StarTech.com PEXUSB312A1C1H 5-Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 PCIe Card - 10Gbps - 1 USB-C/2 USB-A - Internal Header - SATA Power
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This PCIe card installs in a PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot, though it remains backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 slots at reduced performance. The card features three external ports (one USB-C and two USB-A) operating at 10Gbps, plus an internal IDC header that provides two additional 5Gbps USB connections for internal devices.
The card's power delivery capabilities include up to 5V 3A/15W through the USB-C port and 5V 0.9A/4.5W per USB-A port when supplemental SATA power is connected. This ensures stable operation with power-hungry devices like external SSDs, NVMe drives, and high-speed peripherals.
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 USB expansion card combines high-speed connectivity with flexible deployment options. The mixed port configuration accommodates both modern USB-C devices and legacy USB-A peripherals, while the internal header enables clean cable management for internal accessories.
Speed Optimization
UASP support reduces CPU overhead and improves transfer speeds with compatible storage devices, making this card particularly effective for external SSDs and NVMe drives.
- Reduced CPU utilization
- Faster file transfers
- Optimized for storage devices
Power Management
The optional SATA power connection ensures stable power delivery to connected devices, preventing performance drops with power-intensive peripherals.
- Supplemental power option
- Stable voltage delivery
- Prevents data corruption
Deployment / Use Cases
This USB PCIe card serves multiple deployment scenarios in business and professional environments. It's particularly valuable for systems that require additional high-speed USB ports beyond what the motherboard provides, or for upgrading older systems to modern USB standards.
Common use cases include connecting multiple external storage devices for data backup or transfer stations, adding front-panel USB-C connectivity to cases without native support, and providing dedicated high-speed ports for video capture devices, audio interfaces, or other professional peripherals. The internal header can also support internal USB devices like card readers or wireless adapters.
Storage Expansion
Connect multiple external SSDs, HDDs, or NVMe drives simultaneously for fast data transfers, backups, or media editing workflows.
System Upgrades
Add modern USB-C connectivity to older systems or expand USB port counts on workstations and servers without replacing the entire system.
Physical Profile
The card features a red PCB with a compact form factor measuring 4.50" (114.30 mm) in length, 4.70" (119.38 mm) in height, and 0.70" (17.78 mm) in width. Weighing approximately 2.10 oz (59.53 g), it fits easily into most desktop and server chassis. Both full-profile and low-profile brackets are included, allowing installation in standard ATX cases as well as small-form-factor systems.
- Width
- 0.70" (17.78 mm)
- Height
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
- Weight
- 2.10 oz (59.53 g)
- Length
- 4.50" (114.30 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for installation in both standard and small-form-factor systems.
Highlights
- 5-port USB 3.2 Gen 2 PCIe card with 10Gbps maximum speed
- Mixed port configuration: 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A external ports
- Internal IDC header provides 2 additional 5Gbps USB connections
- UASP support for optimized performance with storage devices
- Optional SATA power connection for supplemental power delivery
- Includes both full-profile and low-profile installation brackets
- Wide OS compatibility: Windows, Linux, macOS
- 2-year warranty with 24/5 North America-based support
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXUSB312A1C1H |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB 3.2 (10 Gbps) PCIe Card |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | USB Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express x4 |
| Media & Performance | |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 5 |
| Number of USB 3.2 Ports | 5 |
| 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 | 4.70" (119.38 mm) |
| Width | 0.70" (17.78 mm) |
| Length | 4.50" (114.30 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.10 oz (59.53 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB 3.2 (10 Gbps) PCIe Card 1x Full-Profile Bracket (Installed) 1x Low-Profile Bracket 1x Quick-Start Guide |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux,Mac |
| 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?
This card installs in a PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot for optimal performance. It remains backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 slots, though transfer speeds will be reduced when using the slower interface. The card includes both full-profile and low-profile brackets to accommodate different chassis sizes.
What is the maximum transfer speed of this USB card?
The external USB-C and USB-A ports support USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 10Gbps. The internal header provides two additional USB connections operating at 5Gbps. With UASP support enabled, the card can achieve near-theoretical maximum speeds with compatible storage devices like external SSDs and NVMe drives.
Does this card require external power?
The card can operate using only motherboard power, but includes a SATA power connector for supplemental power. When connected to SATA power, the USB-C port can deliver up to 15W (5V 3A) and each USB-A port can deliver 4.5W (5V 0.9A). This ensures stable operation with power-intensive devices that might otherwise experience performance issues.
What operating systems are supported?
The card supports Windows 7 through Windows 11, Windows Server 2008 R2 through 2022, Linux kernel 3.5 and later, and macOS High Sierra through Ventura. Windows 8 and later, Linux, and macOS systems automatically install drivers, while Windows 7 requires manual driver installation from the included documentation or manufacturer website.
What is UASP and why is it important?
UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) is a transfer protocol that reduces CPU overhead and improves data transfer efficiency compared to standard USB protocols. This results in faster file transfers, particularly with external storage devices like SSDs and NVMe drives. The card's UASP support helps maximize performance when connected to compatible devices and operating systems.
What warranty and support does StarTech.com provide?
StarTech.com backs this product with a 2-year limited warranty and includes free 24/5 North America-based multilingual technical support. The company has been serving IT professionals for over 30 years and provides comprehensive documentation including user manuals and quick-start guides with each product.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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