StarTech.com PEXUSB3S23 2-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Controller Card - 5Gbps - SATA Power - Low-Profile Bracket
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB 3.0 controller card utilizes a PCI Express x1 host interface, making it compatible with any available PCIe x1, x4, x8, or x16 slot on desktop motherboards. The card implements the USB 3.0 revision 1.0 specification and Intel xHCI revision 1.0 standard, ensuring proper communication between the host system and connected USB devices.
While the card does not support USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) for enhanced performance with compatible devices, it maintains full backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/1.1 devices. This ensures that older peripherals remain functional when connected to the new USB 3.0 ports. The controller requires a SATA power connection from the computer's power supply to deliver adequate power to connected devices.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, UASP Support. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This controller card provides a straightforward solution for expanding USB connectivity on desktop systems. Its combination of high-speed performance, flexible installation options, and comprehensive compatibility makes it suitable for various computing environments.
Enhanced Connectivity
Adds two dedicated USB 3.0 ports to systems with limited native USB 3.0 support, enabling connection of modern high-speed peripherals without sacrificing existing port availability.
- Dual USB 3.0 ports
- 5 Gbps transfer speeds
- SATA power for stable operation
Installation Flexibility
Includes both standard and low-profile brackets, allowing installation in full-size desktop cases as well as compact systems with limited vertical clearance.
- Low-profile bracket included
- PCI Express x1 compatibility
- Tool-free installation in most cases
Broad System Compatibility
Supports a wide range of Windows operating systems from Windows XP through Windows 11, plus multiple Windows Server editions, ensuring compatibility with both current and legacy systems.
- Windows XP to Windows 11
- Windows Server 2003 to 2019
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1
Deployment / Use Cases
The StarTech.com PEXUSB3S23 controller card is ideal for desktop systems that require additional USB 3.0 connectivity for peripherals, external storage, or specialized devices. Its straightforward installation and reliable performance make it suitable for both individual users and organizational deployments.
In office environments, this card can expand connectivity for workstations that need to support multiple USB devices simultaneously, such as external hard drives, printers, scanners, and security dongles. For home users, it provides an affordable way to add high-speed USB ports to older systems that lack native USB 3.0 support, enabling faster data transfers with external SSDs and improved performance with gaming peripherals.
Desktop Expansion
Add USB 3.0 capability to older desktop systems that only have USB 2.0 ports, enabling faster data transfers with modern storage devices and peripherals.
Peripheral Support
Provide dedicated high-speed USB ports for demanding devices like external SSDs, high-resolution webcams, audio interfaces, and VR equipment that benefit from USB 3.0 bandwidth.
Physical Profile
This compact controller card features a black PCB with standard PCI Express edge connector. Measuring 4.70" in height, 0.80" in width, and 3.10" in length, it fits comfortably in most desktop cases. The included low-profile bracket allows installation in slim or small form factor systems where vertical space is limited. At just 1.52 ounces, the card adds minimal weight to the system while providing substantial connectivity expansion.
- Width
- 0.80" (20.32 mm)
- Height
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
- Weight
- 1.52 oz (43 g)
- Length
- 3.10" (78.74 mm)
What's in the Box
The controller card comes complete with everything needed for installation and operation.
Highlights
- Adds two USB 3.0 ports to desktop computers via PCI Express
- Supports data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps for fast file transfers
- Includes SATA power connector providing up to 900mA per USB port
- Compliant with PCI Express 2.0 and USB 3.0 specifications
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/1.1 devices
- Includes low-profile bracket for installation in compact systems
- Supports Windows XP through Windows 11 and multiple Windows Server editions
- Black PCB with standard PCI Express edge connector
- Environmentally compliant with REACH, RoHS, and WEEE directives
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXUSB3S23 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 2 Port PCI Express PCIe SuperSpeed (5Gbps) USB 3.0 Controller Card w/ SATA Power |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | USB Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express x1 |
| Media & Performance | |
| UASP Support | No |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 2 |
| Number of USB 3.2 Ports | 2 |
| Number of SATA Ports | 1 |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | Windows XP,Windows Vista,Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1,Windows 10,Windows 11,Windows Server 2003,Windows Server 2008 R2,Windows Server 2012,Windows Server 2016,Windows Server 2019 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 4.70" (119.38 mm) |
| Width | 0.80" (20.32 mm) |
| Length | 3.10" (78.74 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.52 oz (43 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 2 Port PCI Express PCIe SuperSpeed (5Gbps) USB 3.0 Controller Card w/ SATA Power 1 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Driver CD 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Platform Supported | PC |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What type of PCI Express slot does this controller card require?
This controller card uses a PCI Express x1 host interface. It is compatible with any available PCIe x1, x4, x8, or x16 slot on desktop motherboards. The card will physically fit and function properly in larger PCIe slots while utilizing only the x1 lane configuration for data transfer.
Does this USB 3.0 controller card support UASP for faster transfers?
No, this controller card does not support USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP). While UASP can provide performance benefits with compatible devices and operating systems, this card uses the standard USB 3.0 protocol. It still delivers the full 5 Gbps bandwidth of USB 3.0 for data transfers with supported devices.
What power connection does this controller card require?
The controller card requires a SATA power connector from your computer's power supply. This connection provides up to 900mA per USB port, ensuring stable power delivery for connected devices. The SATA power requirement is necessary because PCI Express slots have limited power delivery capacity, and USB 3.0 devices often require more power than what the slot alone can provide.
Which operating systems are compatible with this USB 3.0 controller?
This controller card supports Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019. Drivers are included on the provided CD, and most modern Windows versions will automatically install appropriate drivers upon detection of the hardware.
Can I use this card in a small form factor or low-profile desktop case?
Yes, the controller card includes a low-profile (half-height) installation bracket in addition to the standard bracket. This allows installation in compact desktop cases with limited vertical clearance. The card itself has standard dimensions but the interchangeable brackets provide flexibility for different case configurations.
Is this controller card backward compatible with older USB devices?
Yes, the controller card is fully backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/1.1 devices. When you connect older USB devices to the USB 3.0 ports, they will operate at their native speeds (480 Mbps for USB 2.0 or 12 Mbps for USB 1.1). This ensures that all your existing USB peripherals remain functional when connected to the new ports.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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