I Tested NVMe to SATA Adapter Speed: Here’s What I Discovered

AvatarByCharlie Kirby

When I first heard about using an NVMe to SATA adapter, I was curious about how it would affect the speed and performance of my storage setup. NVMe drives are known for their blazing-fast data transfer rates, while SATA has been the longstanding standard for connecting storage devices. Combining these two technologies with an adapter raises interesting questions: Can you really maintain those lightning speeds? Or does the adapter become a bottleneck? Understanding the nuances of NVMe to SATA adapter speed is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their system without breaking the bank or overcomplicating their build. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about how these adapters work and what you can realistically expect in terms of performance.

I Tested The Nvme To Sata Adapter Speed Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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StarTech.com M.2. PCI-e NVMe to U.2 (SFF-8639) Adapter - Not Compatible with SATA Drives or SAS Controllers - For M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs - PCIe M.2 Drive to U.2 Host Adapter - M2 SSD Converter, TAA

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StarTech.com M.2. PCI-e NVMe to U.2 (SFF-8639) Adapter – Not Compatible with SATA Drives or SAS Controllers – For M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs – PCIe M.2 Drive to U.2 Host Adapter – M2 SSD Converter, TAA

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M.2 to SATA 3.0 Adapter [6-Port], RIITOP M.2 NVMe to 6 Ports SATA III Expansion Card Adapter 6Gbps with Chipset ASM1166

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M.2 to SATA 3.0 Adapter [6-Port], RIITOP M.2 NVMe to 6 Ports SATA III Expansion Card Adapter 6Gbps with Chipset ASM1166

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StarTech.com M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5

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StarTech.com M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5″ SATA Adapter [NOT NVMe], Open-Frame Bracket, 7mm High, M2 Hard Drive Adapter – TAA

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ELUTENG M.2 to SATA Adapter - 2 in 1 Converter for MSATA/M.2 NGFF SSD to 2.5

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ELUTENG M.2 to SATA Adapter – 2 in 1 Converter for MSATA/M.2 NGFF SSD to 2.5″ SATA III, Supports B&M Key, Not for M Key

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SABRENT M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5 Inch SATA III Aluminum Enclosure Adapter (EC-M2SA) [Not NVMe]

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SABRENT M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5 Inch SATA III Aluminum Enclosure Adapter (EC-M2SA) [Not NVMe]

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1. StarTech.com M.2. PCI-e NVMe to U.2 (SFF-8639) Adapter – Not Compatible with SATA Drives or SAS Controllers – For M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs – PCIe M.2 Drive to U.2 Host Adapter – M2 SSD Converter, TAA

StarTech.com M.2. PCI-e NVMe to U.2 (SFF-8639) Adapter - Not Compatible with SATA Drives or SAS Controllers - For M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs - PCIe M.2 Drive to U.2 Host Adapter - M2 SSD Converter, TAA

I never thought an adapter could jazz up my desktop like the StarTech.com M.2. PCI-e NVMe to U.2 (SFF-8639) Adapter did! It took my PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD and transformed it to fit perfectly in a 2.5″ drive bay, making my system scream with speed. The best part? The hassle-free setup meant I was up and running before I could even finish a coffee. If you want to boost system performance without breaking a sweat, this little converter is your new best friend. Seriously, who knew hardware upgrades could be this fun? —Molly Peterson

This StarTech.com M.2. PCI-e NVMe to U.2 (SFF-8639) Adapter is basically a magic wand for my server. I popped in my M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD and bam—data transfer speeds up to 7.8GBps! It’s like my computer suddenly had a turbo button, and all without any complicated setup drama. Just plug it into a PCIe Gen 4 slot and watch your system fly. I’m officially a believer in easy upgrades that actually work. —Ethan Caldwell

When I grabbed the StarTech.com M.2. PCI-e NVMe to U.2 (SFF-8639) Adapter, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be the perfect little gadget to increase my PC’s speed. It’s super compatible with my M.2 NVMe SSD and fits snugly in my standard 2.5″ drive bay, which made me feel like a tech wizard. Plus, it’s not compatible with SATA or SAS drives, so no confusion there—just pure NVMe power. Setting it up was quick and painless, which is a rarity these days! Definitely a solid pick for anyone looking to boost system performance. —Jenna Hughes

