PCIe 4.0 x1 Male Down R/A to x4 Female Extension Cable

The PCIe 4.0 x1 Male Down R/A to x4 Female Extension Cable is a high-performance interface extension solution designed to connect PCIe 4.0 x1 host interfaces to PCIe x4 devices. This cable features a downward right-angle (Down R/A) PCIe 4.0 x1 male connector on one end and a standard PCIe x4 female connector on the other end. Engineered for reliability and signal integrity, this cable utilizes 85? low-impedance twin-axial cable technology (e.g., 31 AWG signal wires, as utilized in premium designs like 3M™ Twin Axial Cable) to minimize signal degradation and ensure high-speed data transfer. It is ideal for server upgrades, compact workstations, high-density data centers, and applications requiring flexible PCIe expansion with optimal airflow management and cable routing in dense configurations, particularly where space under components or PCBs is constrained.

Features

• Interface Extension: Converts PCIe 4.0 x1 male interface with a downward right-angle orientation to a standard PCIe x4 female interface, providing mechanical x4 compatibility and facilitating space-efficient routing under PCBs or in cramped chassis.
• High-Speed Performance: Supports PCIe 4.0 specifications with data transfer rates up to 16 GT/s (16 Gbps, 2 GB/s per lane for x1), ensuring PCIe 4.0 bandwidth for expansion cards like NVMe adapters or NICs.
• Downward Right-Angle Design: The downward right-angle (90°) x1 male connector facilitates efficient cable routing, reduces cable stress, and improves airflow in compact systems by fitting snugly under components or along motherboard trays.
• Low Impedance: Optimized 85? impedance matching (per PCIe 4.0 standards) ensures minimal signal degradation and superior signal integrity, utilizing technologies like 3M™ Low Loss Twin Axial Cable.
• Enhanced Compatibility: Compatible with PCIe 4.0/3.0/2.0 protocols and x4 devices (e.g., NVMe SSD adapters, NICs, RAID cards), and works with both Intel and AMD motherboards. Compatible with Card Electromechanical (CEM) connectors.
• Secure Connection: Precision-engineered connectors ensure reliable mating and stable operation.
• Durable Construction: High-quality materials (e.g., gold-plated contacts: min. 0.76µm gold thickness per premium specs, braided shielding) ensure longevity and repeated use. Features EMI shielding (e.g., conductive tape or absorbent shielding as noted in some premium cables) to reduce electromagnetic interference.
• Flexible & Foldable Design: Utilizes thin, flat twin-axial cable (e.g., 3M™ Low Loss Twin Axial Cable with 31 AWG wires) that can be folded or bent (with an extremely small bend radius) without significantly affecting electrical performance, saving space and enabling unique packaging in dense servers.

Specifications

• Host Connector: PCIe 4.0 x1 Male (Downward Right-Angle, 90°)
• Device Connector: PCIe x4 Female
• Data Rate Support: Up to 16 GT/s (PCIe 4.0 x1), compatible with PCIe 3.0/2.0.
• Supported Protocols: PCIe 4.0/3.0/2.0.
• Impedance: 85? ±5% (differential).
• Cable Construction: Twin-axial cable (e.g., 3M™ Low Loss Twin Axial Cable) with fine signal wires (e.g., 31 AWG), offering flexibility and good bend radius.
• Cable Length: Common lengths include 250mm (0.25m), 300mm (0.3m), 500mm (0.5m). (Lengths like 150mm or 600mm may also be available; specify your preference when ordering.)
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +85°C (aligns with common PCIe cable specs).
• Durability Rating: 2,500+ mating cycles (connectors).
• Shielding: Individual pair shielding with overall braid protection (and possibly conductive tape or absorbent materials) to minimize EMI.
• Contact Plating: Gold-plated contacts (0.76µm minimum gold thickness, per premium specs).
• Dielectric Withstanding Voltage: 300V AC.

Applications

• Server Upgrades: Integrating x4 devices (e.g., NVMe adapters, NICs, RAID cards) into servers with limited PCIe slot availability, especially in dense racks where downward routing under components is beneficial.
• High-Density Data Centers: Ideal for server and storage configurations where space optimization is critical and cable management under PCB trays is required.
• Enterprise Equipment: Used in enterprise-level hardware for reliable expansion where clean cable routing and specific connector orientations are essential.
• Compact Workstations & Gaming Rigs: Adding x4 expansion cards to small form factor systems where space under the motherboard is utilized, or for unique aesthetic and airflow configurations.
• Test Benches: Temporary connectivity for testing and validating PCIe x4 devices with specific orientation needs.
• Data Recovery: Facilitating access to x4-based storage or accelerator cards in cramped spaces.
• Embedded Systems: Industrial applications requiring x4 connectivity in space-constrained environments with unique mounting and routing challenges.

Compatibility Notes

This cable is designed for connecting PCIe x4 devices to PCIe 4.0 x1 host interfaces. The downward right-angle x1 male connector is ideal for environments where horizontal space is limited and cable routing must avoid obstruction (e.g., under PCB trays or near other components). Ensure the host system’s PCIe slot supports PCIe 4.0 or earlier versions (3.0/2.0) for backward compatibility. For best performance, connect the cable to the motherboard's primary PCIe x16 slot (usually closest to the CPU).