# Adding a pcie card to framework desktop
**URL:** https://community.frame.work/t/adding-a-pcie-card-to-framework-desktop/79541
**Category:** Framework Desktop
**Created:** [January 8, 2026, 12:37am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/adding-a-pcie-card-to-framework-desktop/79541 "2026-01-08T00:37:02Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@pixel1](https://community.frame.work/u/pixel1)
#### Post date: [January 8, 2026, 12:37am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/adding-a-pcie-card-to-framework-desktop/79541/1 "2026-01-08T00:37:03Z")
want to install this [Amazon.com: StarTech.com M.2 NVMe SSD to PCIe x4 Mobile Rack/Backplane with Removable Tray for PCI Express Expansion Slot, Tool-Less Installation, PCIe 4.0/3.0 Hot-Swap Drive Bay, Key Lock (M2-Removable-PCIE-N1) : Electronics](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK4TYM5H) or something better if there any recommendations here.
Was thinking about dremeling an opening for the hot swap bay, and a small hole for a case screw to secure it. Is there a better way? What drill bit would be best for a case screw? Is there a good way to figure out or measure this?
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### Author:  [@pixel1](https://community.frame.work/u/pixel1)
#### Post date: [January 16, 2026, 7:41am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/adding-a-pcie-card-to-framework-desktop/79541/2 "2026-01-16T07:41:00Z")
Both the above startech and icy dock removable m.2 ssd adapter were too big. The power supply is in the way. External is possible as some others have done for gpus.
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### Author:  [@Jason\_Sharrad](https://community.frame.work/u/Jason_Sharrad)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2026, 12:30am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/adding-a-pcie-card-to-framework-desktop/79541/3 "2026-01-17T00:30:11Z")
From pictures it seems to can remove the PCI shroud to get it to fit in side.
This would mean you have to cut open the case to expose it and the expansion card will only be held by the PCI slot on the main board.
You do need to check if the expansion card will fit inside the case before you take the gamble to see if this product will work.
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### Author:  [@pixel1](https://community.frame.work/u/pixel1)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2026, 9:25am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/adding-a-pcie-card-to-framework-desktop/79541/4 "2026-01-17T09:25:10Z")
That parts not the issue. It comes with a half height back plate that I was going to snip the bent part off and drill a screw hole, in both the plate and the case, to secure it. The housing for the nvme holder is too thick. The tab ends up next to the slot instead of in it.
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### Author:  [@Jason\_Sharrad](https://community.frame.work/u/Jason_Sharrad)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2026, 8:17am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/adding-a-pcie-card-to-framework-desktop/79541/5 "2026-01-19T08:17:48Z")
That plate even if you snip it off won’t fit. the case material is too thick and you won’t be able to slot the card in the pci slot.
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### Author:  [@Guest582](https://community.frame.work/u/Guest582)
#### Post date: [March 14, 2026, 5:09pm UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/adding-a-pcie-card-to-framework-desktop/79541/6 "2026-03-14T17:09:51Z")
Hello all. First time posting here. I’ve had my framework apart several times for various reasons but never really paid attention to whether or not the back panel is replaceable. I’ve since looked at drawings and pictures of the desktop and it does look like the back panel can be removed with just a few screws. I’m sure framework could very easily come out with a replacement back panel with an opening for an expansion card.
what are your guys’ thoughts on this? I am very much interested in adding an oculink expansion card for an external gpu.
Cheers!
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### Author:  [@Jason\_Sharrad](https://community.frame.work/u/Jason_Sharrad)
#### Post date: [March 23, 2026, 5:14am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/adding-a-pcie-card-to-framework-desktop/79541/7 "2026-03-23T05:14:33Z")
Check my badly done Oculink case mod.
> [@Oculink Port - How to add it?](https://community.frame.work/t/oculink-port-how-to-add-it/71782/12):
>
> I recently took the plunge with this product. JMT ADT-K993G-BK7 PCIE 5.0 X4 from Amazon. I had to make some cuts in the case to expose the port once i did everything worked with win11 with no extra effort. When i get back home i will post some photos on the install and mods.