ASUS releases Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 expansion card
Recently, ASUS discreetly unveiled the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 expansion card on its official website, representing an evolution from the earlier Hyper M.2 x16 Gen4. This updated version has doubled its bandwidth capabilities, reaching an impressive 512 Gbps.
The Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 expansion card accommodates four PCIe 5.0 SSDs, supporting M.2 specifications of 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. Each M.2 slot features the Q-Latch system, providing users with a seamless installation and removal experience. Additionally, the card endorses RAID capabilities across different platforms, enabling the quartet of SSDs to be configured into a RAID array. To ensure ample power supply, ASUS has equipped the card with a dual-phase power design and an external 6-pin power connector.
Furthermore, the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 boasts an expansive heatsink and fan system, providing comprehensive active cooling. This design effectively mitigates the operating temperatures of M.2 SSDs, ensuring unhindered transfer speeds and bolstered reliability. An auxiliary fan cable can also be connected to the motherboard’s chassis fan socket, granting the motherboard control over the fan’s rotational speed. Beyond the hardware, the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 incorporates advanced software solutions for efficient thermal management.
However, prospective users should be aware of certain prerequisites and stipulations. For instance, M.2 SSD compatibility may vary depending on the processor, motherboards must support PCIe lane bifurcation, and on Intel platforms, only two of the four M.2 slots can be utilized. ASUS also recommends updating the motherboard BIOS to the latest version for optimal performance.
As for the pricing, ASUS has pegged the Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 at $79.99.
