Latest news with #PCIeGen3
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Open source Switch 2 adapter brings M.2 NVMe SSD to Nintendo's latest console — MicroSD Express and NVMe share a similar pinout that could even theoretically support an eGPU
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A gaming peripheral developer and console modder has shared details of their SDEX2M2 Adapter project. Despite the cryptic name, the project goal is a rather simple one – to create a reliable adapter for using the Nintendo Switch 2's MicroSD Express card port to attach an M.2 NVMe SSD. The SDEX2M2 project is open source, and though it is still a work-in-progress, interested parties can visit the NVNTLabs GitHub page and check out extensive details of the components and schematics used. Nintendo typically likes to lock down its consoles rather strictly, so seeing this kind of project at an advanced stage, so early after the launch of its Switch 2, might cheer console hackers and modders. This storage mod 'is possible because the Nintendo Switch 2's MicroSD Express slot supports the SD Express 7.1 standard, which exposes a true PCIe Gen3 x1 interface and utilizes the NVMe protocol for communication,' explains developer NVNTLabs on the SDEX2M2 GitHub project page. And, because the hardware adapter simply maps the appropriate pins from the Switch MicroSD Express slot to a standard M.2 2230 NVMe SSD, 'no protocol translation is required as the Switch 2 host controller handles everything.' For performance, users should expect data transfers up to approximately the limits of the PCIe Gen3 x1 interface, which is roughly 1 GB/s. That's on a par with freshly launched cards from the likes of PNY. However, instead of spending $56 on a PNY microSD Express UHS-I U3 V30 A1 microSDXC Flash Memory Card with a measly 256GB capacity, you can get double the capacity with a Sabrent for the same price. We also see 1TB M.2 2230 NVMe SSDs, like the Patriot Viper Gaming VP4000 Mini 1TB M.2 2230 PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD for just $66. You will need to make/buy this new SDEX2M2 device first, though. As a work-in-progress, there are still a few aspects of the SDEX2M2 design to iron out. Probably the biggest factor to be wary of is damaging your Switch 2 due to the use of an M.2 SSD that is too power hungry. NVNTLabs warns that any fellow modders who want to pick up and roll ahead with the design as it stands should 'only use low-voltage, low-power M.2 2230 NVMe drives.' Also, despite physical similarities, users are asked not to insert this adapter into legacy MicroSD card slot-equipped devices like the original Nintendo Switch. For now, this project shines the light on a possible way to attach cheaper storage for your Switch 2. However, PCIe isn't just for storage, in modern PCs this high-speed interface is used for lots of other things like network and expansion cards, sound and capture cards, AI accelerators, and – of course – graphics cards. The Nintendo Switch 2's official specs confirmed the presence of an Nvidia Ampere architecture GPU similar to a mobile GeForce RTX 2050. Would it be possible to use the exposed PCIe Gen3 x1 interface to plug in some kind of eGPU? There are indeed plenty of M.2 SSD slot to OCuLink adapters, but the available PCIe Gen3 x1 with 1 GB/s (8 Gbps) seems rather restrictive. Typically, we see eGPUs attach to devices using USB4 at up to 40 Gbps, or OCuLink at up to 64 Gbps, which can impact GPU performance, and also provide some context to how weedy PCIe Gen3 x1 is. Moreover, there would probably have to be some more modding required for the Switch 2 to use the eGPU rather than the onboard GPU for video out. We can't say it is impossible, but it would be an impressive feat to get such a setup working. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kontron Announces VX3406, 3U VPX Card with Six Ethernet Ports
For harsh defense and aerospace environments, enables seamless integration of multiple IP-based sensors and communication modules SAN DIEGO, Calif. & TOULON, France, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computing Technology (ECT), today announces the VX3406, 3U VPX Ethernet board for harsh environments, the first to offer up to six 1000BASE-T ports each managed by a dedicated Ethernet controller, ensuring zero bandwidth contention, superior fault and cybersecurity isolation, and precise traffic prioritization. Designed for C4ISR systems, unmanned platforms and any connected warfare scenario, the ruggedized, low power consumption VX3406 ensures high resilience, secure segmentation and real-time data handling across harsh environments. The VX3406 integrates a powerful 8-port, 8-lane PCIe Gen3 switch offering users the ability to leverage up to four independent 1G/2.5G ports fully supporting TSN/IEEE1388 along with up to two dedicated 1G copper ports, enabling a total of six concurrent 1000BASE-T ports for unrivalled network expansion. Easy integration of TSN-capable controllers across its multiple independent ports avoids the need for legacy deterministic protocols or external switches, ensuring guaranteed delivery and timing precision for demanding embedded aerospace and defense environments. This makes the VX3406 ideal in use cases where low-latency, jitter-free deterministic Ethernet communication is a prerequisite, including