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Product Features
Technical Overview
The USBPLATELP adapter features an IDE/USB architecture, converting internal IDC IDE connections to external USB 2.0 Type A ports. Each USB port uses a standard 4-pin female connector, ensuring broad compatibility with USB peripherals such as keyboards, mice, flash drives, and external hard drives. The motherboard side employs two 5-pin IDC IDE female connectors, which interface directly with common USB header pins on modern motherboards.
This adapter maintains USB 2.0 specifications, delivering reliable data throughput for everyday peripherals and storage devices. The low-profile slot plate design fits standard expansion slot openings, making it suitable for slim desktop cases, HTPCs, and small office systems. Environmental certifications include RoHS, REACH, and WEEE compliance, reflecting a commitment to reduced hazardous substances and responsible electronics disposal.
This section brings together practical product details such as Adapter Type, Connector Type on First End, Connector on First End Details, Color Family, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
This adapter simplifies USB expansion in compact systems by providing a dedicated, internal-to-external conversion without requiring additional PCIe slots or external hubs. Its low-profile form factor and precise connector alignment ensure seamless integration into tight spaces, reducing clutter and improving airflow within the chassis.
Space-Efficient Design
The slot plate adapter occupies minimal internal volume, making it ideal for small form factor builds where every millimeter counts. It installs quickly into standard expansion slots without tools.
- Fits low-profile cases
- No PCIe slot required
- Tool-free installation
Broad Compatibility
Compatible with 4-pin and 5-pin motherboard USB headers, this adapter works with a wide range of desktop and mini-ITX motherboards from major manufacturers.
- Supports common USB headers
- Works with USB 2.0 peripherals
- IDE interface standard
Deployment / Use Cases
The USBPLATELP adapter is particularly useful in environments where internal USB headers are available but external ports are limited. Small form factor PCs, home theater PCs, and compact office workstations often lack sufficient front-panel USB connectivity, making this adapter a practical upgrade for adding accessible ports.
System integrators can use this adapter to customize builds for clients needing extra USB ports without modifying case panels. IT departments may deploy it in legacy systems where motherboard USB ports have failed or in kiosk setups requiring dedicated peripheral connections. The adapter also serves as a cost-effective solution for prototyping or testing setups where temporary USB expansion is needed.
Small Form Factor PC Expansion
Add USB ports to mini-ITX, micro-ATX, or slim desktop cases where front-panel headers are occupied or unavailable.
- Ideal for HTPCs
- Suitable for compact workstations
- Enhances SFF builds
System Maintenance & Repair
Replace damaged front-panel USB ports or add connectivity to systems with limited built-in ports, extending the lifespan of existing hardware.
- Cost-effective repair option
- Reduces e-waste
- Quick deployment
Physical Profile
The adapter features a gray and metallic finish that blends with most PC chassis color schemes. Its low-profile slot plate conforms to standard expansion slot dimensions, ensuring a flush fit with case panels. The 11.25-inch cable provides ample length for routing behind the motherboard tray, promoting clean cable management and improved airflow. Weighing just 1.50 ounces, the adapter adds negligible mass to the system while offering robust construction for long-term reliability.
- Weight
- 1.50 oz (42.52 g)
Highlights
- Adds two external USB 2.0 Type A ports to small form factor PCs
- Connects via 5-pin IDC IDE headers on the motherboard
- Supports high-speed USB data transfer up to 480 Mbps
- Low-profile slot plate design for compact cases
- 11.25-inch cable for flexible internal routing
- Compatible with 4-pin or 5-pin motherboard USB connections
- Gray and metallic finish matches standard PC aesthetics
- RoHS, REACH, and WEEE environmental compliance
- Lifetime warranty for long-term peace of mind
- Made in China with quality-controlled manufacturing
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | USBPLATELP |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Model | USBPLATELP |
| Product Name | 2 Port USB A Female Low Profile Slot Plate Adapter |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Data Transfer Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Adapter Type | IDE/USB |
| Connector Type on First End | USB 2.0 Type A - Female |
| Connector on First End Details | 2 x 4-pin USB 2.0 Type A - Female |
| Connector Type on Second End | IDC IDE - Female |
| Connector on Second End Details | 2 x 5-pin IDC IDE - Female |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Gray |
| Product Color | Gray,Metallic |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.50 oz (42.52 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What type of motherboard connection does this adapter use?
The adapter uses two 5-pin IDC IDE female connectors that plug directly into standard USB headers on the motherboard. It is compatible with both 4-pin and 5-pin header configurations commonly found on desktop and mini-ITX motherboards, providing a direct internal connection for external USB ports.
What is the maximum data transfer speed supported?
This adapter supports USB 2.0 specifications with a maximum data transfer rate of 480 Mbps. It is suitable for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, printers, and external storage devices that operate within USB 2.0 bandwidth limits, ensuring reliable performance for everyday computing tasks.
Will this adapter fit in a low-profile or slim desktop case?
Yes, the adapter features a low-profile slot plate designed specifically for compact cases. It installs into standard expansion slot openings without protruding, making it ideal for small form factor PCs, HTPCs, and slim office systems where internal space is limited.
How long is the cable, and can it be routed easily inside a PC?
The cable is 11.25 inches long, providing sufficient length for routing behind the motherboard tray in most desktop cases. This allows for clean cable management, reduces clutter, and improves airflow within the chassis while ensuring a secure connection between the motherboard and slot plate.
Does this adapter require any drivers or software to work?
No, the adapter is plug-and-play and does not require additional drivers or software. It leverages the native USB 2.0 support built into modern operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, so it will be recognized automatically once connected to the motherboard header.
What warranty does StarTech.com offer for this product?
StarTech.com provides a lifetime warranty for this adapter, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the product's lifespan. This warranty reflects the manufacturer's confidence in its durability and offers long-term assurance for IT professionals and system builders.
What refresh rate or brightness details are available?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.
What input or connectivity options are listed?
Connectivity options include USB 2.0 Type A - Female, helping the product integrate into common office or home setups.