Description
Product Overview
The StarTech.com PEXUSB312A3 is a high‑performance 2‑port USB PCIe expansion card built on the ASMedia ASM3142 controller and PCIe 3.0 x4 interface. Each port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) and is equipped with a dedicated SATA power header delivering up to 4.5 W per port, ensuring consistent speed for power‑hungry devices such as external SSDs and docking stations. Housed in a compact black metal bracket, the card measures 4.33 × 4.72 × 0.75 inches and weighs just 2.24 oz, making it ideal for both full‑height and low‑profile chassis. It is fully compatible with Windows 7‑11, Windows Server 2012 R2‑2022, macOS 10.13‑14, and Linux kernel 3.5+ LTS versions.
Usage
Designed for professionals, gamers, and content creators who require fast, reliable USB connectivity, this card excels in workstation setups, gaming rigs, and home office PCs. Connect high‑speed external storage, 4K video capture devices, or VR peripherals and experience minimal latency. The built‑in power header is especially useful in small‑form‑factor builds where motherboard power delivery may be limited. Whether you are transferring large media files, running virtual machines, or simply expanding your peripheral count, the card delivers consistent performance across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.
Why Choose Us
StarTech.com is renowned for durable, enterprise‑grade connectivity solutions. This card combines a robust ASMedia controller with premium components, rigorous testing, and a 1‑year limited warranty. The inclusion of a SATA power header sets it apart from competing cards that rely solely on motherboard power, reducing the risk of voltage drops during intensive transfers. Backward compatibility with PCIe 2.0 ensures broad motherboard support, while auto‑install drivers simplify deployment on modern operating systems.
Key Features
- Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports delivering up to 10 Gbps per port
- Integrated SATA power header provides up to 4.5 W per port for stable operation
- ASMedia ASM3142 controller with PCIe 3.0 x4 bandwidth for maximum throughput
- Full and low‑profile brackets included; fits PCIe 3.0 and 2.0 slots
- Cross‑platform drivers for Windows, macOS, and Linux with UASP support
FAQ
Do I need to install drivers?
The card works with built‑in drivers on Windows 8 and newer, macOS 10.13+, and Linux kernels 3.5+. For optimal performance, especially UASP support, we recommend installing the latest StarTech.com driver package.
Can I use the card in a low‑profile case?
Yes, the package includes a low‑profile bracket, and the card’s dimensions are designed to fit compact chassis without sacrificing performance.
What power does the SATA header provide?
The SATA power header supplies up to 4.5 W (5 V @ 0.9 A) per USB‑A port, ensuring stable operation for high‑draw devices even when the motherboard’s PCIe slot power is insufficient.
Is the card compatible with older operating systems?
While the card is optimized for Windows 7‑11, macOS 10.13‑14, and modern Linux distributions, it also works on Windows Server 2012 R2‑2022. Legacy OS support may require manual driver installation.
Will this card affect my system’s boot time?
No. The card is detected during the POST sequence and does not add noticeable delay to boot times. It operates independently of the system’s primary storage devices.
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