reServer i31125 - Using M.2 (NGFF) Key B+M To Key M Adapter for using NVMe drives

Products & Technology ODYSSEY Serials
1

I have a question on reServer i31125.

Can the B-Key slot (with PCIe 3.0 x2) be used with m.2 M-Key NVMe drive using the M.2 (NGFF) Key B+M To Key M Adapter?

My understanding is the B-Key slot is connected to the PCIe Lane and does not have SATA controller, so ideally it should work. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Any help would be appreciated.

Link to the Adapter below:
New Version M.2 (NGFF) Key B+M To Key M Adapter for PCI-E Bus SSD Supports 2242/2260/2280 Type M.2 Key M SSD Dimension

2

Hi there,

So, I looked at the spec’s and it looks to me from a hardware adapter perspective it should work, The adapter in question is a passive adapter, just rerouting pins—no protocol translation. what OS is on the reServer i3
it should work, and here’s why:

  • The B-Key slot on the reServer i31125 provides PCIe x2, and that’s the key point.
  • The adapter (B+M to M-Key) is just a passive pin rerouter — it doesn’t change the signaling or protocols, it simply allows a different-shaped M-Key drive to physically fit the B-Key slot.
  • As long as the M.2 NVMe SSD supports PCIe x2 mode (which many B+M keyed drives do, and some M-key-only ones as well), it will enumerate and function.

With all that in mind, just don’t use a high end NVME that’s 4x only that won’t work and it’s a waste of money (i3) If your trying to boot from it that could only be if the bios supports it :crossed_fingers:

the PCIe x2 NVME SSD are way more affordable SSD’s
double check you ssd spec’s and post it.
I think it will.

HTH
GL :slight_smile: PJ :v:

Maybe a Seeedineer could comment , they look like pretty decent starting point IMO of a hardware kit. :+1:

3

Thank you for the quick and detailed response.
Regarding the drive I only have 4TB WD SN5000. Will this work?
I understand it is too high end for PCIE x2, but if it works then I don’t have any complaints with not using max speeds.
I am running Unraid 7.

4

Hi there,

You can try it. I run a FreeNas HP Micro-Gen8 server 4 x 8TB disk pool with NVME Cache… Works well.
UnRaid is pretty stout, should run very well on that reServer

so from the spec’s: NO

Digital Storage Capacity 4 TB
Hard Disk Interface PCIE x 4
Connectivity Technology PCIe
Brand Western Digital
that is the newer Gen, PCIx4…

HTH
GL:-) PJ :v:

WIN_20250629_11_10_17_Pro
WIN_20250629_11_10_17_Pro1280Ă—720 220 KB

:+1:

5

Hello @PJ_Glasso , the information you provided is very helpful.

Regarding your 3rd point, do you know how I can find an NVMe what supports PCIe x2 mode, maybe a M-key only ones?
Does the NVMe have to be Gen3 or a Gen4 NVMe would also work in this case? (the B-key slot is PCIe 3.0 x2)

If I can find it then maybe I can use it with the B+M to M-Key adapter.

So far I found this combination:

TEAMGROUP MP44S
B+M Key NVME M-Key

6

Hi there,

I think anything Gen2 will be, but look at the PCIE spec to be sure.
My buddy has one so I’ll ask him what hardware he’s using. it should be still available.

HTH
GL :slight_smile: PJ :v:

8

Does the NVMe have to be Gen3 or any Gen4 NVMe would also work in this case? (the B-key slot is PCIe 3.0 x2 )

9

Hi,there,
In the PCIe 3.0 x2 slot, the performance of the Gen4 SSD will be severely limited, but it can still function normally.

1 Like
10

Hi there,

Yep, works but is half the speed… :+1:

HTH
GL :slight_smile: PJ :v:

Do us a solid and mark it as the solution, once you verify. :crossed_fingers: