Broadcom PEX88064 vs PEX88080 vs PEX88096: Choosing a PCIe 4.0 Switch
Broadcom PEX88064 vs PEX88080 vs PEX88096: Choosing a PCIe 4.0 Switch
Quick answer: Choose the PEX88064 for a design that fits within 64 PCIe data lanes, the PEX88080 when it needs up to 80, and the PEX88096 when it needs up to 96. All three belong to Broadcom's managed PEX88000 PCIe 4.0 family. Count host links and endpoint links before selecting a device; the model name alone does not determine the final port layout.
PEX88064 vs PEX88080 vs PEX88096
| Model | PCIe data lanes | Standard ordering code | Secure Boot ordering code | Selection starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEX88064B0-DB | 64 | SS04-0B00-00 | SS04-0B00-02 | Designs needing up to 64 data lanes |
| PEX88080B0-DB | 80 | SS03-0B00-00 | SS03-0B00-02 | Designs needing more than 64 and up to 80 data lanes |
| PEX88096B0-DB | 96 | SS02-0B00-00 | SS02-0B00-02 | Designs needing more than 80 and up to 96 data lanes |
Why do Broadcom documents also say 66, 82 and 98 lanes?
The family brief describes 64, 80 and 96 data lanes, plus two additional management lanes for the embedded management CPU. Its ordering table therefore calls the same devices 66-, 82- and 98-lane switches. Use the data-lane figures when budgeting host and endpoint connectivity; do not count the management lanes as extra endpoint capacity. The brief lists an operating temperature range of 0°C to +70°C for this family.
How to choose the lane count
List each link. Add the planned upstream host links, downstream NVMe drives, NICs or accelerators, and any inter-switch links. For example, two x16 host links plus eight x4 endpoint links require 64 data lanes before any additional links.
Allow for the actual topology. A design with more than 64 data lanes moves beyond the PEX88064; more than 80 moves beyond the PEX88080. Check the intended x1, x2, x4, x8 and x16 port configuration and future expansion against Broadcom's design documentation.
Confirm system features. The PEX88000 family supports PCIe 4.0 at 16 GT/s per lane, configurable ports, hot-plug and multi-host architectures. Simple host-to-I/O fan-out can operate in base mode; complex I/O sharing and multi-switch fabrics can require management software and system integration.
For NVMe storage, the choice depends on the number of host links and drive links, rather than a generic “AI server” label. A larger switch provides a higher lane budget, but its benefit depends on your port map and the bandwidth available from the hosts. Broadcom also lists smaller PEX88000 variants when 64 data lanes are more than the project requires.
Part-number and sourcing checklist
Specify the complete PEX88064B0-DB, PEX88080B0-DB or PEX88096B0-DB device name and confirm whether the standard or Secure Boot ordering code is required. Include your quantity, target delivery date, intended host-to-endpoint topology, and any documentation or evaluation-board requirement when requesting a quote. Availability and lead time should be confirmed for the exact ordering code.
Compare earlier generations on our Broadcom PCIe switch category page. If your project requires PCIe 5.0, see our Broadcom PEX89000 PCIe 5.0 switch overview. For price and availability of a specific Gen4 part, send an RFQ with the full part number and quantity.
