StarTech PEXUSB3S11 OneConnect 2 Port PCI Express SuperSpeed USB

Product Description

The StarTech PEXUSB3S11 is a PCI Express expansion card designed to enhance the connectivity of desktop computers by adding two high-speed USB 3.0 ports. This card is ideal for users who need to connect modern USB 3.0 peripherals, such as external hard drives, SSDs, high-resolution webcams, or other data-intensive devices, and want to take advantage of the significantly faster transfer speeds offered by USB 3.0 (also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1). The card utilizes a standard PCI Express x1 slot, making it compatible with most desktop motherboards that have available PCIe slots, preferably PCIe 2.0 or higher for optimal performance. Each of the two USB 3.0 ports on the PEXUSB3S11 supports SuperSpeed data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps, which is approximately ten times faster than USB 2.0. This dramatic speed increase is crucial for tasks like transferring large video files, backing up extensive photo libraries, or working with large datasets stored on external drives. The card is also fully backward compatible, meaning you can still connect older USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices, although they will operate at their respective slower speeds. For devices that require more power than the standard USB port can provide, the card includes an integrated SATA power connector, allowing you to connect a SATA power cable from your computer's power supply for an optional power boost. Installation of the PEXUSB3S11 is straightforward, typically involving inserting the card into an available PCIe slot and installing the necessary drivers, which are available for a wide range of Windows and Linux operating systems. This expansion card is a cost-effective solution for upgrading older computers or adding more high-speed USB connectivity to newer systems that may have limited built-in ports. It's a practical upgrade for content creators, photographers, videographers, or anyone who frequently works with large files and external storage.