whether it's a worthy investment for your setup.
Features of the Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5
The Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 is more than just a simple adapter; it’s engineered for high-speed performance and versatility. This full-length card supports four M.2 NVMe SSDs and operates on the PCIe 5.0 interface, which is currently one of the fastest data transfer technologies available.
Key features include:
- Support for four M.2 NVMe slots: Each slot can handle up to four PCIe lanes, depending on your motherboard's bifurcation capabilities.
- Thermal management: The card comes equipped with thermal pads, a substantial heatsink, and a fan to keep temperatures in check during heavy workloads.
- Auxiliary power connector: Although not necessary for all configurations, this six-pin connector ensures that your card can handle maximum performance when multiple SSDs are in use.
- Fan control header: This allows you to connect the fan to your motherboard for optimized cooling performance through Asus' Fan Xpert software.
- Status indicators: The card features LEDs to indicate power and connection status for each M.2 slot.
These features make the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 an appealing option for users looking to boost their system’s storage capabilities significantly. However, it is crucial to ensure your motherboard supports appropriate PCIe lane bifurcation.
Understanding PCIe Bifurcation
Before investing in the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5, it’s essential to understand PCIe bifurcation. This technology allows a single PCIe slot to split its lanes among multiple devices, which is necessary for the card to utilize all its M.2 slots effectively.
Consider the following key points regarding bifurcation:
- Motherboard compatibility: Not all motherboards support bifurcation, and those that do may only support specific configurations.
- BIOS settings: Bifurcation often needs to be enabled in the BIOS, and configurations vary between manufacturers.
- Intel vs. AMD: Historically, AMD platforms have offered better bifurcation support compared to Intel, which often limits the number of active lanes.
Before purchasing the card, verify your motherboard's specifications to avoid disappointment regarding the number of functional slots.
Pricing of the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5
One of the standout features of the Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 card is its pricing. Available for approximately $80, it represents a cost-effective solution for expanding NVMe storage capabilities.
For context, this price point is only slightly higher than previous models, such as the single-slot Asus Hyper M.2 card, which makes it a compelling option for users who require multiple storage drives. If you ever upgrade to a motherboard that supports full lane bifurcation, you’ll be well-equipped to take advantage of the card’s features.
How does the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 perform?
When it comes to performance, the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 has proven to be capable, especially when paired with high-speed PCIe 5.0 SSDs. In tests, the card exhibited faster speeds compared to using SSDs installed directly on a motherboard’s M.2 slots.
Here’s what to expect from its performance:
- Array performance: In a three-SSD RAID 0 array setup, speeds were commendable but fell short of the anticipated 50GBps, achieving around 25GBps instead.
- Individual drive speeds: Each SSD mounted on the Hyper M.2 card typically outperformed its counterparts in motherboard slots by approximately 1GBps.
- Software RAID solutions: Performance varied with different software RAID solutions, with Windows’ built-in RAID offering balanced performance, while OWC’s SoftRAID provided better read speeds but lower write speeds.
While speed is always a concern, consider the balance between performance and the risk associated with RAID 0 arrays, which lack fault tolerance. If one SSD fails, all data is lost.
Is the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 a smart purchase?
Deciding to purchase the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 largely depends on your specific needs and system capabilities. Here are some considerations:
- Motherboard support: Ensure that your motherboard can handle the card's bifurcation requirements.
- Storage needs: If you require significant storage speed and capacity, the card can be a great addition.
- Future upgrades: If you plan to upgrade your motherboard in the future, this card will be a valuable asset for high-speed storage capabilities.
- Cost-effectiveness: At $80, you gain access to four potential SSD slots, making it a practical investment for budget-conscious builders.
If you can only utilize a couple of slots due to motherboard limitations, the investment still holds value, especially when you consider the potential for future upgrades.
In conclusion, the Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 offers an impressive blend of features, pricing, and performance that make it a strong contender for anyone looking to enhance their system's storage options. Make sure to evaluate your motherboard capabilities before making the leap.
For a more in-depth look at the performance and features of the Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5, you can check out this video:
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