StarTech.com PEXUSB312C3 2-Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 PCIe Card - USB-C 10Gbps - PCIe 3.0 x 4 - Data Only - Windows/macOS/Linux
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This PCIe card operates as a dedicated USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 controller, utilizing four lanes of PCI Express 3.0 interface to maximize bandwidth allocation. The implementation ensures each USB-C port can sustain theoretical transfer rates up to 10 gigabits per second, making it suitable for high-performance NVMe enclosures, external SSDs, and fast backup drives.
The card's technical design includes support for 5V/3A (15W) power delivery through the USB-C ports for connected devices, though it does not implement USB Power Delivery specification for charging laptops or other high-power devices. The controller chip handles protocol translation natively, with driver support built into modern operating systems for automatic recognition and configuration.
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 addresses the growing need for USB-C connectivity in legacy systems while maintaining compatibility with the latest high-speed peripherals. Its dual-port design provides flexibility for multiple device connections without bandwidth contention typically associated with hub-based solutions.
Performance Optimization
UASP support enables command queuing and out-of-order data delivery, significantly improving transfer efficiency compared to traditional BOT (Bulk-Only Transfer) protocol.
- Reduces CPU overhead during transfers
- Enables simultaneous read/write operations
- Improves random access performance
Broad Compatibility
Works with USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 devices while maintaining backward compatibility with older PCIe 2.0 slots at reduced performance.
- No additional drivers required for Windows 8+
- macOS and Linux kernel support
- Works with storage, audio, and peripheral devices
Deployment / Use Cases
Ideal for desktop workstations, servers, and custom-built PCs requiring additional USB-C connectivity for modern peripherals. The card's 10Gbps bandwidth makes it particularly valuable for content creators, IT professionals, and users working with large files who need fast external storage solutions.
Common deployment scenarios include connecting multiple NVMe SSD enclosures for video editing workflows, attaching high-speed backup drives for system imaging, or adding USB-C ports to legacy systems for newer peripherals like docks, audio interfaces, or external GPU enclosures. The low-profile bracket option enables installation in small form factor cases and compact servers where space is constrained.
Professional Workstations
Adds necessary USB-C ports for high-speed storage arrays and professional audio/video interfaces in editing and production environments.
Server Environments
Provides modern connectivity for maintenance and data transfer tasks in rack-mounted servers and network-attached storage systems.
Physical Profile
The black expansion card measures 4.80" (121.92 mm) in length, 3.10" (78.74 mm) in width, and 0.70" (17.78 mm) in height, with a weight of approximately 1.60 oz (45.36 g). This compact form factor fits standard PCIe slots in most desktop and server chassis. The included low-profile bracket allows installation in slim cases and small form factor systems where vertical space is limited.
- Width
- 3.10" (78.74 mm)
- Height
- 0.70" (17.78 mm)
- Weight
- 1.60 oz (45.36 g)
- Length
- 4.80" (121.92 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for installation and operation in various computer configurations.
Highlights
- Adds two USB-C 10Gbps ports to desktop PCs and servers
- PCI Express 3.0 x4 interface for maximum bandwidth
- Supports USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) for optimized performance
- Compatible with Windows 7 through 11, Windows Server, macOS, and Linux
- Includes both full-height and low-profile mounting brackets
- ASMedia ASM3142 host controller for reliable operation
- Backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 slots (reduced performance)
- Data transfer only - no video output or USB Power Delivery
- Works with USB 3.2 Gen 2, 3.0, and 2.0 devices
- 2-year limited warranty from StarTech.com
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXUSB312C3 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 2-Port PCIe USB 3.1 Card - 2x USB-C - USB 3.1 Gen 2 Up to 10Gbps |
| 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 R2,Windows Server 2016,Windows Server 2019,Windows Server 2022,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,Linux 3.5 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 0.70" (17.78 mm) |
| Width | 3.10" (78.74 mm) |
| Length | 4.80" (121.92 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.60 oz (45.36 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 2-Port PCIe USB 3.1 Card - 2x USB-C - USB 3.1 Gen 2 Up to 10Gbps 1 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Quick Start Guide |
| Platform Supported | Linux,PC,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 types of devices can I connect to this USB-C PCIe card?
This card supports data transfer with USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 devices including external SSDs, NVMe enclosures, hard drives, flash drives, audio interfaces, docking stations, and various peripherals. It provides up to 15W of power per port for bus-powered devices but does not support video output through DisplayPort Alt Mode or high-wattage charging via USB Power Delivery.
Will this card work with my older computer that has PCIe 2.0 slots?
Yes, the card is backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 slots, though performance will be limited by the older interface's bandwidth. In PCIe 2.0 x4 configuration, maximum theoretical bandwidth is approximately 2GB/s compared to nearly 4GB/s with PCIe 3.0. The card will still provide USB 3.2 Gen 2 functionality but may not reach full 10Gbps speeds with very fast storage devices when installed in PCIe 2.0 systems.
Do I need to install drivers for this PCIe card to work?
Most modern operating systems include native driver support. Windows 8, 10, and 11 typically recognize the card automatically without additional drivers. macOS 10.13 and later versions include necessary drivers in the operating system. Linux kernels 3.5 and newer have built-in support. For Windows 7, specific drivers may be required and are available from StarTech.com's support website.
Can I use this card to add video output capabilities to my computer?
No, this is a data-only USB-C card that does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode or any video output functionality. It cannot be used to connect monitors or displays. For video output through USB-C, you would need a graphics card with native DisplayPort over USB-C support or a different type of adapter specifically designed for video transmission.
What is UASP and how does it benefit USB performance?
USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) is an advanced transfer protocol that improves USB performance by enabling command queuing, out-of-order data delivery, and reduced CPU overhead compared to the older Bulk-Only Transport (BOT) protocol. With UASP, the host controller can manage multiple data transfers simultaneously, significantly improving random access performance and reducing latency, particularly beneficial for SSD and NVMe storage devices.
Can this card be installed in a server or small form factor PC?
Yes, the card includes both standard full-height and low-profile brackets, making it compatible with various chassis types. For standard desktop towers and servers, use the full-height bracket. For small form factor cases, rack-mounted servers with limited vertical space, or compact workstations, install the included low-profile bracket. The card requires a PCIe x4 slot (physical x4 or larger) and fits in slots measuring at least 4.80 inches in length.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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