StarTech.com PEXUSB3S44V 4-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card Adapter - 4 Dedicated 5Gbps Channels - UASP - SATA/LP4 Power
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB 3.0 card operates on a PCI Express x4 host interface compliant with PCI Express 2.0 specifications, providing a stable foundation for high-speed data transfers. Each of the four USB 3.2 ports maintains independent 5Gbps channels, supporting a total aggregate bandwidth of up to 20 Gbps when all ports are active simultaneously.
The card implements the USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) across all four ports, which significantly improves transfer efficiency compared to traditional BOT protocol by enabling command queuing and parallel data processing. This results in faster file operations and reduced system resource consumption during sustained data transfers.
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 delivers several distinct advantages for users needing reliable USB connectivity expansion. The dedicated channel architecture prevents performance degradation when multiple devices are connected simultaneously, ensuring each port maintains full 5Gbps throughput regardless of other port activity.
Enhanced Power Delivery
The optional SATA or LP4 power connector supplies up to 900mA per USB port, enabling stable operation of power-hungry devices like external hard drives, DVD burners, and charging stations without relying on motherboard power limitations.
- Supports USB Battery Charging 1.2 (Apple Mode)
- Prevents voltage drop under load
- Compatible with standard power connectors
Broad System Compatibility
With support for Windows Vista through Windows 11, multiple Windows Server editions, and Linux distributions, this card integrates seamlessly into diverse IT environments without requiring specialized drivers in most cases.
- Native driver support in modern OS
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1
- PC and Linux platform support
Deployment / Use Cases
The PEXUSB3S44V serves as an ideal solution for expanding USB connectivity in systems where motherboard USB ports are insufficient or where dedicated high-speed channels are required for data-intensive applications. Its combination of performance features and physical flexibility makes it suitable for both standard desktop workstations and space-constrained small-form-factor systems.
Common deployment scenarios include media production workstations requiring simultaneous access to multiple high-speed storage devices, point-of-sale systems needing additional USB ports for peripherals, and server environments where USB 3.0 connectivity must be added to older hardware. The hot-swap capability allows safe connection and disconnection of devices without system shutdown, supporting dynamic peripheral management in live environments.
Physical Profile
This black plug-in card measures 6.60 inches in length, 4.70 inches in height, and 0.60 inches in width, with a weight of approximately 3.20 ounces. The compact form factor fits standard PCI Express slots while the slim profile minimizes airflow disruption within the chassis. The all-black finish provides a professional appearance that blends with most system interiors.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 4.70" (119.38 mm), 0.60" (15.24 mm), 3.20 oz (90.72 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 0.60" (15.24 mm)
- Height
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
- Weight
- 3.20 oz (90.72 g)
- Length
- 6.60" (167.64 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate installation and operation.
Highlights
- Four independent USB 3.0 ports with dedicated 5Gbps channels
- UASP support across all ports for faster transfers and reduced CPU load
- PCIe x4 interface compliant with PCI Express 2.0 specifications
- Optional SATA or LP4 power connector provides up to 900mA per port
- Includes low-profile bracket for small-form-factor system installation
- Hot-swap capability for connecting devices without system shutdown
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/1.1 devices
- Supports Windows Vista through Windows 11 and multiple Linux distributions
- Compliant with USB 3.0 rev 1.0 and Intel xHCI rev 1.0 specifications
- Two-year limited warranty with RoHS, REACH, and WEEE compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXUSB3S44V |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4 Port PCIe USB Card |
| 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 | 4 |
| Number of USB 3.2 Ports | 4 |
| Number of SATA Ports | 1 |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | 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 | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 4.70" (119.38 mm) |
| Width | 0.60" (15.24 mm) |
| Length | 6.60" (167.64 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 3.20 oz (90.72 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4 Port PCIe USB Card 1 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Driver CD 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Platform Supported | PC,Linux |
| Country of Origin | China |
| 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 StarTech.com PEXUSB3S44V requires a PCI Express x4 slot for installation. It is physically compatible with PCIe x4, x8, and x16 slots, and operates compliantly with PCI Express 2.0 specifications. The card will function in any available PCIe slot that provides sufficient electrical lanes, though for optimal performance, installation in an x4 or larger slot is recommended to ensure full bandwidth availability.
Does this USB card support UASP, and what are the benefits?
Yes, this card fully supports USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) across all four USB ports. UASP provides significant performance advantages over the traditional BOT protocol by enabling command queuing, parallel data processing, and reduced CPU utilization. This results in faster file transfers, particularly with solid-state drives and high-performance storage devices, while freeing system resources for other tasks during data operations.
What power connector options are available for this card?
The card includes an optional power connector that accepts either a SATA power cable or a legacy LP4 (Molex) power connector. This auxiliary power supply provides up to 900mA per USB port, ensuring stable operation of power-intensive devices like external hard drives, optical drives, and charging stations. The power connector is not mandatory for basic operation but is recommended when connecting multiple high-power USB devices simultaneously.
Is a low-profile bracket included for small-form-factor systems?
Yes, the package includes both a standard full-height bracket and a low-profile (half-height) bracket for installation in small-form-factor chassis. The low-profile bracket allows this card to be installed in slim desktop cases, compact workstations, and space-constrained systems where standard expansion cards would not fit. Both brackets are included, so you can select the appropriate one for your specific chassis configuration.
What operating systems are supported by this USB 3.0 card?
This card supports 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, and various Linux distributions. Most modern operating systems include native drivers for this chipset, though a driver CD is provided for systems requiring additional software. The card offers plug-and-play functionality in most environments with automatic driver installation.
Can this card charge Apple devices through the USB ports?
Yes, the card supports USB Battery Charging Specification 1.2 in Apple Mode, allowing it to charge Apple devices like iPhones and iPads at their maximum supported charging rates when connected. This charging capability works in conjunction with the optional power connector, which provides the necessary current for efficient charging while maintaining stable operation of other connected USB devices.
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