Lekuo Unveils AMD B650 PCIe Expansion Card With M.2, SATA, and USB Connectivity
Lekuo has introduced an unusual new PCIe expansion card that turns a single PCIe Gen4 x4 slot into a compact storage and connectivity hub. Built around AMD’s B650 chipset, the low-profile add-in card is designed for users who want to add multiple M.2 SSDs, SATA drives, and USB ports without relying on motherboard PCIe lane bifurcation.
The card is especially interesting for compact PC builds, home servers, NAS setups, and workstations where expansion slots are limited. Measuring 174 mm long and 69 mm tall, it uses a low-profile design that should make it easier to fit inside smaller cases while still offering a surprisingly wide range of connectivity options.
Through one PCIe Gen4 x4 connection, the Lekuo expansion card provides four M.2 PCIe SSD slots, four SATA III 6 Gbps ports, one USB Type-C 20 Gbps port, one USB Type-C 10 Gbps port, and two USB Type-A 10 Gbps ports. That makes it a flexible option for users who need to connect several storage devices and high-speed peripherals without replacing their motherboard.
The key advantage of this card is its use of the AMD B650 chipset. Instead of requiring the motherboard to support PCIe bifurcation, the onboard chipset manages connected devices and distributes bandwidth dynamically. This allows the card to work more like a mini expansion platform, making it more compatible with a broader range of systems.
However, users should still expect bandwidth sharing. When only the two front-side M.2 slots are used, both SSDs can operate at PCIe Gen4 x4 speeds. If the rear M.2 slots are also populated, all four M.2 slots switch to PCIe Gen4 x2 mode. That trade-off is expected from a card that routes several devices through a single PCIe Gen4 x4 uplink, but it still offers plenty of performance for many storage-heavy workloads.
Another notable feature is that the card does not require external power, which helps simplify installation and cable management. For small-form-factor PCs and server-style builds, reducing extra wiring can be a major benefit.
Lekuo says the expansion card supports Windows, Linux, and macOS, giving it broad appeal across different types of systems. This could make it useful for DIY NAS builders, media professionals, content creators, and anyone who needs more SSD, hard drive, or USB connectivity from an existing machine.
The card is priced at 599 yuan, which is roughly 89 US dollars. At that price, it could become an attractive option for users looking to expand storage and connectivity without buying a new motherboard or moving to a larger platform.
