StarTech.com PEXUSB3S42V 4-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card Adapter - UASP - SATA/LP4 Power - PCI Express x4 - Low Profile Bracket
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB 3.0 card adapter utilizes a PCIe x4 interface compliant with PCI Express 2.0 specifications, ensuring stable and high-bandwidth communication with the host system. Each of the four USB 3.2 ports supports the USB 3.0 rev 1.0 and Intel xHCI rev 1.0 standards, while maintaining full backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/1.1 devices.
An optional SATA or LP4 power connector provides up to 900mA per USB port, enabling robust power delivery for connected devices. The card also supports USB Battery Charging Specification 1.2 in Apple Mode, allowing efficient charging of compatible Apple 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 adapter stands out with its dual-channel architecture, which isolates bandwidth between port pairs to prevent performance bottlenecks when multiple high-speed devices are connected simultaneously. The inclusion of a low-profile bracket extends deployment flexibility to small-form-factor and space-constrained systems.
Enhanced Data Transfer
UASP support reduces CPU overhead and latency, accelerating file transfers for compatible drives and storage devices compared to standard USB 3.0 BOT (Bulk-Only Transfer) protocol.
- Faster read/write operations
- Lower CPU utilization
- Improved queue management
Flexible Power Options
The SATA/LP4 power connector ensures stable power delivery to connected devices, preventing voltage drops and supporting high-power peripherals without relying solely on the PCIe slot.
- Supports power-hungry devices
- Prevents system instability
- Optional connection
Broad System Compatibility
With support for Windows operating systems from Vista through 11, multiple Windows Server editions, and Linux, this card integrates seamlessly into diverse IT environments.
- Enterprise-ready
- Cross-platform support
- Driver included
Deployment / Use Cases
This PCIe USB 3.0 card is ideal for workstations requiring additional high-speed USB ports for peripherals such as external storage arrays, high-resolution webcams, audio interfaces, and multi-device charging stations. The hot-swap capability allows devices to be connected or disconnected without powering down the system, enhancing operational efficiency in dynamic environments.
The low-profile bracket makes it suitable for deployment in compact systems, including HTPCs, point-of-sale terminals, and slim desktop chassis where internal space is limited. IT administrators can use this card to upgrade older systems lacking native USB 3.0 ports, extending the useful life of existing hardware while adding modern connectivity.
Workstation Expansion
Add four USB 3.0 ports to creative workstations for connecting high-bandwidth devices like external SSDs, video capture cards, and professional audio interfaces.
System Upgrades
Retrofit older desktops and servers with USB 3.0 connectivity, enabling faster data transfers and support for modern peripherals without replacing the entire system.
Physical Profile
The card features a black PCB and measures 6.60" in length, 4.70" in height, and 0.60" in width (167.64 x 119.38 x 15.24 mm), with a weight of approximately 3.20 oz (90.72 g). Its standard-height design fits most desktop chassis, while the included low-profile bracket accommodates smaller form factors. The compact dimensions ensure compatibility with a wide range of PCIe slot configurations without interfering with adjacent components.
- Width
- 0.60" (15.24 mm)
- Height
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
- Weight
- 3.20 oz (90.72 g)
- Length
- 6.60" (167.64 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for installation and operation.
Highlights
- Four USB 3.0 ports on two independent 5 Gbps channels
- UASP support for faster data transfers with compatible devices
- PCIe x4 interface compliant with PCI Express 2.0 specifications
- Optional SATA or LP4 power connector delivers up to 900mA per port
- Includes low-profile bracket for small-form-factor systems
- Hot-swap capability for connecting devices without system shutdown
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/1.1 devices
- Supports Windows Vista through 11, Windows Server, and Linux
- USB Battery Charging Specification 1.2 support (Apple Mode)
- Compliant with USB 3.0 rev 1.0 and Intel xHCI rev 1.0 specifications
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXUSB3S42V |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4 Port PCIe USB Card |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | USB Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express x4 |
| Media & Performance | |
| 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 Vista,Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1,Windows 10,Windows 11,Windows Server 2008 R2,Windows Server 2012,Windows Server 2016,Windows Server 2019,Linux |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 4.70" (119.38 mm) |
| Width | 0.60" (15.24 mm) |
| Length | 6.60" (167.64 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 3.20 oz (90.72 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4 Port PCIe USB Card 1 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Driver CD 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux |
| Country of Origin | China |
| 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 two independent bus channels on this USB card?
The two independent bus channels separate the four USB ports into two pairs, each with dedicated 5 Gbps bandwidth. This architecture prevents performance bottlenecks when multiple high-speed devices are connected simultaneously, ensuring consistent data transfer rates across all ports without interference between channel pairs.
Does this card require external power, and what are the power options?
The card can draw power directly from the PCIe slot, but includes an optional SATA or LP4 power connector. Connecting this external power source provides up to 900mA per USB port, ensuring stable operation with power-hungry devices like external hard drives, multiple peripherals, or devices requiring charging, without overloading the PCIe slot's power delivery.
What operating systems are supported by the StarTech.com PEXUSB3S42V?
This USB 3.0 card supports Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11, along with Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012, 2016, and 2019. It also supports Linux distributions. Drivers are included on the provided CD, and additional drivers can be downloaded from StarTech.com's website for the latest operating system versions.
How does UASP improve performance compared to standard USB 3.0?
UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) reduces CPU overhead, decreases latency, and improves data transfer efficiency by enabling native command queuing and parallel processing. For compatible storage devices, this can result in significantly faster read/write speeds, better multitasking performance, and reduced system resource utilization compared to the standard USB 3.0 BOT (Bulk-Only Transfer) protocol.
Can this card be installed in a small-form-factor or low-profile chassis?
Yes, the card includes both a standard full-height bracket and a low-profile (half-height) bracket. The low-profile bracket allows installation in compact chassis, HTPCs, slim desktops, and other space-constrained systems. The card's dimensions (6.60" x 4.70" x 0.60") are compatible with most low-profile PCIe slots when using the included bracket.
What is the warranty coverage for this USB 3.0 card adapter?
StarTech.com provides a 2-year limited warranty for the PEXUSB3S42V. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. The product is also environmentally compliant with EU RoHS, REACH, and WEEE directives, and is manufactured in China with RoHS 2 compliance for hazardous substance restriction.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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