10Gtek Quad Port U.2 NVMe Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This 10Gtek PCIe 3.0 x8 to review focuses on a storage expansion card designed for high-density setups. The 10Gtek Quad Port U.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 Switch Adapter connects four U.2 drives to a single motherboard slot. It uses the Broadcom PEX8724 controller to manage lanes independently. This active design bypasses the need for motherboard bifurcation settings. You get stable throughput for data-intensive workloads. The card fits standard full-height slots and supports major operating systems. It is a practical solution for adding speed to workstations or servers without complex configuration.
What stands out
- Broadcom PEX8724 PCIe switch chipset manages four ports independently
- Supports non-bifurcation motherboards with PCIe x8 or x16 slots
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and VMware ESXi
- Includes full-height bracket for secure installation in towers
Who it fits
Good fit for
This adapter suits professionals who need to attach four U.2 NVMe drives to a system that does not support PCIe bifurcation. It is ideal for workstation builders or small server setups running Windows, Linux, or VMware. If you require high-speed storage for data-intensive tasks and have an available PCIe slot, this card provides a straightforward path to expansion. You avoid complex BIOS adjustments while gaining significant performance over SATA solutions. It is a solid choice for users who value plug-and-play stability.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you need hot-swappable drive bays, as this card explicitly does not support hot swapping. Also, note that SFF-8643 to U.2 cables are not included, so you must purchase them separately. If your system only has low-profile slots, this card will not fit as it lacks a low-profile bracket. Users seeking a complete cable kit or those needing to swap drives while the system is running will find this option unsuitable for their workflow.
Verdict: The 10Gtek adapter offers a reliable way to expand storage using four U.2 drives without complex motherboard settings. It is a practical choice for systems that lack native bifurcation support.
Key specs explained
Interface: PCIe 3.0 x8
This adapter connects to a motherboard slot using eight PCIe lanes. You get high bandwidth for four drives without needing special BIOS settings. This matters if your board does not support lane bifurcation. It ensures stable speeds for all connected U.2 SSDs simultaneously, unlike passive adapters that may struggle with multiple devices.
Controller: Broadcom PEX8724
The card uses a professional PCIe switch chipset to manage data flow. This controller handles the workload for four drives independently. You benefit from consistent performance and stability under heavy loads. This is essential for servers or workstations running data-intensive tasks, ensuring one drive does not bottleneck the others.
Size: (4x) SFF-8643
The adapter supports four U.2 drives via SFF-8643 connectors. You can expand your storage density significantly in a single slot. This is ideal for users needing large capacity without adding many cables. Note that you must buy separate SFF-8643 to U.2 cables to connect the actual SSDs to this card.
Model: NV9324-4I
This specific model number identifies the four-port PCIe 3.0 x8 version. It confirms you are getting the card with the Broadcom PEX8724 controller. When shopping, use this model to ensure compatibility with your specific motherboard slot and to verify you are purchasing the correct hardware configuration for your needs.
Physical Design and Build Quality
According to the listing, this adapter is built around the Broadcom PEX8724 PCIe switch chipset. This component is central to the card’s function, managing data flow between your motherboard and four U.2 drives. The layout is dense, housing four SFF-8643 ports on a single PCIe x8 connector. You will need SFF-8643 to U.2 cables to connect your SSDs, as these are not included in the box.
The card comes with a pre-installed full-height bracket. This ensures it fits securely in standard tower cases and enterprise server chassis. The listing explicitly notes that a low-profile bracket is not included. You must verify your case space before installation. If you use a low-profile case, you will need to source a compatible bracket separately.
In terms of physical dimensions, the unit weighs 7.05 ounces. This weight suggests a solid metal PCB and heatsink structure, though the listing does not specify the exact materials. The design prioritizes stability over compactness. It is not a lightweight, minimalist card. You should ensure your motherboard slot has adequate clearance for the bracket and any connected cables. The build supports non-bifurcation boards, simplifying installation for users who prefer plug-and-play compatibility without complex BIOS adjustments.
Setup And Everyday Use Guide
Installing this adapter requires a motherboard slot with at least eight PCIe lanes. You insert the card into a PCIe x8 or x16 slot. The package includes a full-height bracket, which secures the card in standard towers. You do not need to adjust BIOS bifurcation settings. The built-in Broadcom PEX8724 controller handles lane management automatically. This simplifies the process on boards that lack non-bifurcation support. You must purchase SFF-8643 to U.2 cables separately. These cables connect the adapter to your four U.2 SSDs. The listing does not include low-profile brackets or the necessary cables in the box. Once connected, the system recognizes the drives. This card supports Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, as well as various server versions. It also works with Linux distributions like Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian. FreeBSD and VMware ESXi 6 and 7 are also compatible. This broad support makes it suitable for high-end workstations and enterprise servers. In daily use, the adapter manages data flow for all four drives simultaneously. The PEX8724 controller ensures stable throughput without lane contention. You will notice faster boot times and rapid file transfers compared to SATA drives. The system handles data-intensive workloads with consistent performance. Note that hot swapping is not supported. You must shut down the system before adding or removing drives. This requirement applies to both the SSDs and the adapter itself. The design prioritizes stability over convenience for drive changes. You get reliable access to your storage pool without complex configuration steps.
