During the Computex 2024 exhibition, tech giant MSI unveiled the Xpander-Aero Slider Gen 5 expansion card. With this unique gadget, computer users can connect up to two M.2 PCIe 5.0 drives, each of a length up to 110 mm (up to the 22110 format). The product stands out due to its distinct visual appeal, resembling a compact video card.
Unique SSD Installation System
A notable characteristic that differentiates the Xpander-Aero Slider Gen 5 from other similar expansion cards is its innovative SSD installation system. Unlike other counterpart cards requiring disassembly to access M.2 slots, the Xpander-Aero Slider Gen 5 features a “hot-swap” system for drives. The required connectors are strategically placed at the back of the expansion card, easily accessible from the PC case’s rear.
Slick Design and Cooling System
The Xpander-Aero Slider Gen 5 is equipped with a large cooling fan, designed to prevent overheating of the installed SSDs. Due to its similar dimensions, the expansion card could be easily mistaken for a custom GeForce GTX 1650, unless one knows otherwise.
Smart Fan Operation
The built-in fan of the expansion card automatically switches off if no SSDs are detected. Additionally, there is an option for manual fan shut-off. This feature might come in handy when utilizing M.2 PCIe 3.0 or PCIe 4.0 drives, which heat much less than PCIe 5.0 SSDs during operation.
MSI has not yet released any information regarding the availability or pricing of the Xpander-Aero Slider Gen 5 expansion card.
