Sipeed Clears the Clutter with Its New, Internal NanoKVM-PCIe for ATX Desktops and 2U+ Servers

Embedded electronics specialist Sipeed has opened pre-orders for a new variant in its NanoKVM remote control-over-IP product range: the NanoKVM-PCIe, designed for internal installation in a computer's PCI Express slot.

"NanoKVM-PCIe is the second product in the NanoKVM series, designed specifically for ATX PC cases and 2U servers," the company explains of its latest launch. "It offers extremely easy installation and is compatible with both low-profile and high-profile PCIe brackets. With ultra-low power consumption, it can operate via PCIe 3.3V aux (375mA limit) even when the PC is powered off. It also supports power from PoE [Power-over-Ethernet], USB, or nine-pin, giving you flexible options."

As Sipeed says, the NanoKVM-PCIe is a follow-up to the company's earlier Lichee NanoKVM, built atop the company's LicheeRV Nano development board platform and powered by a Sophgo SG2002 system-on-chip. Connected to a host PC's USB and HDMI ports, it allows for full remote control over the internet — and the NanoKVM-PCIe does the same, but with the advantage of a fully internal installation.

The PCI Express connection, however, is only used to power the gadget: linking it to the host still requires HDMI and USB cables, which run on the outside from the rear of the NanoKVM-PCIe to the motherboard and graphics card. Likewise, the Ethernet port will require a cable — though there's also optional Wi-Fi 6 for wireless connectivity.

Interestingly, Sipeed has chosen to include a compact 0.49" 64×32 OLED display on the card — offering at-a-glance configuration and status information, though only if you peer around the back of your PC or server case. It's also running the same firmware as the original NanoKVM — something that was flagged as a security hazard back in August.

Sipeed is taking pre-orders for the NanoKVM-PCIe on its website at $40 for the Ethernet-only variant, $45 for one with Wi-Fi as well, $50 for no Wi-Fi but Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support, or $55 for the model with both Wi-Fi and PoE support; $10 delivery applies to all models. Hardware is expected to begin shipping this month, the company says.