real-time sensor fusion, mission system coordination, control-loop communications and synchronized audio/video streams. "As the first and only 3U VPX Ethernet card on the market offering six totally independent ports, the Kontron VX3406 raises the bar for communications performance, connectvity and flexibility in harsh defense and aerospace environments, with the added advantage of being designed and supported from France and therefore free of ITAR restrictions," said Christophe Ferrande, Kontron Product Manager. The conduction cooled Kontron VX3406 is now available with an air-cooled variant available on request. Further Information: A photograph in high resolution is provided here: For more information, please visit: Follow Kontron: Kontron on LinkedIn News about Kontron can also be found in the official Kontron blog About Kontron Kontron AG ( ISIN AT0000A0E9W5, WKN A0X9EJ, KTN) is a leading IoT technology company. For more than 20 years, Kontron has been supporting companies from a wide range of industries to achieve their business goals with intelligent solutions. From automated industrial operations, smarter and safer transport to advanced communications, connectivity, medical, and energy solutions, the company delivers technologies that add value for its customers. With the acquisition of Katek SE in early 2024, Kontron significantly strengthens its portfolio with the new GreenTec division, focusing on solar energy and eMobility, and grows to around 7,000 employees in over 20 countries worldwide. Kontron is listed on the SDAX® and TecDAX® of the German Stock Exchange. All rights reserved. Kontron is a trademark or registered trademark of Kontron AG. All data is for information purposes only and not guaranteed for legal purposes. Information in this press release has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Global Alexandra KentrosKontron AGTel: +49 151 151 938 81group-pr@ EMEA Jan LauerProfil PR oHGTel: +49 531 387 33-18kontron@
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Kontron Announces VX3406, 3U VPX Card with Six Ethernet Ports
SAN DIEGO, Calif. & TOULON, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computing Technology (ECT), today announces the VX3406, 3U VPX Ethernet board for harsh environments, the first to offer up to six 1000BASE-T ports each managed by a dedicated Ethernet controller, ensuring zero bandwidth contention, superior fault and cybersecurity isolation, and precise traffic prioritization. As the first and only 3U VPX Ethernet Card on the market, it ensure high resilience, secure segmentation, and real-time data handling across harsh environments. Share Designed for C4ISR systems, unmanned platforms and any connected warfare scenario, the ruggedized, low power consumption VX3406 ensures high resilience, secure segmentation and real-time data handling across harsh environments. The VX3406 integrates a powerful 8-port, 8-lane PCIe Gen3 switch offering users the ability to leverage up to four independent 1G/2.5G ports fully supporting TSN/IEEE1388 along with up to two dedicated 1G copper ports, enabling a total of six concurrent 1000BASE-T ports for unrivalled network expansion. Easy integration of TSN-capable controllers across its multiple independent ports avoids the need for legacy deterministic protocols or external switches, ensuring guaranteed delivery and timing precision for demanding embedded aerospace and defense environments. This makes the VX3406 ideal in use cases where low-latency, jitter-free deterministic Ethernet communication is a prerequisite, including real-time sensor fusion, mission system coordination, control-loop communications and synchronized audio/video streams. 'As the first and only 3U VPX Ethernet card on the market offering six totally independent ports, the Kontron VX3406 raises the bar for communications performance, connectvity and flexibility in harsh defense and aerospace environments, with the added advantage of being designed and supported from France and therefore free of ITAR restrictions,' said Christophe Ferrande, Kontron Product Manager. The conduction cooled Kontron VX3406 is now available with an air-cooled variant available on request. Further Information: A photograph in high resolution is provided here: For more information, please visit: Follow Kontron: About Kontron Kontron AG ( ISIN AT0000A0E9W5, WKN A0X9EJ, KTN) is a leading IoT technology company. For more than 20 years, Kontron has been supporting companies from a wide range of industries to achieve their business goals with intelligent solutions. From automated industrial operations, smarter and safer transport to advanced communications, connectivity, medical, and energy solutions, the company delivers technologies that add value for its customers. With the acquisition of Katek SE in early 2024, Kontron significantly strengthens its portfolio with the new GreenTec division, focusing on solar energy and eMobility, and grows to around 7,000 employees in over 20 countries worldwide. Kontron is listed on the SDAX ® and TecDAX ® of the German Stock Exchange. All rights reserved. Kontron is a trademark or registered trademark of Kontron AG. All data is for information purposes only and not guaranteed for legal purposes. Information in this press release has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies.
