PCIe Bifurcation for x4 (with BIOS version V003?)

#1

Hello dear community,

I came across the BIOS download page and saw the V003 version (custom BIOS? what’s the difference?) that claimed to support PCIe Bifurcation (4x PCIe 3.0 x1 lanes).

I don’t see any release notes (post like this one) from the official Radxa team. Anyone with more information? Or is there an M.2 splitter like what Semi did on the Rock 5?

#2

This is a customized version of the BIOS that supports the PCIe Bifurcation function. We cannot guarantee that it is compatible with all adapter. If you are not very clear about this function, please be cautious when refreshing this BIOS.
This BIOS can convert the M Key PCIE gen 3 x4 interface to 4x M Key PCIe 3.0 Lane 1 signals through the adapter to make all (4) SSD NAS etc.

#3

Hi @ryann, thanks for your answer!

Is the adapter you mentioned available for ordering somewhere? I saw this one from CWWK.

  1. Do you think whether it’s compatible with Radxa X4 (through an M.2 Key M 2230 to 2280 extension card/cable)?
  2. Otherwise is there an official adapter for this? I assume this would unlock a lot of possibility and popularity on this model.
#4

This one work on X4 with 2230 to 2280 extension cable or card
we do not have official adapter now

#5

This one work on X4 with 2230 to 2280 extension cable or card

That’s good news! Thanks for your confirmation @ryann.

Would be even nicer if there would be a BIOS version to support 2x 2 lanes PCIe bifurcation - like the story of Rock 5B and 5B+. With dual M.2 slots, one can connect an ASM1166 (for example) and a 10G network card to make X4 a full-power NAS solution.

1 Like
#6

any plans for that?

1 Like
[Product Request] Radxa X4 转 2x M.2 2280 的扩展板?
#7

It’s awesome to see this working.

I’m interested in PCIe bifurcation as well. Does the current V004 BIOS include it, or is it only in the custom V003 BIOS?

#8

only v003 support PCIe bifurcation

1 Like
#9

Thanks!

Will PCIe bifurcation eventually make its way into a standard BIOS release, or is it likely to stay in that custom BIOS?

#10

This function will not be a standard release