M2E4SFF8643 - NAS StarTech.com - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	NAS Storage Adapter
Supported Drives	M.2 NVMe/SATA SSD (M-Key or B+M Key)
Host Interface	PCI Express 3.0 x4
Drive Interface	4x Mini SAS HD (SFF-8643)
Data Transfer Rate	Up to 32 Gbps per SAS port (SAS 3.0) or 6 Gbps per SATA port
Form Factor	Low Profile PCIe Card
Dimensions	167 mm x 68 mm x 18 mm (6.5 in x 2.7 in x 0.7 in)
Weight	68 g (2.4 oz)
Power Supply	3.3V / 12V from PCIe slot (max 25W)
Operating Temperature	0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)
Storage Temperature	-20°C to 80°C (-4°F to 176°F)
Compliance	RoHS, CE, FCC
OS Support	Windows, Linux, macOS (with driver)
LED Indicators	Power (green), Activity (blinking green)
Special Features	Hot-swap support, SATA 3.0 compatible, low-profile bracket included
Package Contents	Adapter card, low-profile bracket, user manual
Warranty	2 years
Maintenance & Cleaning	Keep vents free of dust; use compressed air for cleaning
Safety Precautions	Install in a well-ventilated case; avoid static discharge
Repairability / Spare Parts	No user-serviceable parts; contact support for warranty

Frequently Asked Questions - M2E4SFF8643 StarTech.com

What is the StarTech.com M2E4SFF8643 used for?

It is a NAS storage adapter that allows you to connect M.2 NVMe/SATA SSDs to a host computer via PCIe, providing four Mini SAS HD (SFF-8643) ports for high-speed data transfer.

Which M.2 drives are compatible?

It supports M.2 NVMe (M-Key) and SATA (B+M Key) SSDs. Check the drive's keying and length (2230/2242/2260/2280).

Can I use this card with a NAS?

Yes, it is designed for NAS systems that have a PCIe slot and support SAS/SATA controllers. It adds multiple drive connectivity.

What is the maximum data transfer speed?

Each Mini SAS HD port can run at up to 12 Gbps (SAS 3.0) or 6 Gbps (SATA 3.0) depending on the drives and cables used.

Does it support hot-swap?

Yes, the card supports hot-swap when used with compatible backplanes or enclosures.

What operating systems are supported?

It works with Windows, Linux, and macOS (driver may be required). Some distributions include native drivers.

How do I install the card?

Power off the system, insert the card into a PCIe x4 or larger slot, secure it, connect power (if needed) and cables, then install drivers.

Does it come with a low-profile bracket?

Yes, the package includes a low-profile bracket for slim cases, in addition to the standard bracket.

What cables do I need?

You will need Mini SAS HD to Mini SAS HD cables (or breakout cables) to connect to drives. Not included.

How do I troubleshoot if the card is not detected?

Check PCIe slot compatibility, update motherboard BIOS, install latest drivers, and verify the card is fully seated. Try another slot if possible.

USER MANUAL M2E4SFF8643 StarTech.com

U.2 (SFF-8643) to M.2 PCI Express 3.0 x4 Host Adapter Card for 2.5" U.2 NVMe SSDs

M2E4SFF8643

Red electronic circuit board with black connector and gold contacts (no visible text or symbols)

*actual product may vary from photos

For the latest information, technical specifications, and support for this product, please visit www.StarTech.com/M2E4SFF8643.

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by StarTech.com could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other Protected Names and Symbols

This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to StarTech.com. Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an endorsement of the product(s) to which this manual applies by the third-party company in question. Regardless of any direct acknowledgement elsewhere in the body of this document, StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that all trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks, and other protected names and/or symbols contained in this manual and related documents are the property of their respective holders.

Table of Contents

Product diagram 1

Package contents....1

Requirements ....1

Install the adapter....2

Technical support....3

Warranty information....3

Product diagram

Package contents

• 1 x drive adapter card
  • 1 x adapter-mounting screw
• 1 x quick-start guide

Requirements

• U.2 PCI Express® NVMe SSD
- Computer or server with a 2.5" SSD or HDD mounting bay
• Computer or server with an M.2 x4 PCIe slot
• SFF-8643 to SFF-8639 U.2 cable
- Screwdriver

This adapter is OS independent and doesn't require any additional drivers or software.

Note: To determine if the drive and motherboard that you're using are compatible, consult the technical specifications that came with the drive and motherboard.

Requirements are subject to change. For the latest requirements, please visit www.StarTech.com/M2E4SFF8643.

Install the adapter

Warning! Computer components can be severely degraded by static electricity. If an anti-static strap isn't available, discharge any built-up static electricity by touching a large, grounded metal surface for several seconds.

1. Turn off your computer and any devices or peripherals that are connected to it (for example, printers, external storage, and so on).
2. Unplug the power cable from the back of your computer.
3. Disconnect any peripheral devices that are connected to your computer.
4. Open your computer case.
   For more information about how to do this, consult the documentation that came with your computer system.
5. Gently insert the adapter into an open M.2 M key x4 PCIe slot.
6. Secure the adapter to the motherboard or controller card.
   For more information about how to do this, consult the documentation that came with the system motherboard or controller card. The adapter-mounting hole and adapter-mounting screw may or may not be required to secure the adapter.
7. Connect an SFF-8643 to SFF-8639 U.2 cable to the SFF-8643 connector on the adapter and to a U.2 PCIe NVMe SSD.

Note: For more information about how to mount your U.2 drive, consult the documentation that came with the drive and your computer.

1. Place the cover back onto your computer case.

2. Reconnect the power cable to the back of your computer.

3. Reconnect the peripheral devices.

4. Turn on your computer.

Technical support

StarTech.com's lifetime technical support is an integral part of our commitment to provide industry-leading solutions. If you ever need help with your product, visit www.startech.com/support and access our comprehensive selection of online tools, documentation, and downloads.

For the latest drivers/software, please visit www.startech.com/downloads

Warranty information

This product is backed by a two-year warranty.

StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship for the periods noted, following the initial date of purchase. During this period, the products may be returned for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does not warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their officers, directors, employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual price paid for the product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement may not apply to you.

Hard-to-find made easy. At StarTech.com, that isn't a slogan. It's a promise.

StarTech.com is your one-stop source for every connectivity part you need. From the latest technology to legacy products — and all the parts that bridge the old and new — we can help you find the parts that connect your solutions.

We make it easy to locate the parts, and we quickly deliver them wherever they need to go. Just talk to one of our tech advisors or visit our website. You'll be connected to the products you need in no time.

Visit www.startech.com for complete information on all StarTech.com products and to access exclusive resources and time-saving tools.

StarTech.com is an ISO 9001 Registered manufacturer of connectivity and technology parts. StarTech.com was founded in 1985 and has operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Taiwan servicing a worldwide market.