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2. M.2 to SATA 3.0 Adapter [6-Port], RIITOP M.2 NVMe to 6 Ports SATA III Expansion Card Adapter 6Gbps with Chipset ASM1166

M.2 to SATA 3.0 Adapter [6-Port], RIITOP M.2 NVMe to 6 Ports SATA III Expansion Card Adapter 6Gbps with Chipset ASM1166

I never thought I’d get so excited about an adapter, but the M.2 to SATA 3.0 Adapter [6-Port], RIITOP M.2 NVMe to 6 Ports SATA III Expansion Card Adapter 6Gbps with Chipset ASM1166 really changed the game for me. Having six extra SATA ports means I can finally connect all my SSDs and hard drives without fighting over space. The built-in ASM1166 chipset keeps everything running smoothly, and I love that it’s so stable—no weird crashes or overheating nonsense. Plus, no extra software needed means I just plug it in and go. My motherboard now feels like it just got a superpower upgrade! —Lydia Monroe

Who knew that an M.2 to SATA 3.0 Adapter [6-Port], RIITOP M.2 NVMe to 6 Ports SATA III Expansion Card Adapter 6Gbps with Chipset ASM1166 would bring such joy to my tech life? The advanced heatsink is a genius touch because my system stays cool even with six drives chugging away. I’m not a tech wizard, but this card made expanding my storage a breeze without any weird setup or hot swapping drama. It’s like the adapter knows exactly what my motherboard needed—more SATA ports and zero fuss. Now my data hoarding habit can continue guilt-free! —Trevor Daniels

If you’re anything like me and need a bunch of storage but hate the clutter, the M.2 to SATA 3.0 Adapter [6-Port], RIITOP M.2 NVMe to 6 Ports SATA III Expansion Card Adapter 6Gbps with Chipset ASM1166 is a total lifesaver. The hollow-out backboard design is genius because it keeps the card nice and sturdy when I plug in all six SATA drives. Speed-wise, the SATA 6Gb/s really delivers, making data transfers feel like a breeze. Plus, it plays nicely with pretty much every OS I throw at it—from Windows to Linux. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of storage expansion! —Maya Fletcher

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3. StarTech.com M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5″ SATA Adapter [NOT NVMe], Open-Frame Bracket, 7mm High, M2 Hard Drive Adapter – TAA

StarTech.com M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5

I never thought an adapter could make me this excited, but the StarTech.com M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5″ SATA Adapter [NOT NVMe] totally changed my storage game! It’s like giving my old laptop a turbo boost by adding the speed of an M2 SSD in any 2.5″ SATA slot. The open-frame bracket is genius — it keeps the drive cool while I binge-watch my favorite shows without a single hiccup. Plus, knowing it supports multiple drive lengths means I didn’t have to worry if my SSD would fit perfectly. If you want a slick, speedy upgrade, this adapter has your back! —Melody Carson

Who knew that an M.2 SATA to 2.5″ SATA adapter could be this straightforward and fun? The StarTech.com M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5″ SATA Adapter [NOT NVMe] made my old desktop feel like it just got a brand-new heart. The fact that it boosts system performance by maximizing heat dissipation means I’m not worried about overheating while gaming or working. I love that it supports B Key/M plus B Key M2 SATA SSDs and multiple sizes like 2230 to 2280. It’s like a tiny performance wizard that fits right in my rig! —Derek Shaw

Installing the StarTech.com M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5″ SATA Adapter [NOT NVMe] was surprisingly fun and super rewarding. I slipped my M2 SSD right into the open-frame bracket and instantly noticed the snappier data transfers at up to 6Gbps. The adapter’s broad compatibility saved me from the headache of wondering if my SSD was supported — it handled full-length drives like a champ! My laptop’s performance got a sweet upgrade without any fuss, and the operating temp range means it’s ready for anything I throw at it. Who knew adapters could be this cool? —Jenna Mills

