Using pci express slots on Banana PI BPI-R3

Banana Pi Router design BPI-R3/R3 Mini(MT7986)
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Hi, I consider buying Banana PI BPI-R3. But I am not sure, if my setup will be possible. I hope that the experienced people here can give me a hand with it.

So, I’d like to attach hard drives to the BPI-R3 via board like this: From what I’ve read, this should be possible with the m.2 slot on the bottom of the BPI-R3.

m2sata_only

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006474436187.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.3f7038daBprEB1&mp=1.

But I also want to have few more Ethernet ports. So I wander if I can use the following (or similar) extension board, with the other PCIe port (the one intended for LTE modem).
Ethernet_only

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006300089183.html?gps-id=pcStoreJustForYou&scm=1007.23125.137358.0&scm_id=1007.23125.137358.0&scm-url=1007.23125.137358.0&pvid=40242524-bc75-43fb-ab8c-499926a53101&_t=gps-id:pcStoreJustForYou,scm-url:1007.23125.137358.0,pvid:40242524-bc75-43fb-ab8c-499926a53101,tpp_buckets:668%232846%238112%231997&pdp_npi=4%40dis!BGN!40.68!29.29!!!22.15!15.95!%402103835e17096693420198142ea504!12000036675035666!rec!BG!1635159859!&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.smartJustForYou_2003972096369.1005006300089183

Has anyone tried this setup?

Thank you in advance, Greetings.

1 Like
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No. Mini pcie slot (ONLY USB2.0 for 4G LTE) https://wiki.banana-pi.org/Banana_Pi_BPI-R3

Banana_Pi_BPI-R3_interface
Banana_Pi_BPI-R3_interface800×1007 93.9 KB

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Hi,

Just to note: the boards shown, should just illustrate the extensions I’d like to have. I just saw that both are Mini-PCIe, and not m.2 as I have written.

@Haldi, thank you for the answer. Just to make it clear:

  • I can’t use ethernet extension board with the Mini PCIe slot (ONLY USB2.0 for 4G LTE) because it supports only 4G LTE Modem and nothing else connected there?
  • Or because I have selected an incompatible ethernet extension board (wrong slot type)?
  • Or something else?

How about if I use an ethernet extension board with m.2 slot on the bottom? I don’t mind connecting hard-drives via USB3. Even using the Mini PCIe slot (ONLY USB2.0 for 4G LTE) with miniPCIe ↔ SATA is an option for me.

Thank you.