StarTech.com PEXUSB311AC3 2-Port 10Gbps USB-A & USB-C PCIe Card Adapter - USB 3.2 Gen 2 PCIe x4 with SATA Power & UASP Support
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This PCIe card installs into a PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot, maintaining optimal performance with modern motherboards while remaining backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 slots at reduced bandwidth. The card supports USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP), which significantly improves performance with external storage devices by reducing CPU overhead and enabling faster data transfers compared to traditional USB BOT protocol.
The controller maintains maximum bandwidth even when mixed-speed USB devices are connected simultaneously, ensuring consistent performance across both ports. Automatic driver installation occurs on Windows 8 and newer systems, while macOS and Linux systems typically recognize the card without additional drivers.
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 expansion card bridges the gap between modern USB peripherals and older systems, providing current-generation connectivity without requiring a full system upgrade. The combination of USB-A and USB-C ports accommodates both legacy and contemporary devices, while the dedicated SATA power connection ensures reliable operation with demanding storage solutions.
Enhanced Storage Performance
UASP support optimizes data transfer efficiency with external SSDs, HDDs, and NVMe drives, delivering performance closer to internal storage solutions.
- Reduced CPU utilization
- Improved command queuing
- Faster read/write operations
Universal Compatibility
Works with USB 3.2, 3.1, 3.0, and 2.0 devices across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms, ensuring broad device support.
- Cross-platform driver support
- Mixed-speed device handling
- Legacy USB compatibility
Deployment / Use Cases
This PCIe card serves as an ideal solution for workstations and servers requiring additional high-speed USB ports for data-intensive applications. Creative professionals can connect multiple external storage devices for video editing workflows, while IT administrators can use it to expand connectivity options on servers managing backup operations or virtual machine storage.
The included low-profile bracket enables installation in compact chassis and small form factor systems, making it suitable for HTPCs, compact workstations, and space-constrained server environments. The card's supplemental power delivery ensures stable operation with bus-powered external drives and other peripherals that require consistent power beyond what motherboard headers typically provide.
Content Creation Workstation
Add high-speed USB ports for external SSDs and NVMe drives used in video editing, photography, and audio production workflows.
Server Expansion
Expand USB connectivity on servers for backup drives, security dongles, or management interfaces without sacrificing internal drive bays.
Physical Profile
The red-colored card features a standard PCIe bracket design with both full-height and low-profile brackets included for flexible installation in various chassis types. Measuring 4.70 inches in length, the card fits comfortably in most desktop and server cases while the compact height of 0.70 inches ensures compatibility with multi-card configurations. The lightweight construction at 1.70 ounces minimizes stress on the PCIe slot during installation and operation.
- Width
- 3.20" (81.28 mm)
- Height
- 0.70" (17.78 mm)
- Weight
- 1.70 oz (48.19 g)
- Length
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate installation and operation across different system configurations.
Package contents include USB Adapter, 1 x Low Profile Bracket, 1 x Quick Start Guide. These included items support setup, installation, and immediate deployment without needing to source the core bundled accessories separately.
Highlights
- Adds two 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A & USB-C) via PCIe x4 interface
- Includes SATA power connector for supplemental power delivery up to 15W
- Supports UASP protocol for optimized performance with external storage devices
- Compatible with Windows 7 through 11, Windows Server 2008 R2 through 2022, Linux 3.5+, and macOS 10.13+
- Works with USB 3.2, 3.1, 3.0, and 2.0 devices for broad compatibility
- Includes both full-height and low-profile brackets for flexible installation
- Automatic driver installation on Windows 8 and newer operating systems
- Backed by StarTech.com's 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support
- Environmentally compliant with RoHS 2, REACH, and WEEE directives
- Manufactured in Taiwan with EU RoHS certification
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXUSB311AC3 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB Adapter |
| 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 | 2 |
| Number of USB 3.2 Ports | 2 |
| Number of SATA Ports | 1 |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1,Windows 10,Windows 11,Windows Server 2008 R2,Windows Server 2012,Windows Server 2016,Windows Server 2019,Windows Server 2022,Linux 3.5,Mac OS X 10.13 High Sierra,Mac OS X 10.14 Mojave,Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina,Mac OS X 11.0 Big Sur,Mac OS X 12.0 Monterey,Mac OS X 13.0 Ventura |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Red |
| Product Color | Red |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 0.70" (17.78 mm) |
| Width | 3.20" (81.28 mm) |
| Length | 4.70" (119.38 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.70 oz (48.19 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB Adapter 1 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Quick Start Guide |
| Platform Supported | PC,Mac,Linux |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| 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 PCIe slot does this card require for installation?
The StarTech.com PEXUSB311AC3 installs into a PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot for optimal performance. It remains backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 slots, though data transfer speeds will be reduced when using the older interface. The card includes both full-height and low-profile brackets, making it suitable for standard desktop cases as well as compact chassis and small form factor systems.
What operating systems are supported by this USB expansion card?
This PCIe card supports a comprehensive range of operating systems including Windows 7 through Windows 11, Windows Server 2008 R2 through 2022, Linux kernel 3.5 and newer, and macOS 10.13 High Sierra through macOS 13 Ventura. Windows 8 and newer systems feature automatic driver installation, while macOS and Linux typically recognize the card without additional drivers, ensuring straightforward setup across platforms.
How does the SATA power connector enhance this card's functionality?
The integrated SATA power connector supplies supplemental power to connected USB devices when motherboard power proves insufficient. This enables the USB-C port to deliver up to 15W (5V/3A) and the USB-A port to provide 4.5W (5V/0.9A), ensuring stable operation with power-hungry peripherals like external SSDs, NVMe drives, and bus-powered storage enclosures that require consistent power beyond standard USB specifications.
What performance benefits does UASP support provide?
USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) support significantly improves performance with external storage devices by reducing CPU overhead, enabling command queuing, and optimizing data transfer efficiency. Compared to traditional USB BOT protocol, UASP delivers faster read/write operations, particularly beneficial when working with external SSDs, HDDs, and NVMe drives where maximum throughput is essential for data-intensive applications.
Can this card handle mixed-speed USB devices simultaneously?
Yes, the controller maintains maximum bandwidth even when connecting USB devices operating at different speeds simultaneously. This means you can connect a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 external SSD to one port and a slower USB 2.0 device to the other port without compromising the performance of either device. The card intelligently manages bandwidth allocation to ensure optimal performance across all connected peripherals.
What warranty and support does StarTech.com provide for this product?
StarTech.com backs this PCIe USB expansion card with a 2-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and premature failures. Additionally, the company provides free lifetime 24-hour technical support, offering assistance with installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. The product is environmentally compliant with RoHS 2, REACH, and WEEE directives and carries EU RoHS certification for responsible manufacturing practices.
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