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StarTech 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention, USB to RS232 Adapter - TAA
StarTech.com

StarTech 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention

Bottom line: The StarTech 6ft 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable: FTDI FT232RL chipset, not a generic clone with flaky driver support; main trade-off: 115.2 Kbps ceiling rules out higher-speed RS232 device configurations.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ FTDI FT232RL chipset, not a generic clone with flaky driver support
  • ✓ COM port retention keeps the same port number across replugs and reboots
  • ✓ 256-byte FIFO buffer reduces dropped bytes on sustained serial transfers
  • ✓ TAA compliant, so it clears government and defense procurement rules
  • ✓ USB bus powered over USB 1.1 or 2.0, no external adapter needed

Cons

  • ✗ 115.2 Kbps ceiling rules out higher-speed RS232 device configurations
  • ✗ Single DB9 port only; multi-device setups need one cable per device
  • ✗ 6ft fixed cable length cannot be extended or swapped out
  • ✗ RS232 only, so RS422 and RS485 equipment is out of scope

Manufacturer description

The StarTech.com 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable solves the problem every retro PC builder and IT tech hits eventually: your modern machine has no DB9 port, and the device you need to talk to only speaks RS232. This 6ft (1.8m) cable bridges that gap using the FTDI FT232RL chipset, which is the reason this adapter shows up in so many console-cable recommendations instead of the generic alternatives. FTDI silicon means mature driver support and access to advanced configuration that cheaper chipsets do not expose. COM port retention is the feature you will appreciate on day two…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech 6ft 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the keyboards & mice category. StarTech.com's keyboards & mice lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for keyboards & mice of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work with Windows 11 and macOS?

It uses the FTDI FT232RL chipset, which has the widest driver support of any USB-serial chipset across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Check the StarTech.com product listing for the current supported OS list and driver downloads for your specific version.

What is COM port retention and why does it matter?

The adapter reassigns the same COM port value to the port automatically when you disconnect and reconnect the cable, or when the host system reboots. Without it, Windows often assigns a new COM number each time, breaking any software configured to a fixed port.

What is the maximum baud rate?

115.2 Kbps. It also supports 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, and none, odd, even, or mark parity modes, with a 256-byte FIFO buffer.

Can I use this for a Cisco or network switch console connection?

It terminates in a standard RS232 DB9 connector, which is the connector most console ports and console rollover cables expect. Confirm your device's console port pinout and required baud rate against the 115.2 Kbps maximum before ordering.

Is it worth paying more than a generic USB to serial cable?

The FTDI chipset and COM port retention are what you pay for; generic adapters commonly use clone chips that fail driver updates and reassign port numbers on every replug. Buyers who need reliable legacy connectivity generally say yes.

Key Features

  • MULTI-USE FUNCTIONALITY: This versatile USB to serial RS232 adapter is perfect for a range of applications, from digital signage to connecting point-of-sale systems and barcode scanners
  • CUSTOMIZABLE SOLUTION: This USB serial hub features an FTDI chipset, making it highly customizable and compatible, and the ideal solution for any setup
  • COMPACT DESIGN: Designed with a small form factor, this serial RS232 converter is USB powered and requires no bulky power adapters or an outlet
  • EASY INSTALLATION: This serial adapter ensures easy installation and operation with COM port retention that provides robust serial connectivity for legacy devices
  • TECH SPECS: 6 feet (1.8 meters); FTDI FT232RL Chipset; Max Baud Rate: 115.2 Kbps; 256 Bytes FIFO; None/Odd/Even/Mark Parity Modes; 7 or 8 Data Bits; 1 or 2 Stop bits; TAA Compliant

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
ColorBlack
FinishMatte
Unit Count1.0 Count
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberICUSB2321F
Nominal Power2.5 Watts
Warranty TypeLimited
Built-In MediaStarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter
COMPACT DESIGNDesigned with a small form factor, this serial RS232 converter is USB powered and requires no bulky power adapters or an outlet
Connector TypeDB-9, USB Type A
Item Dimensions72 x 1.6 x 0.9 inches
Mfr Part NumberICUSB2321F
Number of Items1
Number of Ports1
Power Plug TypeNo Plug
EASY INSTALLATIONThis serial adapter ensures easy installation and operation with COM port retention that provides robust serial connectivity for legacy devices
Compatible DevicesMonitor
Warranty Description2 year warranty
CUSTOMIZABLE SOLUTIONThis USB serial hub features an FTDI chipset, making it highly customizable and compatible, and the ideal solution for any setup
Full listing titleStarTech 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention, USB to RS232 Adapter - TAA

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StarTech 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention, USB to RS232 Adapter - TAA is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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StarTech 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention, USB to RS232 Adapter - TAA
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