1. PCIe extension cables In internal applications, PCIe extension cables can be used to facilitate the positioning of the NVMe SSD. These cables must be high quality to avoid signal loss and ensure the full bandwidth of the PCIe lanes.

2. USB-C to NVMe adapter External NVMe enclosures that use USB-C are becoming increasingly popular. The quality of the USB-C cable is crucial here. It should support the USB 3.2 standard or higher in order to exploit the maximum transfer speed of NVMe SSDs.

3. Thunderbolt Cables Thunderbolt 3 and 4 offer the highest data rate for external NVMe SSDs. These cables must be certified to achieve the maximum possible speed of 40 Gbps while ensuring a stable connection.

4. SATA to NVMe Converter Cable Although NVMe and SATA use different protocols, there are adapter cables that offer limited compatibility. However, these can severely limit the performance of NVMe SSDs and should only be used for specific applications.

What effect does cable quality have?

• Signal stability : High-quality cables minimize signal loss and prevent data errors that can lead to slower transfer rates or even connection drops.
• Speed : Cheap or unsuitable cables cannot utilize the maximum possible bandwidth, which limits the speed of the NVMe SSD.
• Durability : Especially with external solutions, the mechanical stress on the cables is high. Robust materials and high-quality connectors ensure longevity.

Recommendations for the optimal connection

• Use certified cables that comply with the relevant standards (USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 4, etc.).
• Pay attention to the length of the cables: shorter cables usually have better signal stability.
• For internal applications, high-quality PCIe risers or extensions should be used that support the full performance of the NVMe SSD.