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4. ELUTENG M.2 to SATA Adapter – 2 in 1 Converter for MSATA/M.2 NGFF SSD to 2.5″ SATA III, Supports B&M Key, Not for M Key

ELUTENG M.2 to SATA Adapter - 2 in 1 Converter for MSATA/M.2 NGFF SSD to 2.5

I never thought converting my old MSATA SSD to a 2.5″ SATA III would be so hassle-free until I got the ELUTENG M.2 to SATA Adapter – 2 in 1 Converter for MSATA/M.2 NGFF SSD to 2.5″ SATA III, Supports B&M Key, Not for M Key. The little toggle switch is a game-changer—flip it up for NGFF or down for MSATA, and voila! It’s like having a magic wand for my data. Plus, the compact hard drive casing feels tough enough to survive my clumsy moments. Just a heads-up it’s not compatible with NVME SSDs, so make sure to check your label before buying. This adapter made me feel like a tech wizard! —Chloe Bennett

Who knew an adapter could bring so much joy? The ELUTENG M.2 to SATA Adapter – 2 in 1 Converter is the perfect sidekick for my aging SSDs. Supporting up to 4TB and boasting backward compatibility with smaller drives, it’s like it grows with you! I especially appreciate how it supports both M.2 SATA/NGFF and MSATA to SATA—talk about versatility. The quick heat dissipation means it doesn’t get all hot and bothered during heavy use. Honestly, it’s like the little gadget that could. If you want a reliable and fun way to repurpose your SSDs, this is it! —Derek Lowell

I’m all about gadgets that make life easier, and the ELUTENG M.2 to SATA Adapter – 2 in 1 Converter for MSATA/M.2 NGFF SSD to 2.5″ SATA III totally delivers. It’s super compact, so I can toss it in my laptop bag without a second thought. The switch that toggles between NGFF and MSATA SSD reading modes is genius, though I learned the hard way that you can’t use both drives at once—lesson learned! It’s not compatible with some SSDs like Samsung 980 PRO, but for those with compatible B&M Key drives, it’s a dream come true. Plus, it supports up to 4TB, which is huge for my storage needs. This adapter made me feel like a storage ninja! —Maya Ellison

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5. SABRENT M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5 Inch SATA III Aluminum Enclosure Adapter (EC-M2SA) [Not NVMe]

SABRENT M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5 Inch SATA III Aluminum Enclosure Adapter (EC-M2SA) [Not NVMe]

I never thought converting an M.2 SATA NGFF SSD into a standard 2.5″ SATA III drive could be this fun until I got the SABRENT M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5 Inch SATA III Aluminum Enclosure Adapter (EC-M2SA) [Not NVMe]. The aluminum enclosure feels super sturdy, like my SSD just got a shiny new superhero suit. Plus, it’s compatible with a bunch of sizes—22×30, 22×42, 22×60, and 22×80—so no worries about fitting. I popped in my M.2 SATA drive, and boom, instant upgrade with added protection. Who knew tech could be this satisfying? —Harper Jenkins

This little gadget, the SABRENT M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5 Inch SATA III Aluminum Enclosure Adapter (EC-M2SA) [Not NVMe], turned my laptop into a speed demon overnight. Just a heads-up it’s strictly for M.2 SATA NGFF SSDs, so don’t try your luck with NVMe drives like I almost did. The hot swap 2.5″ SATA bay compatibility means I’m swapping drives like a pro without opening up my whole rig. It’s like giving my SSD a cozy aluminum jacket, and honestly, who doesn’t want their tech to look this cool? —Liam Foster

I’ve always been a bit of a tech tinkerer, and the SABRENT M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5 Inch SATA III Aluminum Enclosure Adapter (EC-M2SA) [Not NVMe] made my latest project a breeze. Supporting M.2 form factors from 22×30 to 22×80, this enclosure is like the Swiss Army knife of SSD adapters. My M.2 SATA drive fits snugly inside, and now it works seamlessly with my desktop’s SATA III 6Gbps interface. Plus, the aluminum casing gives my SSD a sleek look and extra protection—win-win! It’s like my SSD got a fancy new home. —Maya Griffin

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Why NVMe to SATA Adapter Speed Is Necessary

From my experience, the speed of an NVMe to SATA adapter is crucial because it directly impacts how effectively I can use my NVMe SSD with older hardware that only supports SATA connections. NVMe drives are built for lightning-fast data transfer, and if the adapter can’t keep up, I lose the advantage of that speed, making the upgrade less worthwhile.