Before You Buy This Adapter
Before you buy this 10Gtek Quad Port U.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 Switch Adapter, verify your motherboard supports a PCIe x8 or x16 slot. The card uses the Broadcom PEX8724 chipset to manage four U.2 drives without requiring complex BIOS bifurcation settings. This feature simplifies installation on standard boards. You must purchase SFF-8643 to U.2 cables separately, as they are not included in the package. Ensure your operating system is compatible, as the listing supports Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and VMware ESXi. This adapter is ideal for high-density storage needs in workstations or servers. It differs from passive adapters by providing independent lane management for stable throughput. Keep in mind that hot swapping is not supported. Plan your cable routing carefully to fit within your case. This solution adds significant storage capacity without occupying multiple motherboard slots. It suits users who need reliable, high-speed data access for intensive workloads.
Check before you buy
- Confirm motherboard has a PCIe x8 or x16 slot available
- Buy SFF-8643 to U.2 cables separately as they are not included
- Check OS compatibility for Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, or VMware ESXi
- Verify non-bifurcation support is needed for your specific motherboard
The product at a glance
10Gtek Quad Port U.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 Switch Adapter
Best for: connecting four U.2 SSDs without bifurcation
- Interface
- PCIe 3.0 x8
- Weight
- 7.05 ounces
View on Amazon: 10Gtek Quad Port U.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 Switch Adapter Affiliate link
This adapter lets you connect four U.2 NVMe SSDs to a single PCIe x8 slot. It uses a Broadcom PEX8724 switch to manage lanes without motherboard bifurcation. You get fast read and write speeds suitable for data-intensive tasks. It fits Windows, Linux, and ESXi systems. The unit weighs 7.05 ounces and includes a full-height bracket for standard towers.
Pros
- Broadcom PEX8724 controller manages four drives independently
- Supports non-bifurcation motherboards for easy installation
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and VMware ESXi
- Provides high-speed data transfer for intensive workloads
Cons
- Does not support hot swapping
- SFF-8643 to U.2 cables are not included
- Only includes a full-height bracket
Good fit if
- You need to connect four U.2 drives to a standard PCIe slot
- Your motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation
- You run Linux or VMware ESXi on high-end workstations
Skip if
- You require hot-swappable drive bays
- You only have PCIe x4 slots available
- You need SFF-8643 to U.2 cables included
Verdict: 10Gtek Quad Port U.2 NVMe Adapter is a practical solution for adding four U.2 SSDs to systems without bifurcation support. It fits servers and workstations that need stable, high-throughput storage without complex BIOS settings.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | 10Gtek Quad Port U.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 Switch Adapter |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Weight | 7.05 ounces |
| Size | (4x) SFF-8643 (PEX) |
| Color | (4x) SFF-8643, PCIe X8 (PEX8724) |
| Model | NV9324-4I |
Frequently asked questions
Does this adapter require PCIe bifurcation settings in the BIOS?
No, it does not. The 10Gtek Quad Port U.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 Switch Adapter uses the Broadcom PEX8724 controller to manage data flow internally. This allows you to connect four U.2 SSDs without changing complex BIOS lane configurations. It is a practical solution for systems lacking native bifurcation support, ensuring stable high-throughput storage with simple installation.
What is the physical size of the 10Gtek NV9324-4I card?
The adapter measures approximately 7.05 ounces in weight. It features four SFF-8643 connectors for U.2 drives and a PCIe x8 interface. The design includes a full-height bracket for standard tower cases. This compact form factor allows it to fit into servers and workstations that need dense storage expansion without occupying excessive physical space.
Is the 10Gtek adapter compatible with PCIe 4.0 motherboards?
The product data specifies the interface as PCIe 3.0. While PCIe standards are generally backward compatible, this card is designed for PCIe 3.0 x8 connections. You should verify that your motherboard slot provides at least eight lanes. Using it in a PCIe 4.0 slot will likely limit performance to PCIe 3.0 speeds due to the card’s inherent specifications.
How many U.2 drives can this card support simultaneously?
It supports four U.2 NVMe SSDs simultaneously. The four SFF-8643 ports allow you to connect multiple drives to a single motherboard slot. This is ideal for users needing high-density storage without complex switching hardware. The Broadcom PEX8724 chipset manages the traffic between the four drives and the host system efficiently.
What chipset powers the 10Gtek Quad Port U.2 adapter?
The card is powered by the Broadcom PEX8724 PCIe switch chipset. This component is central to the card’s function, managing data flow between your motherboard and the four U.2 drives. It ensures stable performance and high throughput without requiring special BIOS settings, making it suitable for servers and workstations needing reliable storage expansion.
Does the package include a low-profile bracket for small form factor cases?
The listing confirms the package includes a full-height bracket. This secures the card in standard tower cases. There is no mention of a low-profile bracket in the provided data. If you have a small form factor chassis, you may need to source a compatible bracket separately or ensure your case supports full-height cards.