StarTech.com 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card Adapter with 2 Dedicated 5Gbps Channels, UASP, SATA/LP4 Power

Upgrade your workstation with a robust, plug-and-play USB 3.0 expansion card that delivers more speed, more ports, and more flexibility. The StarTech.com 4-Port PCI Express (PCIe) SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Card Adapter is engineered for professionals who demand reliable, high-throughput USB connections for external storage, peripherals, and data-intensive workflows. With two dedicated 5Gbps channels, UASP support, and a convenient SATA or LP4 power input, this card is designed to maximize performance while maintaining compatibility across a wide range of desktop systems. Whether you are editing 4K video, performing large-scale backups, running DAW sessions with multiple USB audio interfaces, or simply upgrading an aging PC, this USB 3.0 card delivers the speed and stability you need.

By expanding your USB capabilities, you free up your motherboard’s internal headers for other devices while gaining a multi-port hub that can handle demanding peripherals without sacrificing throughput. The two-channel architecture means you’re not sharing bandwidth across all four ports, which translates to more consistent transfer speeds when moving large files, streaming data from external drives, or working with high-speed USB devices simultaneously. The StarTech card is a practical investment for creative professionals, IT specialists, and power users who rely on fast, reliable USB 3.0 connectivity as part of their daily operations.

Beyond raw speed, this expansion card emphasizes practicality and reliability. The inclusion of UASP support accelerates data transfers by enabling more efficient command processing, reducing CPU overhead, and shortening wait times during large file transfers. The power connector options—SATA or 4-pin LP4 Molex—provide the flexibility to supply additional current to USB devices that demand more power, such as external hard drives, RAID enclosures, or high-performance peripherals. This ensures stable operation, minimizes the risk of voltage drops, and helps prevent disconnects during intensive tasks. With a focus on compatibility and ease of installation, the StarTech USB 3.0 PCIe card fits into most standard desktop setups and integrates smoothly with existing USB devices for immediate productivity gains.

As a future-ready solution, this card supports the growing ecosystem of USB 3.0 accessories while maintaining backward compatibility with USB 2.0 devices. Whether you are expanding a home lab, outfitting a small office, or assembling a multimedia workstation, this card provides a scalable, dependable method to broaden your USB connectivity. The sleek design, straightforward installation process, and solid performance make it a standout option for users who want to extend their PC’s capabilities without sacrificing reliability or value. Experience faster backups, quicker media transfers, and improved performance across peripherals with this capable USB 3.0 PCIe expansion card from StarTech.

• Expand your PC’s USB footprint with four high-speed USB 3.0 ports from a single PCIe card, freeing up motherboard headers for other devices.
• Two dedicated 5Gbps channels ensure strong, stable performance for simultaneous transfers, preventing bottlenecks when running external storage, audio interfaces, and USB peripherals side-by-side.
• UASP support boosts throughput and reduces CPU usage, delivering quicker file transfers and smoother performance than traditional USB 3.0 implementations.
• SATA or LP4 power input provides clean, consistent power to connected devices, enabling reliable operation of power-hungry drives, high-demand USB devices, and multi-drive USB enclosures.
• Simple plug-and-play installation in a standard PCIe slot, with straightforward driver availability and broad compatibility across desktop systems.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card Adapter

• PCIe interface: PCI Express x1 compatible
• Ports: 4 x USB 3.0 Type-A ports
• Controller configuration: 2 dedicated USB 3.0 channels delivering up to 5 Gbps per channel
• Data protocol support: UASP capable for enhanced throughput and reduced CPU load
• Power requirements: SATA power connector or 4-pin LP4 Molex power connector to supply additional/current to connected devices
• Form factor: PCIe expansion card with standard backplate connection

How to Install StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card Adapter

• Power down the computer, unplug the power cord, and open the case to access the motherboard.
• Locate an available PCI Express slot that fits your motherboard’s expansion configuration and remove the corresponding screw from the case’s back panel.
• Carefully insert the StarTech USB 3.0 PCIe card into the PCIe slot, ensuring the connector is fully seated and the metal bracket aligns with the rear of the chassis.
• Secure the card with the slot screw you removed earlier and attach the appropriate power connector (SATA or LP4 Molex) to the card’s power header if additional power is required for your devices.
• Close the case, reconnect power, and boot the computer. Your operating system may automatically recognize the new device; if prompted, install any recommended drivers or use StarTech’s driver package for enhanced compatibility and features.
• Connect your USB devices to the new ports on the card and verify that USB 3.0 devices achieve their expected speeds. Consider testing with external SSDs or high-bandwidth peripherals to observe the full benefit of the dual-channel design.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What speeds can I expect from this card? A: The two dedicated channels each support up to 5 Gbps for USB 3.0 transfers. Real-world speeds depend on device capabilities, cable quality, and system bottlenecks. USB 2.0 devices will operate at their compatible slower speeds, while USB 3.0 devices can take full advantage of the dual-channel architecture and UASP optimizations.
• Q: Is UASP supported? A: Yes. UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) is supported to improve throughput and reduce CPU utilization during data transfers, particularly with supported external drives and enclosures.
• Q: Do I need drivers? A: In most modern operating systems, the card is plug-and-play. Some setups or specialized workflows may benefit from StarTech’s driver package for full feature support or broader compatibility; consult the StarTech product page for the latest driver availability.
• Q: Can I power high-draw devices from this card? A: Yes. The SATA power or 4-pin LP4 Molex connector provides additional current to USB devices and external storage enclosures, helping to maintain stable operation when multiple devices are connected.
• Q: Will this card fit in a small form factor or compact PC? A: The card is designed for desktop PCIe expansion and requires space inside the case. Check your chassis clearance and slot availability; some systems may require a low-profile or compact variant if offered, but confirm model specifics before purchase.