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StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Controller Card, 5Gbps (PEXUSB3S4V)
StarTech.com

StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Controller Card, 5Gbps (PEXUSB3S4V)

Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Controller Card: Adds 4 external USB 3.0 ports at up to 5Gbps; main trade-off: UASP speed gains need a UASP-compatible enclosure and OS.

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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

  • ✓ Adds 4 external USB 3.0 ports at up to 5Gbps
  • ✓ UASP support boosts transfers up to 70% vs standard USB 3.0
  • ✓ SATA power connector delivers up to 900mA per USB port
  • ✓ Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.x devices
  • ✓ Stacked low-profile design keeps all 4 ports external-facing

Cons

  • ✗ UASP speed gains need a UASP-compatible enclosure and OS
  • ✗ Requires a free PCI Express slot to install
  • ✗ 900mA per port may not fast-charge power-hungry devices
  • ✗ No internal USB headers for front-panel connectors

Manufacturer description

The 4-port USB 3.0 PCI express card (with SATA Power) adds 4 external USB 3.0 ports to any PCI Express-enabled computer system with support for data rates up to 5 Gbps, while remaining backward compatible with USB 2.0 / 1.x devices. Enhanced with UASP support (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), this SuperSpeed USB 3.0 PCI express card performs up to 70% faster than conventional USB 3.0 when paired with a UASP supported enclosure (Note: UASP requires a compatible operating system). Using a more efficient protocol than the traditional USB BOT (Bulk-Only Transport), UASP technology optimizes…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Controller Card using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the expansion cards category. StarTech.com's expansion cards 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 expansion cards 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.

Key Features

  • VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 PCI express card adds 4 external USB 3.0 ports with support for data rates up to 5 Gbps, while remaining backward compatible with USB 2.0 / 1.x devices.
  • ENHANCED WITH UASP SUPPORT: This 4-port USB 3.0 PCI express card uses UASP technology; UASP technology optimizes transfers by allowing multiple commands to be processed simultaneously.
  • STACKED PORT LAYOUT: The USB 3.0 controller card places the ports one on top of the other, enabling all four USB 3.0 ports to be external facing, while fitting into a low-profile computer system.
  • ADDED POWER CAPABILITIES: With a built-in SATA power connector, each USB port in this USB 3.0 expansion card can provide up to 900mA of power to devices (500mA for USB 2.0).

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
StylePCI Express
Style NamePCI Express
Unit Count1 Count
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberPEXUSB3S4V
Item Type NameUSB Adapter
Mfr Part NumberPEXUSB3S4V
Number of Items1
Compatible DevicesLaptop, Personal Computer
Hardware InterfaceExpress Card, USB
Warranty Description2-Year
ADDED POWER CAPABILITIESWith a built-in SATA power connector, each USB port in this USB 3.0 expansion card can provide up to 900mA of power to devices (500mA for USB 2.0).
Item Dimensions L x W x H3"L x 0.7"W x 2.7"H
Global Trade Identification Number00065030848961, 00151903390030, 08713439184884

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StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Controller Card, 5Gbps (PEXUSB3S4V) 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 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Controller Card, 5Gbps (PEXUSB3S4V)
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