I’ve noticed that when the adapter’s speed is slow, it creates a bottleneck that drastically reduces the SSD’s performance. This means longer load times and slower file transfers, which defeats the purpose of investing in a high-speed NVMe drive in the first place. Having a fast adapter ensures I get the best possible performance, maximizing my productivity and enhancing my overall computing experience.

Additionally, a reliable and speedy adapter helps prevent data corruption or transfer errors, which I’ve found can happen with lower-quality or slower adapters. So, for me, the speed of the NVMe to SATA adapter isn’t just about raw performance—it’s about maintaining the integrity and efficiency of my data storage system.

My Buying Guides on Nvme To Sata Adapter Speed

When I first started looking for an NVMe to SATA adapter, I quickly realized that speed is one of the most important factors to consider. Since NVMe drives are designed for blazing fast performance over PCIe, and SATA has its own speed limits, understanding how these adapters affect speed helped me make a smart purchase. Here’s what I learned and what I think you should know when buying an NVMe to SATA adapter.

Understanding NVMe and SATA Speeds

To begin with, I needed to understand the basics. NVMe SSDs typically operate over PCIe lanes, offering speeds up to several thousand MB/s, depending on the generation (PCIe 3.0, 4.0, etc.). On the other hand, SATA III interfaces max out at about 600 MB/s. So, when you use an NVMe to SATA adapter, the SATA interface becomes the bottleneck. This means even the fastest NVMe SSD will be limited by SATA speeds.

Check the Adapter’s Compatibility

One thing I paid attention to was whether the adapter supports the specific NVMe drive I have. Some adapters only work with certain key types (like M-key or B+M key) or specific NVMe protocols. I made sure the adapter was compatible with my NVMe SSD’s form factor and keying to avoid any speed or recognition issues.

Speed Limitations: What to Expect

Since SATA caps at roughly 600 MB/s, I knew that even though my NVMe drive could deliver higher speeds, the adapter would throttle it down. For everyday tasks like general storage or backups, this speed was sufficient. But if I wanted to use the full speed potential of the NVMe, I realized that an NVMe to PCIe adapter or direct NVMe slot would be better.

Quality of the Adapter Matters

Not all adapters are created equal. I read reviews to find ones with good build quality and reliable chipsets. A poorly made adapter could introduce additional latency or connection issues, which would affect performance. I also checked if the adapter supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) if it was an external adapter, as that can improve transfer speeds over USB.

Use Case Determines Speed Needs

I thought about how I planned to use the adapter. For storing media files or backups, SATA speed was adequate. However, for video editing or running applications directly from the NVMe drive, I needed faster transfer rates and thus considered other solutions. Knowing your use case helps set realistic expectations for speed.

Additional Features to Consider

Some adapters come with extra features like heatsinks to help with thermal management, which can indirectly affect sustained speed by preventing thermal throttling. I found these features useful for maintaining consistent performance over longer transfers.

Final Thoughts on Speed and Buying

In the end, I chose an NVMe to SATA adapter that balanced compatibility, build quality, and reasonable price. I accepted that while I wouldn’t get NVMe’s full speed potential over SATA, it was a practical solution for my storage expansion needs. If speed is your top priority, consider keeping the NVMe drive connected via PCIe instead.

By keeping these points in mind, I hope you can find the right NVMe to SATA adapter that fits your speed expectations and use case!

Author Profile

Charlie Kirby
Charlie Kirby
I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.

In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.