StarTech.com PCIUSB3S4 4-Port PCI SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Adapter Card - 5Gbps - SATA/SP4 Power - UASP - Windows Compatible
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This PCI-X host interface adapter operates at 5Gbps data transfer rates, matching the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 specification while maintaining compatibility with the PCI bus architecture. The card's design incorporates four USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports that support USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, and USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 standards, providing consistent high-speed connectivity for storage devices, cameras, scanners, and other USB peripherals.
The integrated SATA and SP4 power ports deliver supplemental power up to 5V 0.9A (4.5W) per USB port, ensuring reliable operation with power-hungry devices. This power flexibility addresses common limitations in older systems where motherboard USB power delivery may be inadequate for external hard drives or multiple connected devices.
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
This adapter card solves connectivity challenges in legacy systems by providing modern USB 3.0 speeds through PCI expansion slots that remain common in business and industrial computing environments. The dual-bracket design with both standard and low-profile mounting options ensures compatibility with various chassis configurations, from full-tower workstations to compact desktop systems.
Legacy System Modernization
Enables USB 3.0 connectivity on computers with only PCI slots, extending the useful life of Dell OptiPlex, HP Compaq, and similar business-class systems that lack native high-speed USB ports.
- Supports PCI/PCI-X slots only
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1
- Ideal for older workstation upgrades
Power Management Flexibility
Dual power input options through SATA or SP4 connectors provide supplemental power when motherboard USB power is insufficient, ensuring stable operation with multiple connected devices.
- SATA power connector included
- SP4 power connector alternative
- Up to 4.5W per USB port
Deployment / Use Cases
This PCI USB adapter card serves as a practical solution for IT professionals managing legacy infrastructure that requires modern peripheral connectivity. The card is particularly valuable in business environments where older workstations and servers need to interface with contemporary USB 3.0 storage devices, backup systems, or specialized industrial equipment.
Common deployment scenarios include upgrading Dell OptiPlex 7010, HP Compaq dc7800, and similar business desktop systems that lack native USB 3.0 ports. The adapter also supports server applications where additional USB connectivity is needed for backup drives, security dongles, or management interfaces. The low-profile bracket option enables installation in slim desktop chassis and compact form-factor systems commonly found in point-of-sale, kiosk, or embedded computing applications.
Business Desktop Upgrades
Add USB 3.0 connectivity to legacy business computers for faster data transfers with external storage, improving productivity without replacing entire systems.
Server Peripheral Expansion
Provide additional USB ports on servers for backup drives, security keys, or management interfaces in data center and rack-mounted environments.
Physical Profile
The red-colored plug-in card measures 5.20 inches in length, 2.60 inches in height, and 0.80 inches in width, with a lightweight design at just 2.54 ounces. This compact form factor fits standard PCI slots while the included dual-bracket system accommodates both full-profile and low-profile chassis configurations. The card's dimensions ensure compatibility with most desktop and server enclosures while maintaining adequate clearance for adjacent components.
- Width
- 0.80" (20.32 mm)
- Height
- 2.60" (66.04 mm)
- Weight
- 2.54 oz (72 g)
- Length
- 5.20" (132.08 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate installation and operation across different system configurations.
Highlights
- Adds four USB 3.0 ports (5Gbps) to PCI/PCI-X systems
- Includes both standard and low-profile mounting brackets
- SATA and SP4 power connectors for supplemental power
- UASP support for improved transfer performance
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 devices
- Windows XP through Windows 11 compatibility
- Windows Server 2003 through 2019 support
- PCI/PCI-X slot only (not compatible with PCI-Express)
- Manufactured in Taiwan with TAA compliance
- Lifetime limited warranty
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PCIUSB3S4 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4 Port PCI SuperSpeed (5Gbps) USB 3.0 Adapter Card with SATA / SP4 Power |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | USB Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI-X |
| 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 | Red |
| Product Color | Red |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 2.60" (66.04 mm) |
| Width | 0.80" (20.32 mm) |
| Length | 5.20" (132.08 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.54 oz (72 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4 Port PCI SuperSpeed (5Gbps) USB 3.0 Adapter Card with SATA / SP4 Power 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 Compliance | Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of computer slots does this USB adapter card require?
This adapter card requires a standard PCI or PCI-X expansion slot. It is specifically designed for legacy PCI architecture and is not compatible with PCI-Express (PCIe) slots. The card works with both 3.3V and 5V, 32-bit PCI interfaces commonly found in older business desktop computers and servers.
How fast are the data transfer speeds with this USB 3.0 adapter?
The adapter supports SuperSpeed USB 3.0 transfer rates up to 5Gbps. Actual throughput may vary based on the PCI bus speed of your system, with maximum achievable speeds around 1.3Gbps depending on your specific motherboard and PCI implementation. The card includes UASP support to optimize data transfers and reduce CPU utilization when used with compatible operating systems.
Why does this adapter card include SATA and SP4 power connectors?
The SATA and SP4 power connectors provide supplemental power to the USB ports when motherboard power is insufficient. This ensures stable operation with power-hungry devices like external hard drives or multiple connected peripherals. Each USB port can receive up to 5V 0.9A (4.5W) when connected to either power source, addressing common power limitations in older systems.
Which operating systems are compatible with this PCI USB adapter?
This adapter is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 desktop operating systems, as well as Windows Server 2003, 2008 R2, 2012, 2016, and 2019 server platforms. The card is Windows-only and does not support macOS, Linux, or other operating systems. Drivers are included on the provided CD for all supported Windows versions.
Can this adapter card be installed in low-profile computer cases?
Yes, the adapter includes both a standard full-profile bracket (pre-installed) and a separate low-profile (half-height) bracket for installation in compact systems. This dual-bracket design provides installation flexibility for various chassis types, from full-tower workstations to slim desktop and small form-factor computers commonly used in business environments.
What is the warranty coverage for this StarTech.com USB adapter?
StarTech.com provides a lifetime limited warranty for this adapter card. The product is manufactured in Taiwan with TAA compliance for government procurement and meets environmental standards including REACH, RoHS, and WEEE directives. This warranty coverage ensures long-term reliability for business and institutional deployments where continuous operation is essential.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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