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Review on Enhanced Mini PCI-E to PCI-E Express 1X Extension Cord Adapter with USB Riser Card: Amplify Your Connectivity Options by Brian Smith

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Works well but has some design flaws

Works as described. Converts my mPCIE on MSI B85i to PCIE 1x slot. I have an Intel x520-DA2 card that only supports PCIE 2.0, but the card shows that it's running at PCIE 2.0 1x speed (I know the weird configuration, I've only used it so far - I don't recommend using a 10 -GbE NIC to operate in a PCIE 1x slot, but at the moment it is much better than the built-in network card). Minus 2 starts for bad design choices. The 4-pin power connector is on the wrong side. If you were to install this in an enclosure, the 4-pin power connector would face the rear/mounting bracket, leaving very little mounting space and squeezing the cables. It comes with two straps, one is longer than the other but both are too short for my use. The B85i has placed a half-height mPCIE slot above the CPU socket on top of the board, so even with the longest tape, this adapter cannot reach the first mounting slot in the case, let alone the 3rd slot that may require a GPU Is installed. .This is one of the few mPCIE to PCE adapters that worked for me, so I'm glad it works. It's also really nice that it doesn't require an external power supply as intended for adding a GPU to a laptop. Overall I'm happy, but I'll have to experiment with longer cables to see if I can properly install my NIC.

Pros
  • Positive only
Cons
  • Damaged