StarTech PEXUSB3S44V 4-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Card: features and fit

The StarTech PEXUSB3S44V is an internal expansion card that adds four USB 3.0 ports to a desktop computer through a PCI Express slot. It is for anyone who has run out of ports on the back of their PC, or who needs several fast ports that don't share bandwidth.

Four dedicated channels

Many USB hubs and some motherboards split one connection between several ports, so when several devices run at once they share the available speed. StarTech says this card gives each of its four ports its own dedicated 5Gbps channel (USB 3.2 Gen 1, the newer name for USB 3.0). That independent architecture means a busy external drive on one port shouldn't slow a device on another, though the card as a whole still depends on the PCIe connection it sits in.

What UASP adds

UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) is a way for USB storage to move data with less overhead than the older method. StarTech says the card performs up to 70% faster than conventional USB 3.0 when used with a UASP-supported enclosure. Both the enclosure and the operating system need to support UASP, as the brand notes.

Optional extra power

USB devices draw power from the port. For hungry gadgets, the card has an optional connector for either a SATA or LP4 power lead from the computer's power supply. With it connected, StarTech says each port can deliver up to 900mA to USB 3.0 bus-powered devices (500mA for USB 2.0). The card also supports USB Battery Charging Specification 1.2 in Apple mode only, which StarTech says lets compatible iPhones and iPads charge faster than from a standard USB 3.0 port.

What you can plug in

StarTech lists external hard drives, VR headsets, game controllers and other digital equipment. The card is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices, so older peripherals still work, at their own speeds.

Installing in small cases

The card ships with a standard-profile bracket and includes a low-profile (half-height) bracket for small form-factor computers. It measures about 6.6 x 4.7 x 0.6 inches (17 x 12 x 1.5 cm) and weighs 0.2 lb. StarTech backs it with a two-year warranty and lifetime multilingual technical assistance on weekdays.

Who it suits

It suits desktop owners who want more USB 3.0 ports than their motherboard provides, people who connect several external drives or VR gear at once, and IT staff adding ports to workstations.

What to check before you buy

• Slot: confirm a free PCI Express slot of a suitable size in your computer, and check the card's lane requirements in the manual.
• Bracket: choose the standard or low-profile bracket to match your case.
• Power: if you plan to run bus-powered devices, check that your power supply has a spare SATA or LP4 connector.
• Operating system: check driver and OS support, including for UASP.
• Device type: it's an internal card, so it is not for laptops or sealed systems without a slot.

The short version

• Four USB 3.0 ports on an internal PCI Express card (model PEXUSB3S44V).
• Each port has its own dedicated 5Gbps channel.
• UASP support for faster transfers with compatible enclosures.
• Optional SATA or LP4 power input; includes a low-profile bracket.
• Two-year warranty from StarTech.

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