StarTech.com PEXUSB3S3GE 3-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card with Gigabit Ethernet - 5Gbps - PCI Express x1 - Red
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This adapter utilizes a PCI Express 2.0 x1 host interface, providing sufficient bandwidth for simultaneous USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet operation without bottlenecking performance. The three USB ports implement the USB 3.2 Gen 1 specification, delivering theoretical throughput up to 5Gbps, while the integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller supports full-duplex 1000Mbps networking with advanced features like Wake-On-LAN, Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE), jumbo frames, and VLAN tagging.
The card's design includes a low-profile bracket in the package, allowing it to adapt to smaller chassis typically used in compact office PCs or home theater systems. Driver support is extensive, covering Windows operating systems from XP through 11, multiple Windows Server editions, and various Linux distributions, ensuring broad compatibility across legacy and modern computing 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 expansion card solves multiple connectivity challenges with a single-slot solution, freeing up valuable PCIe slots while adding both high-speed USB ports and reliable wired networking. Its dual-profile design ensures compatibility with a wide range of desktop enclosures, from full-tower workstations to space-constrained small form factor systems.
Slot Consolidation
Eliminates the need for separate USB and network cards by merging three USB 3.0 ports and one Gigabit Ethernet port onto a single PCIe x1 card, optimizing expansion slot usage.
- Saves PCIe slots
- Reduces cable clutter
- Simplifies installation
Enhanced USB Power Delivery
Optional SATA power connection provides up to 900mA per USB port, ensuring stable operation with power-hungry devices like external hard drives, card readers, or charging peripherals.
- Supports bus-powered devices
- Prevents power-related disconnects
- Enables simultaneous high-power usage
Advanced Networking Features
The integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller supports enterprise-grade networking capabilities including Wake-On-LAN for remote power management, Energy-Efficient Ethernet for reduced power consumption, and VLAN tagging for network segmentation.
- Wake-On-LAN support
- Energy-Efficient Ethernet
- VLAN tagging capability
Deployment / Use Cases
The PEXUSB3S3GE is ideal for desktop computers that require additional USB 3.0 connectivity alongside wired networking expansion. It serves as a practical upgrade for older systems lacking native USB 3.0 ports or for workstations needing extra USB bandwidth for peripherals while maintaining Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
Common deployment scenarios include office workstations where users need to connect multiple USB devices like printers, scanners, and external storage while maintaining network access; media production systems requiring fast data transfer to external drives alongside stable network connectivity for file sharing; and point-of-sale or kiosk installations where reliable USB and network connections are critical for peripheral operation.
Office Workstation Expansion
Adds USB 3.0 ports for modern peripherals while providing Gigabit Ethernet for network connectivity, perfect for upgrading older business desktops or adding ports to new systems with limited onboard connectivity.
Media & Production Systems
Delivers the bandwidth needed for external storage devices and audio/video interfaces while maintaining low-latency network connections for collaborative workflows and file transfers.
Physical Profile
The card features a compact design measuring 4.70 inches in height, 0.70 inches in width, and 3 inches in length, with a weight of approximately 2.10 ounces. Its red PCB provides visual distinction, while the included dual-profile bracket allows installation in both standard and low-profile computer cases. The slim form factor ensures compatibility with most desktop chassis without interfering with other components.
- Width
- 0.70" (17.78 mm)
- Height
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
- Weight
- 2.10 oz (59.53 g)
- Length
- 3" (76.20 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for installation and operation.
Highlights
- Consolidates 3x USB 3.0 ports and 1x Gigabit Ethernet port into a single PCIe x1 card
- Provides dual-profile bracket for installation in standard and low-profile computer cases
- Supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 with 5Gbps throughput and backward compatibility with USB 2.0/1.x
- Optional SATA power connection delivers up to 900mA per USB port for power-hungry devices
- Includes advanced networking features: Wake-On-LAN, Energy-Efficient Ethernet, VLAN tagging
- Compatible with Windows XP through 11, Windows Server editions, and Linux
- TAA compliant for government and educational procurement
- Backed by 2-year limited warranty and EU RoHS environmental compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXUSB3S3GE |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 3-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card + Gigabit Ethernet - 5Gbps |
| 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 | 3 |
| Number of USB 3.2 Ports | 3 |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | Windows XP,Windows Vista,Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1,Windows 10,Windows 11,Windows Server 2008 R2,Windows Server 2012,Windows Server 2016,Windows Server 2019,Linux |
| 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" (76.20 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.10 oz (59.53 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 3-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card + Gigabit Ethernet - 5Gbps 1 x Low-Profile Bracket 1 x Driver CD 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| 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 type of PCI Express slot does this card require?
The card requires a single PCI Express x1 slot, which is commonly available on most desktop motherboards. It is compliant with PCI Express 2.0 specifications, ensuring compatibility with both newer PCIe 3.0/4.0 slots (backward compatible) and older PCIe 1.0/2.0 slots. The x1 interface provides sufficient bandwidth for simultaneous operation of the three USB 3.0 ports and Gigabit Ethernet connection without performance bottlenecks.
Does this card work with low-profile computer cases?
Yes, the card includes a low-profile bracket in addition to the standard bracket, allowing installation in both full-size and small form factor cases. The dual-profile design makes it suitable for compact office PCs, home theater systems, and other space-constrained environments where traditional full-height cards won't fit. Simply replace the included bracket with the low-profile version before installation in smaller chassis.
What operating systems are supported?
The card supports a wide range of operating systems including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11; Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012, 2016, and 2019; and various Linux distributions. Drivers are included on the provided CD, with most modern Windows versions offering native driver support through Windows Update. For Linux systems, kernel-level support is typically available, though specific distribution compatibility may vary.
Can I use this card to add Ethernet to a computer that already has onboard networking?
Yes, the card can be used to add a second Gigabit Ethernet port to systems with existing onboard networking. This enables network teaming for increased bandwidth, network segmentation for security, or connection to multiple networks simultaneously. The card's Ethernet controller supports advanced features like VLAN tagging and layer 2 priority encoding, making it suitable for enterprise networking scenarios alongside consumer and small business applications.
What is UASP support and why is it important?
UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) is an advanced transfer protocol that improves performance with USB 3.0 storage devices by reducing latency, CPU utilization, and increasing data transfer speeds. When used with UASP-compatible external drives or enclosures, this card can deliver faster file transfers compared to standard USB 3.0 implementations. UASP is particularly beneficial for applications involving large file transfers, video editing, or database operations where storage performance is critical.
Does the card require external power for the USB ports?
The card can operate without external power for standard USB devices, but includes an optional SATA power connector that provides up to 900mA per USB port when connected. This additional power is recommended for bus-powered devices that require more current than the PCIe slot can provide, such as external hard drives, multiple connected peripherals, or devices being charged through USB. The SATA power connection ensures stable operation with power-hungry devices without risking disconnections or performance issues.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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