StarTech.com PEXUSB3S4V 4-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Controller Card with UASP - 5Gbps - SATA Power - Low Profile Bracket
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB 3.0 controller card operates on a PCI Express 2.0 host interface, providing a direct, high-bandwidth connection to the system motherboard. The four USB 3.2 ports support SuperSpeed data transfers at 5Gbps, with UASP enabling faster read/write operations and reduced CPU utilization compared to standard USB BOT (Bulk-Only Transfer).
The card maintains full backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/1.1 devices, allowing legacy peripherals to function without issue. Its integrated SATA power connector offers flexible power delivery for high-demand USB devices, such as external hard drives or multi-port hubs, without relying solely on PCIe slot power.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Data Transfer Rate, 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
The PEXUSB3S4V provides a straightforward solution for expanding USB connectivity on desktops that lack sufficient native USB 3.0 ports. Its combination of high-speed data transfer, UASP support, and flexible power options makes it ideal for data-intensive tasks and peripheral expansion.
UASP for Enhanced Performance
UASP support allows compatible storage devices to achieve faster data transfers and lower latency by enabling native SCSI commands over USB, reducing protocol overhead and CPU usage during large file operations.
- Faster read/write speeds with UASP drives
- Reduced CPU utilization during transfers
- Improved efficiency for backup and storage tasks
Flexible Power Delivery
The built-in SATA power connector provides an optional power source for bus-powered USB devices, ensuring stable operation for high-power peripherals without overloading the PCIe slot.
- Supports up to 900mA per USB port
- Prevents power-related disconnects
- Ideal for external drives and hubs
Broad System Compatibility
With driver support for Windows operating systems from XP to 11 and Windows Server editions, this card integrates seamlessly into existing IT environments and legacy systems.
- Works with older and newer Windows versions
- Suitable for workstation and server use
- No compatibility concerns across platforms
Deployment / Use Cases
This USB 3.0 controller card is well-suited for desktop workstations, point-of-sale systems, and office PCs that require additional high-speed USB ports for peripherals. Its low-profile bracket inclusion allows installation in small-form-factor or slim chassis, expanding deployment options beyond standard tower cases.
Common applications include connecting multiple external storage drives for data backup, attaching USB 3.0 hubs to expand peripheral connectivity, or powering bus-powered devices like external optical drives or audio interfaces. The card's UASP support is particularly beneficial for environments handling large file transfers, video editing, or database operations where transfer speed and efficiency are critical.
Workstation Expansion
Add four USB 3.0 ports to design, engineering, or content-creation workstations for fast access to external storage and peripherals.
- High-speed data transfer for large files
- Stable power for multiple devices
- UASP accelerates storage workflows
Legacy System Modernization
Upgrade older desktops lacking native USB 3.0 ports to support modern SuperSpeed devices while maintaining backward compatibility.
- Brings USB 3.0 to older motherboards
- Preserves USB 2.0/1.1 device functionality
- Extends useful life of existing hardware
Physical Profile
The card features a compact plug-in card form factor with dimensions of 3" (76.20 mm) in length, 2.70" (68.58 mm) in height, and 0.70" (17.78 mm) in width, weighing approximately 2.40 oz (68 g). Its green PCB and included low-profile bracket enable installation in both standard and small-form-factor chassis, providing flexibility for various desktop configurations.
- Width
- 0.70" (17.78 mm)
- Height
- 2.70" (68.58 mm)
- Weight
- 2.40 oz (68 g)
- Length
- 3" (76.20 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for installation and operation.
Highlights
- Adds four external USB 3.0 ports via PCI Express x1 slot
- Supports UASP for faster data transfers with compatible devices
- Delivers 5Gbps SuperSpeed USB 3.0 data rates
- Includes optional SATA power connector for bus-powered USB devices
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/1.1 devices
- Compliant with PCI Express 2.0 specifications
- Includes low-profile bracket for small-form-factor chassis
- Supported on Windows XP through Windows 11 and Windows Server editions
- TAA compliant and environmentally friendly with EU RoHS certification
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXUSB3S4V |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4 Port PCI Express PCIe SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Controller Card Adapter with UASP |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | USB Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express x1 |
| Media & Performance | |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 GB/s |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 4 |
| Number of USB 3.2 Ports | 4 |
| 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 | Green |
| Product Color | Green |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 2.70" (68.58 mm) |
| Width | 0.70" (17.78 mm) |
| Length | 3" (76.20 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.40 oz (68 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4 Port PCI Express PCIe SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Controller Card Adapter with UASP 1 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Driver CD 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Platform Supported | PC |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the purpose of the SATA power connector on this USB controller card?
The SATA power connector provides an optional additional power source for bus-powered USB devices. When connected to a SATA power cable from your power supply, it can supply up to 900mA per USB port, ensuring stable operation for power-hungry peripherals like external hard drives or multi-port hubs without overloading the PCIe slot's power delivery.
Does this card support UASP, and what are the benefits?
Yes, the PEXUSB3S4V supports USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP). UASP enables faster data transfer speeds and reduced CPU utilization compared to standard USB Bulk-Only Transfer (BOT) when used with UASP-compatible devices like certain external SSDs or hard drives. This results in quicker file operations and improved system efficiency during data-intensive tasks.
What operating systems are compatible with this USB 3.0 controller card?
This card is compatible with a wide range of Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, and Windows Server editions from 2003 through 2019. Drivers are provided via included CD or available from StarTech.com's website, ensuring support for both legacy and modern Windows environments.
Can I install this card in a small-form-factor or slim desktop chassis?
Yes, the card includes a low-profile (half-height) installation bracket alongside the standard bracket, allowing it to fit in small-form-factor or slim desktop chassis that require half-height expansion cards. The compact dimensions of 3" x 2.70" x 0.70" also facilitate installation in space-constrained systems.
Is this card backward compatible with older USB devices?
Yes, the card is fully backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/1.1 devices. You can connect older peripherals like keyboards, mice, or printers to any of the four USB ports, and they will operate at their native speeds without requiring any special configuration or adapters.
What kind of warranty does StarTech.com provide with this product?
StarTech.com backs the PEXUSB3S4V with a 2-year limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. The product is also TAA compliant and environmentally friendly, meeting EU RoHS standards for hazardous substance restriction, along with REACH and WEEE directives for chemical safety and electronic waste management.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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