Lekuo 8-Port M.2 SATA Expansion Card – PCIe 3.0 Multi-Drive Storage Solution
Expand your storage capacity with enterprise-grade reliability and high-speed data transfer for professional workstations and servers
Key Features
- ✓ RTL9101 Chipset – Reliable controller with driver-free operation on modern systems
- ✓ 8 Independent SATA Channels – Connect up to 8 SATA drives simultaneously with dedicated bandwidth per port
- ✓ Hot-Swap Support – Replace drives without system shutdown (requires BIOS enablement)
- ✓ Bootable Disk Support – Install and boot operating systems directly from connected drives
- ✓ Universal Compatibility – Works with Windows 7/8/10/11 and Linux Kernel 3.10+ without additional drivers
- ✓ Compact M.2 Design – Space-saving 2280 form factor powered directly through PCIe slot
Product Parameters
Application Scenarios
Servers & Workstations
Perfect for professional environments requiring high-capacity storage arrays. Ideal for content creation workstations, database servers, and file servers needing multiple drive configurations.
NAS & Storage Systems
Build powerful network-attached storage solutions with support for hot-swapping drives and bootable disk configurations for maximum flexibility and uptime.
Data Centers & RAID Arrays
Deploy in enterprise environments for RAID configurations, backup systems, and high-availability storage solutions with independent channel architecture.
Package Contents
- ✓ 1 x Lekuo MR91S81 Expansion Card
- ✓ 2 x Mini SAS to SATA Cables
- ✓ 1 x Installation Screw
FAQs
Q1: Does this expansion card require driver installation?
No, the Lekuo MR91S81 works driver-free with Windows 7/8/10/11 and Linux Kernel 3.10+. The RTL9101 chipset is natively supported by modern operating systems, making installation plug-and-play.
Q2: How do I install the expansion card in my system?
Insert the M.2 card into an available M.2 slot (B+M Key) on your motherboard. Secure with the included installation screw. Connect your SATA drives using the provided Mini SAS to SATA cables. The card is powered directly through the PCIe slot.
Q3: Can I hot-swap drives without shutting down my system?
Yes, the MR91S81 supports hot-swapping, but this feature must be enabled in your system BIOS. Once enabled, you can safely remove and replace drives without powering down your system.
Q4: Can I boot my operating system from a drive connected to this card?
Yes, the MR91S81 supports bootable disks. You can install and boot your operating system directly from any SATA drive connected to the expansion card.
Q5: What types of drives are compatible with this card?
The card supports both 2.5" and 3.5" SATA hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD). All 8 ports support SATA 6Gbps speeds with independent channels for optimal performance.
Q6: Does the card require external power connections?
No, the expansion card is powered entirely through the motherboard PCIe slot. However, your connected SATA drives will require separate power connections from your system's power supply unit (PSU).
Q7: What are the included Mini SAS to SATA cables used for?
The included 2 x Mini SAS to SATA cables allow you to connect your SATA drives to the expansion card. Each cable typically supports multiple SATA connections, enabling you to connect all 8 ports.