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What the Dual M.2 Adapter does
Framework announced the Dual M.2 Adapter on December 16, 2024, as a module for the Laptop 16 Expansion Bay. The adapter fits into the Expansion Bay Shell and connects to the mainboard through a Graphics Module Interposer. Framework describes NVMe SSDs as its most common use; it also says the module can accommodate other high-speed devices.
The adapter accepts two M-key M.2 modules. Framework lists four supported drive lengths: 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280. Its product-contents information describes the Expansion Bay connection as supporting two four-lane PCIe 4.0 devices. That interface description is not a benchmark or a guarantee of a particular SSD’s performance.
Check drive and Laptop 16 compatibility
Match the M.2 key, size and interface
Before buying drives, verify that each one is M-key and that its physical length is one of the listed sizes. NVMe is Framework’s stated common use, but the product information does not establish independent compatibility testing for every drive model. Check the specifications for the particular SSD you plan to use.
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- Motherboards and BIOS must support bifurcation otherwise only first drive can be recognized.
- It connects to M.2 NVMe SSD. can make full use of the low delay characteristic of PCIE to improve the speed of SSD and increase the number of M.2 interfaces of host.
- Supports PCIe M.2 SSDs (NVMe and AHCI): 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 drives.
- Compatible with PCIe 3.0 motherboards and backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 and PCIe 1.0.
- Includes both full-height and low-profile PCIe brackets. Please note: hot swapping is NOT supported. Standard mounting screw NOT included, compatible with widely available #6-32 screws (5mm length, 8mm head diameter).
Confirm the expansion-bay parts you already own
The adapter is not a complete expansion-bay setup on its own: Framework requires both the Expansion Bay Shell and the Graphics Module Interposer. Framework notes that an owner who previously bought an Expansion Bay Shell may have the Expansion Bay Shell Interposer, which is not a substitute for the Graphics Module Interposer required for this adapter. Check your existing parts and Framework’s current compatibility instructions before ordering.
Capacity is a manufacturer figure
Framework lists up to 16 TB of additional storage across the two drives. Treat that as Framework’s stated capacity, rather than an independently tested result for every drive combination.
Rank #2
- 【High-Speed Interface and Bandwidth Compatibility】: Features a PCIe 5.0 x16 interface design supporting up to x8 bandwidth (theoretical speed of 64Gbps). Backward compatible with PCIe 4.0/3.0/2.0 standards, it adapts to various motherboard interfaces to fully unleash NVMe drive performance.
- 【Multi-Size Drive Expansion Capability】: Equipped with dual M.2 NVMe drive slots, fully supporting four mainstream drive sizes: 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280. Meets storage expansion needs ranging from ultra-portable laptop-specific small sizes to desktop standard sizes.
- 【Durable Materials & Seamless Compatibility】: Features 3U gold-plated contacts (enhancing wear resistance and signal stability), thickened PCB boards, and metal shielding (boosting structural integrity). Supports plug-and-play operation without additional drivers, compatible with mainstream operating systems including Windows 8/10 and Linux.
- 【Core Functionality】: As an NVMe-to-PCIe adapter, it expands M.2 interface capacity via the motherboard's PCIe slot. Ideal for storage expansion or speed upgrades in desktop devices, it delivers stable support for high-speed storage applications.
- 【Important Notice】Products sold via this link require motherboard support for partition splitting. If unsupported, only a single drive can be accessed. Please verify your motherboard's compatibility before purchasing；When configuring RAID, we recommend using SSDs of identical model and capacity. Note that RAID setup will erase all existing data on the drives. Back up any important data beforehand if necessary.
Parts and price
Framework’s Marketplace listing showed the following prices when accessed on October 4, 2026. These are point-in-time listing prices, not a promise of current price, stock or shipping time.
| Part | Marketplace price on October 4, 2026 | When it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Dual M.2 Adapter | $39 | The two-slot adapter module |
| Graphics Module Interposer | $29 | Required for the adapter’s connection to the mainboard |
| Expansion Bay Shell | $99 | Required to house the module |
Check Framework’s Marketplace for current prices and availability. If you already own some expansion-bay parts, identify them before calculating the cost of the upgrade; you may not need to buy every item in the table.
