Icy Dock Introduces EXLink MB409A5 MCIO 8i (SFF-TA-1016) to PCIe 5.0 x8 Adapter with Redriver

Icy Dock launches the EXLink MB409A5 adapter card designed to bridge PCIe Gen5 x8 slots that support lane bifurcation with next-gen MCIO 8i (SFF-TA-1016) connectivity, delivering up to 256Gb/s of total bandwidth for high-speed NVMe signal transmission in advanced storage applications.

By integrating a PCIe redriver and optimized signal conditioning, the MB409A5 allows system designers and integrators to deploy MCIO-based NVMe solutions with greater flexibility, even in platforms requiring longer trace lengths or cable connections.

Designed for Flexible PCIe Gen5 Architecture

With a PCIe 5.0 x8 interface, the MB409A5 is designed to work with motherboards that support lane bifurcation (x4 / x4). When enabled, this allows the PCIe x8 interface to be split into 2 independent x4 NVMe links through MCIO connectivity, supporting up to 2 NVMe SSDs via compatible cabling. If the motherboard does not provide PCIe bifurcation support, only a single NVMe SSD may be recognized.

Simple Way to Expand High-Speed NVMe Storage

The EXLink MB409A5 offers a clean and scalable approach to expanding PCIe Gen5 NVMe storage using MCIO-based connectivity. ^(*) When paired with the company’s ToughArmor MB601V5K-B and the MB413L-B MCIO 8i to dual MCIO 4i cable, system builders can easily configure 2 front-accessible U.2 / U.3 PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD bays from a single PCIe x8 slot. This configuration simplifies high-density NVMe deployment without requiring specialized backplanes, making it ideal for servers and workstations that require removable NVMe storage while maintaining signal integrity and PCIe Gen5 performance.^(*)

^(*) Motherboard must support PCIe bifurcation (x4 / x4)

Maintain Stable High-Speed Signals with Integrated Redriver

As PCIe Gen5 data rates increase, signal integrity becomes increasingly critical – especially when using longer PCB traces or external cables. The MB409A5 integrates a PCIe Gen5 redriver to equalize and restore signals, helping sustain stable 32GT/s transmission across 4 PCIe lanes. This design enables MCIO-based NVMe connections to maintain full PCIe Gen5 performance, even in complex system layouts where direct connections are not feasible.

PCIe Clock Buffer and Sideband Signal Management

To maintain accurate timing across connected devices, the MB409A5 features a built-in 100MHz PCIe clock buffer, supporting stable synchronization over extended routing paths. In addition, buffered PERST#, WAKE#, and CLKREQ# signals enhance system stability and responsiveness, making the adapter suitable for enterprise-grade platforms and continuous-operation environments.

Flexible Platform Compatibility

The MB409A5 is compatible with a wide range of PCIe host environments. It supports PCIe Gen2 through Gen5 slots and can be installed in x8, or x16 physical PCIe slots on motherboards. With no OS limitations, the adapter is well suited for system integrators, OEMs, and solution providers building NVMe-enabled platforms across different hardware and software environments.

Simplify NVMe Upgrades with ICY DOCK Selection Tool

NVMe Storage Selection Tool – an interactive guide that helps you find compatible mobile racks, cables, and adapters based on your system’s NVMe slot type and installation needs. Perfect for system integrators and DIY users alike, it eliminates the guesswork from building your ideal removable NVMe storage solution.

Key Features:

PCIe 5.0 x8 interface with up to 256Gb/s total bandwidth
MCIO 8i (SFF-TA-1016) connector for high-speed NVMe signal transmission
Supports PCIe lane bifurcation for dual x4 NVMe configurations
Integrated PCIe redriver for enhanced signal integrity over extended traces and cables
100MHz PCIe clock buffer for stable enterprise timing
Validated compatibility with Icy Dock NVMe mobile racks and cables
Universal PCIe slot support: PCIe 2.0 / 3.0 / 4.0 / 5.0
Full-height bracket, CE/UKCA/RoHS/REACH compliant
Ideal for server and workstation platforms adopting PCIe Gen5 architectures
Requires motherboard PCIe bifurcation (x4, x4) to access 2o SSDs (This adapter card itself does not perform bifurcation)
2-year limited warranty