StarTech.com PS4C3IA3-USB-C-CARD 5-Port USB PCIe Card - USB 3.2 10Gbps with 4x USB-C & 1x USB-A Internal Port
Business volume discounts
Technical guidance
Preparation & staging
QC · ON · AB · BC
Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB PCIe card operates through a PCI Express x4 host interface, delivering a maximum data transfer rate of 1.25 GB/s (10Gbps) across all connected ports. The card supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 specifications, maintaining backward compatibility with earlier USB standards while providing modern connectivity options.
The card features intelligent power management with an optional SATA power connector that supplies additional power when motherboard power is insufficient. This enables the USB-C ports to deliver up to 5V 3A (15W) per port and the internal USB-A port to provide 5V 1.5A (7.5W), supporting power-hungry devices without compromising system stability.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Data Transfer Rate. 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 provides significant advantages for users needing enhanced USB connectivity without replacing their entire system. The combination of modern USB-C ports with legacy USB-A support creates a versatile expansion solution that bridges current and previous-generation devices.
Universal Compatibility
Works with Intel, AMD, and Apple Silicon platforms that have PCI Express x4, x8, or x16 slots. Drivers auto-install in most modern operating systems, including Windows 8 and newer, macOS, and Linux distributions.
- No manual driver installation required in most cases
- Supports both PC and Mac platforms
- Works with standard and small form factor systems
Flexible Deployment Options
Includes both full-profile and low-profile brackets, allowing installation in standard desktop towers and compact server chassis. The black finish matches most system aesthetics while the compact dimensions ensure compatibility with various case layouts.
- Dual bracket design for maximum compatibility
- Compact 4.8" x 4.8" footprint
- Lightweight at 2.1 ounces
Enhanced Power Delivery
The optional SATA power connection provides supplemental power to USB ports, enabling support for devices that require more power than the motherboard can supply through the PCIe slot alone.
- Prevents power-related connectivity issues
- Supports high-power USB devices
- Maintains stable performance under load
Deployment / Use Cases
This USB PCIe card is ideal for desktop and server environments where additional high-speed USB ports are needed. It serves as a cost-effective upgrade path for systems with limited or outdated USB connectivity, extending the useful life of existing hardware while adding modern interface capabilities.
Common deployment scenarios include professional workstations requiring multiple high-speed external storage devices, media production systems connecting numerous peripherals, and server environments needing additional internal USB connectivity for security dongles or management interfaces. The card also supports hard drive enclosures and external storage arrays that benefit from 10Gbps transfer speeds.
Desktop Expansion
Add modern USB-C connectivity to older desktops while maintaining USB-A compatibility for existing peripherals. Perfect for users upgrading their workstation capabilities without replacing their entire system.
Server Integration
Provide additional USB ports for server management, security devices, or peripheral connectivity in rack-mounted or tower server configurations. The low-profile bracket option enables installation in space-constrained server chassis.
Physical Profile
The card features a compact black design measuring 4.80" in width and length, with a height of 0.90" (22.86 mm x 121.92 mm x 121.92 mm). Weighing just 2.10 ounces (59.53 g), it installs easily in available PCI Express slots without adding significant weight or thermal load to the system. The black finish ensures visual compatibility with most computer components and chassis interiors.
- Width
- 4.80" (121.92 mm)
- Height
- 0.90" (22.86 mm)
- Weight
- 2.10 oz (59.53 g)
- Length
- 4.80" (121.92 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for installation in both standard and compact systems.
Highlights
- Adds four external USB-C 10Gbps ports and one internal USB-A port
- PCI Express x4 interface with 1.25 GB/s (10Gbps) transfer speeds
- Optional SATA power connector for additional port power delivery
- Includes both standard and low-profile brackets for flexible installation
- Supports Windows 7 through 11, Windows Server, macOS, and Linux
- Works with Intel, AMD, and Apple Silicon platforms
- ASM3142 controller for reliable high-speed performance
- Compact black design measuring 4.8" x 4.8" x 0.9"
- 2-year limited warranty from StarTech.com
- RoHS and WEEE compliant for environmental responsibility
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PS4C3IA3-USB-C-CARD |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB Adapter |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | USB Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express x4 |
| Media & Performance | |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1.25 GB/s |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 5 |
| USB Version | 3.2 Gen 2 |
| USB Connector Type | Type-C,Type-A |
| Number of SATA Ports | 1 |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | macOS Monterey,macOS Big Sur,Mac OS X 10.13 High Sierra,Mac OS X 10.14 Mojave,Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina,Linux 3.5,Windows Server 2008 R2,Windows Server 2012 R2,Windows Server 2016,Windows Server 2019,Windows Server 2022,Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1,Windows 10,Windows 11,macOS Sonoma,macOS Ventura |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Height | 0.90" (22.86 mm) |
| Width | 4.80" (121.92 mm) |
| Length | 4.80" (121.92 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.10 oz (59.53 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB Adapter 1 x Full-Profile Bracket (Installed) 1 x Low-Profile Bracket 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Application/Usage | Desktop,Hard Drive,Server |
| Platform Supported | PC,Mac |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of systems is this USB PCIe card compatible with?
This card works with desktop and server systems that have an available PCI Express x4, x8, or x16 slot. It supports Intel, AMD, and Apple Silicon platforms, and includes both standard and low-profile brackets for installation in full-size towers and compact small form factor systems. The card is compatible with Windows 7 through 11, Windows Server 2008 R2 through 2022, macOS 10.13 through current versions, and Linux 3.5 and newer.
What is the purpose of the SATA power connector on this card?
The SATA power connector provides additional power to the USB ports when motherboard power through the PCIe slot is insufficient. When connected, it enables the USB-C ports to deliver up to 5V 3A (15W) per port and the internal USB-A port to provide 5V 1.5A (7.5W). This ensures stable operation with power-hungry devices like external hard drives, multiple peripherals, or charging devices without drawing excessive power from the motherboard.
Does this card support USB Power Delivery or DisplayPort Alt Mode?
No, this card does not support USB Power Delivery (PD) or DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP-Alt Mode). It provides standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 data transfer capabilities at 10Gbps with enhanced power delivery through the optional SATA connection, but it cannot charge devices using USB PD protocols or transmit video signals through the USB-C ports. For those features, you would need a different expansion card specifically designed with those capabilities.
What operating systems are supported without manual driver installation?
Most modern operating systems automatically install drivers for this card. Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 typically recognize the card immediately, as do recent versions of macOS (10.13 High Sierra and newer) and Linux distributions with kernel 3.5 or later. For Windows 7 and specific server editions, you may need to download drivers from the manufacturer's website, though the card remains fully compatible with these systems.
Can I use this card in a small form factor desktop or server?
Yes, the card includes both a pre-installed full-profile bracket and an additional low-profile bracket specifically for small form factor (SFF) systems. The low-profile bracket allows installation in compact desktop cases and server chassis with limited vertical clearance. The card's compact dimensions (4.8" x 4.8" x 0.9") and lightweight design (2.1 oz) make it suitable for space-constrained environments without compromising performance.
What is the warranty coverage for this USB PCIe card?
StarTech.com provides a 2-year limited warranty for this product. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. The card is also RoHS and WEEE compliant, meeting environmental standards for hazardous substance restrictions and electronic waste management. For warranty service or support, you can contact StarTech.com directly through their official support channels.
| Qty | Price | Available |
|---|