Rank #3
- Compatibility: The convert card is designed as replacement for OS X Laptop 2013-2017, and it can quickly convert 12+16 pin SSD to M.2 KEY-M interface.
- High Speed Data Transfer: Supporting PCIe 4.0 interface speeds, the convert card offers exceptional data transmission performance, ensuring you can enjoy fast and reliable access to your files.
- Operating System Support: This SSD convert card support for WinOS 10/11, support for OS X, support for systems, providing great versatility and usability across various platforms.
- Plug and Play: After conversion, the SSD maintain its original performance, allowing for simple plug and play usage, making it easy and convenient for any user.
- Wide Compatibility: The convert card is compatible with replacement for OS X Laptop various , enabling you to use it across different devices, offering great convenience and flexibility in your setup.
Installation: what to expect
Framework’s “Install Dual M.2 Adapter” guide, public release 1.01 dated April 6, 2026, rates the procedure moderate and estimates 20–30 minutes for its 55 steps. It lists the Framework Screwdriver. The time is the manufacturer’s estimate, not a guarantee; allow for your own familiarity with laptop hardware and for checking the instructions as you work.
- Review Framework’s Dual M.2 Adapter installation guide and confirm that the required shell and interposer are available.
- Update the Laptop 16 to the latest BIOS, as Framework advises for compatibility.
- Shut down and unplug the laptop before beginning, then follow the guide’s 55 steps in order. Do not skip steps or force a part that does not fit.
- Install the M.2 modules according to the guide, using drives whose M-key and dimensions match the supported sizes.
Who should consider it?
The adapter is a fit for Laptop 16 owners who want to add two M.2 modules inside the Expansion Bay and are prepared to use the required Framework parts. It is not the right product for a different laptop or for someone seeking a generic external M.2 enclosure. Framework’s listed compatibility and capacity details do not replace checking the exact drives and components in your planned setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It cannot convert to NGFF B-key or B+M key. It cannot convert to USB port ot SATA port.
- It only support the Macbook SSD to NGFF M-key SSD,.
- Please make sure your NGFF slot support the PCI-E 4x/2x Support Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8
- The SSD is not included.Note: The SSD must be 16+12pin contacts.(see belowing photo,otherwise it cannot work)
- Note: The adapter only work for M-key socket, cannot work for B-key or B/M-key socket.
Rank #4
- [Dual NVMe PCIe Adapter] RIITOP Dual NVMe PCIe Adapter can add 2x M.2 NVMe SSD Slot via PCIe 4.0 x16, but also expaind extra PCIe x16 slot (x8 Signal), which can use for expanding any other PCIe Device
- Hardware requirement: 1. There is available PCI-e 4.0 or 3.0 x16 Slot on Mobo 2. The motherboard can support PCIe x16 Bifurcation itself, and can be set as"PCI-e x8x4x4" in BIOS 3. All of the SSDs are M.2 PCI-e (M Key) NVMe SSD 4. CPU has enough channels to support
- Compatible with M.2 PCI-e NVMe SSDs in all sizes:110x22mm, 80x22mm, 60x22mm and 42x22mm, 30x22mm; Not support any M.2 (SATA-Based B+M Key) SSD; Motherboard Compatibility: Most Server and X299, X399 can support PCIe x8x4x4 Bifurcation
- Upgraded Design: 1. Two Slots of NVMe SSD are on positive and negative sides. So the card is in small size, And individual LED Indicator design will show each SSD's Working Status 2. The more PCIe x16 Slot is very useful when there is no more PCIe Slot on motherboard
- Please note: 1. RIITOP 2-Port NVMe PCIe Adapter does not Support Hardware Raid, only supports the formation of soft raid in Win10 , or you may build raid via Third-party Software, and 2 SSDs should be same model 2. The motherboard need support "PCIe x8x4x4 Bifurcation", all of the slots will works in full speed. If MOBO only supports "x4x4x4x4", the expanded PCIe x16 will only have x4 signal. If MOBO does not support"PCIe Bifurcation" , Only the PCIe x16 works, None M.2 SSD can be recognized. 3. Please check Motherboard's user manual on its official website if you are not sure the Mobo can support
Sources
- Framework’s December 16, 2024 announcement
- Framework Marketplace product listing
- Framework installation guide
- Framework product-contents information
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
