StarTech.com 5-Port USB PCIe Card: USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Expansion with 4 USB-C Ports + 1 USB-A Internal Port

Upgrade and expand your desktop or server’s USB connectivity with a high-performance PCIe card that delivers ultra-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) speeds across four external USB-C ports and one internal USB-A port. The StarTech.com 5-Port USB PCIe Card is designed for workstations, data-centers, and power users who need seamless, high-bandwidth connections for external drives, high-speed peripherals, and fast internal transfers. Built around the ASM3142 controller, this PCIe expansion card handles demanding workloads—from large file transfers and media editing to running multiple USB-C devices simultaneously—without bottlenecking your system’s PCIe lanes. Whether you’re building a production workstation, a compact server, or a performance-focused PC, this card helps you unlock the full potential of today’s USB-C peripherals.

• Expand USB connectivity with four external USB-C ports offering up to 10Gbps each, ideal for high-speed external SSDs, NVMe enclosures, and modern USB-C devices.
• Add an internal USB-A 10Gbps port to support fast internal peripherals or high-speed adapters directly from the motherboard.
• Powered by the ASM3142 USB 3.2 Gen 2 host controller, delivering reliable, high-performance data transfer with low latency and efficient multi-device handling.
• Leverages a PCIe x4 interface to maximize bandwidth while remaining compatible with a wide range of desktop and server motherboards.
• Backward compatible with USB 3.1/3.0 and USB 2.0 devices, so you can connect legacy peripherals while enjoying the benefits of USB-C 10Gbps when possible.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 5-Port USB PCIe Card

• Product name: StarTech.com 5-Port USB PCIe Card, USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
• Controller: ASM3142 USB 3.2 Gen 2 host controller
• Ports: 4x USB-C external ports (10Gbps max per port), 1x internal USB-A port (10Gbps)
• Interface: PCI Express x4
• Form factor: PCIe expansion card suitable for standard desktop and server slots
• Power: Bus-powered via PCIe slot; no external power connector is required for typical operation
• Compatibility: Backward compatible with USB 3.1/3.0 and USB 2.0 devices

How to install StarTech.com 5-Port USB PCIe Card

Installing this USB PCIe expansion card is straightforward and designed to minimize disruption to your system. Follow these steps to add high-speed USB-C expansion to your PC or server.

• Power down your computer, unplug the power cord, and open the case to access the motherboard and PCIe slots.
• Identify a free PCIe slot with at least PCIe x4 bandwidth. Remove the slot cover on the case if needed to fit the card.
• Insert the StarTech.com 5-Port USB PCIe Card firmly into the PCIe x4 slot until it is fully seated. Secure the card to the chassis using the appropriate mounting screw.
• If you plan to use the internal USB-A port, connect the included internal USB header cable to your motherboard’s USB header (if available) and to the card’s internal USB-A connector. If your system lacks a header, you can operate the external USB-C ports without connecting the internal USB-A port.
• Close the case, reconnect power, and boot your system. Your operating system should recognize the new USB controller. Install any recommended drivers from StarTech if prompted to ensure you receive full 10Gbps performance and best compatibility across all connected devices.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many ports does this card provide and what types are they?
  A: It provides four external USB-C ports (10Gbps each) and one internal USB-A port (10Gbps).
• Q: What speeds can I expect from the USB ports?
  A: The four USB-C ports and the internal USB-A port support USB 3.2 Gen 2 with up to 10Gbps per port.
• Q: What PCIe interface does the card require?
  A: The card uses a PCI Express x4 interface, offering robust bandwidth for multiple high-speed connections.
• Q: Do I need special drivers to use the card?
  A: Many modern operating systems will recognize the controller automatically, but for optimal performance and to access full 10Gbps speeds, you can install the latest drivers from StarTech’s website.
• Q: Is this card suitable for both desktops and servers?
  A: Yes. It is designed to expand USB capabilities in desktops and servers that have PCIe slots, making it suitable for workstations, media servers, and data-rich computing environments.