StarTech 4-Port USB PCIe Card - 10Gbps USB-C & USB-A

Category: High-Performance Gaming

Key Features

High Performance: Supports up to 20Gbps total bandwidth across 4 ports.
Dual ASM3142 Controllers: Ensures efficient data transfer rates with USB-A and USB-C ports.
10Gbps Transfer Speeds: Ideal for high-speed USB devices and external storage like SSDs, HDDs, and NVMe drives.
UASP Support: Improves the performance of USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices by utilizing multiple INs to maintain maximum bandwidth with mixed speed devices.
Power Efficiency: Provides supplemental power to USB ports when motherboard power is insufficient, up to 5V 3A/15W per USB-C port and 5V 0.9A/4.5W per USB-A port.

Overview and First Impressions

The StarTech.com 4-Port USB PCIe Card is a versatile and high-performance expansion card that offers a range of features designed to enhance your computing experience, particularly for users who require multiple USB ports for peripheral devices. The card's sleek design and compact dimensions make it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their systems without sacrificing space.

Design and Build Quality

The StarTech.com 4-Port USB PCIe Card boasts a robust build quality, with a solid metal frame that provides durability and stability. The card is designed to be compatible with full-profile PCIe 3.0 (x4 slot) desktop/server environments, ensuring it will integrate seamlessly into most modern systems. The PCB is well-labeled and organized, making it easy to identify each port and connector.

Setup and Compatibility

The installation process for the StarTech.com 4-Port USB PCIe Card is straightforward and user-friendly. It requires no special tools and can be easily inserted into a PCIe x4 slot. The card is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Big Sur, Linux 3.5 to 4.11.x LTS version only, and others. The included driver installation process is seamless, ensuring that the card works smoothly out of the box.

Performance

The performance of the StarTech.com 4-Port USB PCIe Card is exceptional, particularly in terms of data transfer rates. With dual ASM3142 controllers and a total bandwidth of up to 20Gbps, it can handle multiple high-speed devices without any significant performance degradation. The card's UASP support further enhances its capabilities by optimizing the transfer speeds of USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices. For everyday use, this means faster data transfers, smoother video streaming, and more efficient file management.

Cooling and Noise

The StarTech.com 4-Port USB PCIe Card generates minimal heat and noise during operation, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize silent computing environments. The card's design ensures that it stays cool under load without requiring any additional cooling solutions. This makes it ideal for use in small form factor cases or for those who value a quiet computing experience.

Features and Technology

The StarTech.com 4-Port USB PCIe Card offers several advanced features designed to enhance your computing experience. The card includes both USB-A and USB-C ports, providing versatility for different types of devices. Additionally, it supports optional power delivery to the USB ports when the motherboard power is insufficient, ensuring that even high-power devices are well-powered without additional cabling. This feature is particularly useful for users with limited space or for those who need to run multiple high-performance devices simultaneously.

Power Efficiency

The StarTech.com 4-Port USB PCIe Card excels in terms of power efficiency, offering supplemental power to USB ports when needed. The card provides up to 5V 3A/15W per USB-C port and 5V 0.9A/4.5W per USB-A port, ensuring that even high-power devices are well-powered without additional cabling. This feature is particularly useful for users with limited space or for those who need to run multiple high-performance devices simultaneously.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

High data transfer speeds (up to 20Gbps)
UASP support for optimized USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance
Dual ASM3142 controllers for efficient data transfer rates
Sleek and compact design
Optional power delivery to USB ports
Compatibility with multiple operating systems
Minimal heat and noise generation

Cons:

No additional cooling solution required (good for silent operation)
Requires a full-profile PCIe 3.0 slot (not compatible with all motherboards)
Higher cost compared to entry-level USB expansion cards

Final Verdict and Recommendation.

The StarTech.com 4-Port USB PCIe Card is an excellent choice for users who require high-performance data transfer rates and multiple USB ports. Its dual ASM3142 controllers, UASP support, and optional power delivery make it a versatile solution for both home and professional use. The card's compact design and minimal heat generation ensure that it will fit seamlessly into most modern systems without sacrificing performance or aesthetics. While it may be slightly more expensive than entry-level options, the StarTech.com 4-Port USB PCIe Card offers exceptional value for those who need a reliable and efficient USB expansion solution.

Overall Rating

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