StarTech.com PEXUSB3S2EI 4-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card - 2 External & 2 Internal Ports - 5Gbps - SATA Power - UASP Support
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB 3.0 card utilizes a PCI Express x1 host interface that complies with PCI Express 2.0 specifications, ensuring reliable integration with modern motherboards. The card supports UASP, which reduces CPU utilization and improves data transfer efficiency compared to traditional USB Bulk-Only Transport protocols.
The four USB 3.2 ports deliver consistent 5 Gbps throughput, while the optional SATA power connector provides up to 900mA per port for demanding USB devices. Comprehensive Windows driver support spans from legacy Windows XP through current Windows 11 and Windows Server editions, ensuring broad compatibility across enterprise and consumer environments.
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 card delivers practical advantages for system expansion and peripheral connectivity in both standard and space-constrained environments.
Flexible Port Configuration
The combination of two external and two internal IDC ports allows for versatile deployment scenarios, enabling connections to both rear-panel and front-panel USB devices within the same system.
- External ports for easy access
- Internal IDC ports for front-panel connections
- Single-card solution for multiple USB needs
Enhanced Power Delivery
The dedicated SATA power connector ensures stable power for high-current USB devices, preventing port overload and maintaining consistent performance across all connected peripherals.
- 900mA per port capability
- Prevents motherboard power limitations
- Supports power-hungry USB devices
Broad Compatibility
With support for Windows operating systems from XP through 11 and multiple Windows Server editions, this card works across legacy and modern computing environments without compatibility concerns.
- Windows 8 native driver support
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.x
- Server and desktop OS compatibility
Deployment / Use Cases
The StarTech.com PEXUSB3S2EI serves multiple practical applications in business, creative, and IT environments where additional USB connectivity enhances workflow efficiency.
For content creators and media professionals, the card's 5 Gbps transfer speed accelerates large file transfers between cameras, external storage, and editing workstations. System integrators benefit from the internal IDC ports when building custom PCs with front-panel USB 3.0 connectivity, while the external ports provide convenient access for frequently connected peripherals.
System Building & Upgrades
Ideal for adding USB 3.0 connectivity to older systems or enhancing new builds with additional ports for peripherals, storage, and accessories.
- Motherboard expansion
- Legacy system upgrades
- Custom PC configurations
Workstation Expansion
Perfect for professional workstations requiring multiple high-speed connections for external drives, audio interfaces, input devices, and other USB peripherals.
- Creative workstation setups
- Data transfer stations
- Multi-peripheral environments
Physical Profile
This red plug-in card features a compact design measuring 4.70" in height, 0.70" in width, and 3.60" in length, with an approximate weight of 1.90 ounces. The included low-profile bracket allows installation in both standard and small form factor systems, while the full-profile bracket accommodates traditional desktop cases.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 4.70" (119.38 mm), 0.70" (17.78 mm), 1.90 oz (53.86 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 0.70" (17.78 mm)
- Height
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
- Weight
- 1.90 oz (53.86 g)
- Length
- 3.60" (91.44 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for installation and operation.
Highlights
- Adds 4 USB 3.0 ports (2 external, 2 internal) via PCI Express x1 interface
- Delivers 5 Gbps transfer speeds with UASP support for improved performance
- Includes SATA power connector for stable 900mA per port power delivery
- Supports Windows XP through Windows 11 and multiple Windows Server editions
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.x devices for legacy peripheral support
- Comes with both full-profile and low-profile brackets for flexible installation
- TAA compliant and environmentally friendly manufacturing
- 2-year limited warranty for reliable long-term use
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXUSB3S2EI |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4-port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card - 2 External, 2 Internal - SATA Power |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | USB Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express x1 |
| Media & Performance | |
| 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 | 4.70" (119.38 mm) |
| Width | 0.70" (17.78 mm) |
| Length | 3.60" (91.44 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.90 oz (53.86 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4-port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card - 2 External, 2 Internal - SATA 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 |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of systems can this USB 3.0 card be installed in?
This card installs in any desktop computer with an available PCI Express x1 slot. It includes both full-profile and low-profile brackets, making it compatible with standard desktop cases as well as small form factor systems. The PCIe x1 interface ensures compatibility with modern motherboards while maintaining compliance with PCI Express 2.0 specifications.
How does the SATA power connector benefit USB device performance?
The dedicated SATA power connector provides up to 900mA per USB port, ensuring stable power delivery for high-current devices like external hard drives, high-speed flash drives, and charging devices. This prevents power limitations that can occur when drawing power solely from the PCIe slot, maintaining consistent performance across all connected peripherals.
What operating systems are supported by this USB 3.0 card?
This card supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11, along with Windows Server 2003, 2008 R2, 2012, 2016, and 2019. Windows 8 and later include native driver support for hassle-free installation, while earlier Windows versions utilize included drivers. The broad compatibility ensures reliable operation across both legacy and modern computing environments.
What is UASP and how does it improve USB performance?
USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) is an advanced transfer protocol that reduces CPU utilization and improves data transfer efficiency compared to traditional USB Bulk-Only Transport. By enabling multiple commands to be processed simultaneously and reducing latency, UASP can significantly accelerate file transfers, particularly with external storage devices that support this protocol.
Can I connect both front-panel and rear-panel USB devices with this card?
Yes, the card's configuration includes two external USB 3.0 ports for rear-panel connections and two internal IDC ports designed for front-panel USB headers. This allows you to simultaneously connect devices to both the front and rear of your computer case, providing flexible access options for different types of peripherals and usage scenarios.
What is included in the package for installation?
The package contains the 4-port PCI Express USB 3.0 card with SATA power connector, one low-profile bracket for small form factor systems, one driver CD with software for legacy Windows versions, and a comprehensive instruction manual. The card comes pre-configured with a full-profile bracket, giving you everything needed for installation in various computer case types.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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