Key Announcement: Lekuo Launches B650 Modular Expansion Card PB65MX4
- Announcement Date: September 30, 2026 (reported by IT之家 on October 1)
- Product Model: PB65MX4, based on AMD B650 chipset “PROM 21”
- Base Card Price: 499 RMB
- Module Pricing: NIC M.2 module 299 RMB (standalone), 229 RMB (bundle with card)
- Availability: Post-National Day holiday
- Interface Type: PCIe AIC (full-height full-length adapter card)
- Power Supply: 6-Pin external power connector
Modular Design: Dual M.2 Slots Front and Back
The PB65MX4 adopts a standard PCIe add-in card form factor, with its dual-directional M.2 slot layout as the core differentiator. The front side features 2 M.2 slots supporting 2230/2242/2260/2280 sizes, with PCIe Gen3×2 bandwidth. A notable contrast: these slots accommodate not only M.2 SSDs directly, but also functional modules—including 10GbE RJ-45 NICs, 10GbE SFP+ optical NICs, multi-port SATA HBAs, and OCuLink adapters—with mixed module combinations permitted.
Meanwhile, the reverse side houses 2 M.2 22110/2280 slots directly wired to PCIe Gen4×4 lanes, creating a performance tier gap compared to the front slots. Additional connectivity includes a USB-C 20Gbps port and a USB-C 10Gbps header, enabling integration with motherboard front-panel Type-C ports or chassis-mounted expansion.
Pricing and Module Ecosystem Comparison
| Item | Base Card Price | NIC Module (Standalone) | NIC Module (Bundle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PB65MX4 Expansion Card | 499 RMB | 299 RMB | 229 RMB |
Lekuo adopts a “card plus module” separation strategy, allowing users to select only required functionality—networking, storage expansion, or other I/O—avoiding redundant costs for unused features.
Practical Recommendations: Build to Your Needs
Suitable Users:
- B650 motherboard owners with spare PCIe slots needing additional high-speed interfaces
- Micro workstation or NAS enthusiasts requiring flexible 10GbE deployment in space-constrained cases
- Users seeking SATA port expansion via direct M.2-to-SATA HBA modules for legacy device connectivity
Wait First:
- If only single M.2 Gen4 SSD expansion is needed, existing百-yuan Gen4 expansion cards already suffices; PB65MX4’s modular premium becomes less justifiable
- Users requiring USB-C 20Gbps should verify motherboard support for USB 3.2 Gen2×2 before purchase, as header incompatibility may occur
Final Note
Modular PCIe expansion cards are gaining traction in the enthusiast ecosystem. Lekuo’s offering transforms B650 chipset I/O potential into configurable add-ons, supplying a compact alternative to inserting multiple PCIe cards inside the主机. Ultimately, the ecosystem’s value hinges on third-party module availability and their future pricing strategy.
Notes: PCIe AIC = Add-In Card; OCuLink = SDK (originally PCIe intersystem interconnect), used for high-speed module-to-module direct connection