Hyper expansion card question

[moheban79]

Hi,

Got an old Apex IX/X Z270/Z370 motherboard that has Hyper M.2 card support in the bios and was thinking of buying one but not sure if it will work for me on the 3rd PCI-E 8X slot (Gpu plugged into primary slot covering 2nd slot). Questions I have are will I get 2 x 4X access to M.2 drives or will four m.2 drives be down graded if I was to use 4 vs 2 drives. I really intend just to use 2 drives anyhow. Second question is will I be able to create an Intel MB raid array with or without the ability to boot from them? Third question will any bifurcated card work or do I specifically need an Asus branded Hyper card?

Thanks

[thoseotheru]

The hyper expansion card is a type that needs Bifurcation on the slot or just the 1st M.2 is only going to work.

If that slot doesn't have bifurcation or is already sharing lanes with other M.2, you will have to get a x4 PCIe to multiple m.2 card that has a PLX chip (PCIe data switch) built in. 

[moheban79]

Well I read that with my motherboard extrapolating that max I can have three drives but would have to give up graphics adapter. Personally I think this should have been detailed in the bios option for hyper m.2 under the comments.

[thoseotheru]

It is in the user manuals, however its not clearly written.

I'm surprised they don't have a model that has the built in PLX switch so people can expand with 4 m.2 drives without effecting video card configurations.

[moheban79]

IF there was a motherboard PLX based solution that would be awesome. Probably going to sell the Hyper card at this point. Using an old Highpoint SSD7202 card that is plx based but its incredibly noisy to point it hurts my ear drums. Going to have to kill the fan and use my own somehow.  It works at least when it works. Fan is a total deal breaker though. Got it a few years ago for a great price. Now I understand why.

[thoseotheru]

PLX switch is on the expansion device unless its special use case on the motherboard.

Here is one https://a.co/d/etv0GJX

[thoseotheru]

Here is a two drive version: https://a.co/d/16pll9f

[moheban79]

Thanks I have seen at least one of those in my travels shopping on Amazon. My Highpoint SSD7202 is also one such card but like I said I could not use it on account of the fan almost can break glass. If there was a PLX based PCIE 4.0 or 5.0 solution that was affordable. Highpoint's offerings are incredibly expensive. Thanks.

[thoseotheru]

PCIe4 and Pcie5 PLX switches do cost more.