The PC05M-42 is a PCIe Gen3 dual-M.2 NVMe expansion adapter built for high-density storage growth in systems where predictable performance and fast serviceability matter. Using an active PCIe switching architecture, it enables two independent NVMe SSDs from a single PCIe slot—without relying on motherboard PCIe bifurcation, which is commonly required by passive multi-M.2 adapters.

The card allocates PCIe Gen3 x2 per SSD (x2 + x2), delivering consistent behavior under concurrent workloads—ideal for independent dual volumes (scratch + archive, OS + data, project separation) or software RAID configurations. Aggregate bandwidth is capped by the PCIe Gen3 x4 upstream host link, as with any switch topology under contention.

Hot-swap note: NVMe hot-swap/hot-plug requires platform support (BIOS/OS and hot-plug topology). When supported, the PC05M-42 design helps minimize service time via tool-free access.

Key Features

1. Dedicated Dual-Channel PCIe Performance

● PCIe Gen3 x4 host interface

● x2 + x2 lane allocation to two NVMe SSDs

● Consistent throughput under concurrent multi-drive access

2. Dual M.2 NVMe SSD Support

● Supports two NVMe SSDs in a single PCIe slot

● Ideal for capacity expansion, data separation, and JBOD / Independent Mode

3. Wide M.2 Form-Factor Compatibility

● Supports 2230 / 2242 / 2260 / 2280 M.2 NVMe SSDs

● Flexible SSD sourcing and upgrade planning

4. Tool-Free, Service-Optimized Design

● Screwless, tool-free SSD installation and removal

● Designed to reduce maintenance time and simplify field replacement

● Hot-swap is supported when the system BIOS/OS supports NVMe hot-plug (BIOS/OS dependent)

5. Active Cooling for Stable Performance

● Built-in 40 mm (4 cm) cooling fan

● Helps prevent NVMe thermal throttling during long or heavy workloads

● Supports stable operation in continuous-duty scenarios

Why choose the PC05M-42?

Ideal Applications

The PC05M-42 is engineered to deliver high-speed data transfer and outstanding ease of use, offering a reliable, flexible, and efficient M.2 NVMe SSD expansion solution for a wide range of applications.

● High-Performance Workstations

video editing, 3D rendering, CAD, content creation—dual NVMe improves project responsiveness and workflow efficiency.

● Enterprise & Server Systems

storage expansion with service-friendly design; suitable for scalable, data-intensive workloads (hot-swap depends on platform support).

● Industrial & Embedded Computing

active cooling supports stable, continuous operation in compact or demanding environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between PC05M-42 and PC04M-41?

A: Both are PCIe Gen3 M.2 NVMe adapters with active cooling and broad M.2 size support. The PC05M-42 supports two SSDs with x2 + x2 dedicated channels, while the PC04M-41 supports one SSD on a Gen3 x4 single channel.

Q2: Does each SSD have its own bandwidth?

A: Yes. The design allocates PCIe Gen3 x2 per SSD (x2 + x2) for dedicated channels.

Q3: Do I need tools to install or remove SSDs?

A: No, The PC05M-42 uses a tool-free, screwless design for fast installation and replacement. 

Q4: Can I hot-swap SSDs without shutting down?

A: Hot-swap depends on platform support. If your system BIOS/OS supports NVMe hot-plug/hot-swap, you can replace SSDs without powering down. Many server/industrial platforms support this; some desktop platforms may not.

Q5: Why choose the PC05M-42 over typical M.2 PCIe adapters?

A: It combines dual-drive support, dedicated x2 + x2 channels, tool-free serviceability, broad M.2 compatibility, and active cooling—optimized for dependable, maintainable deployments.

Q6: What systems is PC05M-42 suitable for?

A: Desktops, workstations, servers, and industrial systems that need service-friendly dual-NVMe expansion.

Performance test result for reference. The test result will vary depend on the test environment.

Specification