ASUS introduces Hyper M.2 SSD Gen5 x16 Expansion Card: High-Speed Bandwidth at $79

ASUS has launched a new version of its Hyper M.2 PCIe expansion card, designed to work alongside the existing Gen4 model. This expansion card can support up to four M.2 SSDs, taking full advantage of the PCIe x16 slot’s bandwidth. However, it’s worth noting that compatibility may be limited with current motherboards due to the introduction of the PCI Gen5 standard.

According to ASUS’s product page, this storage solution can handle up to 512 Gbps (64 GB/s) of bandwidth in RAID0 mode. However, in order to achieve this speed, storage manufacturers will need to produce Gen5 devices with read speeds of up to 16 GB/s, which are not currently available on the market.

The Hyper M.2 card is versatile, supporting various form factors and compatible with both Gen4 and Gen5 standards. ASUS has implemented a Q-Latch system to simplify installation and drive swapping, eliminating the need for screws.

To effectively power all four SSD drives simultaneously, the card requires a 6-pin PCIe external power connection. Each drive can receive up to 14 watts of power. Users have the option to operate the drives separately or in different RAID configurations.

One notable feature of the card is its active cooling system, which covers the entire board while maintaining a single-slot design. ASUS has even included a small button on the I/O bracket to disable the fan if desired. Additionally, there are four LEDs on the bracket, indicating the operational status of each SSD.

Compatibility-wise, the expansion card can support SSD configurations ranging from 1 to 4 drives. The specific supported configurations will depend on the platform and CPU selected, as some CPUs limit the number of enabled PCIe lanes. High-end desktop platforms like TRX40 and X299 offer wider PCIe lane support and can accommodate multiple expansion cards.

However, for optimal use of PCIe Gen5, newer platforms such as Intel W690, Z790, W790, or AMD X670 and B650 are recommended. The HEDT W790 chipset from Intel, in particular, offers PCIe Gen5 support and more lanes compared to the consumer line. On the other hand, Intel Z690/Z790 motherboards can only support two drives, while AMD X670 can accommodate up to four drives when installed on the Hyper expansion card.

The Hyper M.2 expansion card from ASUS will be priced at $79, according to Juan Jose Guerrero, ASUS Product Manager for North America.

Background Information

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About AMD:

AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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About ASUS:

ASUS, founded in 1989 by Ted Hsu, M.T. Liao, Wayne Hsieh, and T.H. Tung, has become a multinational tech giant known for its diverse hardware products. Spanning laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and more, ASUS has gained recognition for its innovation and commitment to high-performance computing solutions. The company has a significant presence in gaming technology, producing popular products that cater to enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a focus on delivering and reliable technology, ASUS maintains its position as a important player in the industry.

  

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About Intel:

Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

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Technology Explained

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CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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M.2: M.2, also known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a computer expansion card format that is designed to replace the outdated mSATA standard. It is thinner and longer than mSATA, which gives it a much higher data transfer rate. The M.2 format measures 22mm in width and can measure up to 110mm in length. It uses the M-key and B-key connectors to interface with PC host systems, and can connect to both SATA III and PCIe for data transfer. Due to its small size, M.2 is often used for ultra-slim laptops and netbooks, as well as in embedded SSDs for tablets and other mobile devices. It is also becoming increasingly popular in the desktop computer industry, thanks to its compactness and fast transfer speeds. This makes M.2 ideal for gaming PCs, workstations, and other demanding applications that require high levels of data throughput.

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PCIe: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for connecting components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards to a motherboard. It is the most widely used interface in the computer industry today, and is used in both desktop and laptop computers. PCIe is capable of providing up to 16 times the bandwidth of the older PCI standard, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and improved performance. It is also used in a variety of other applications, such as storage, networking, and communications. PCIe is an essential component of modern computing, and its applications are only expected to grow in the future.

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PCIe Gen5: PCIe Gen5, or PCI Express Generation 5, is the latest technology advancement in the computer industry. It is the first major upgrade to the current PCIe standard. Compared to PCIe Gen3, PCIe Gen5 increases bandwidth throughput that is almost double, resulting in faster data transfer speeds. This means that it can provide higher data transfer rates for output devices like graphics cards, network cards, RAID controllers, and sound cards. It also supports faster NVMe storage devices, allowing for a smoother gaming experience. PCIe Gen5 can also support multiple concurrent data streams and is backward compatible with older PCIe slots. In the computer industry, PCIe Gen5 allows for faster data transfer, improved graphics quality, faster memory access, and higher GPU performance, making the technology ideal for gaming and server builds.

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RAID: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology used in the computer industry to increase the performance, reliability, and storage capacity of computer systems. It works by combining multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, allowing them to be accessed as if they were a single drive. This allows for faster data access, as multiple drives can be accessed simultaneously, and for increased reliability, as data can be stored redundantly across multiple drives. RAID is commonly used in servers, workstations, and other high-performance computing systems, as well as in consumer-level storage solutions such as NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices.

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SSD: A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a modern data storage device that employs flash memory technology to store data electronically. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, resulting in significantly faster read and write speeds. This leads to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and smoother overall system performance. SSDs are known for their durability, shock resistance, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for laptops, ultrabooks, and other portable devices. They come in various form factors, including 2.5-inch, M.2, and PCIe cards, and are favored for their reliability, quiet operation, and reduced heat generation

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Z790: The Z790 chipset is a motherboard platform from Intel that supports the 12th Gen Core, 13th Gen Core CPUs and 14th Gen Core CPUs. It offers more PCIe Gen 4 lanes and USB 3.2x2 ports than the previous Z690 chipset, which can enable faster storage and connectivity options.

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