StarTech.com
StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port PCI SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Adapter Card
Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port PCI SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Adapter Card ($68.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Adds 4 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) ports to legacy PCI/PCI-X slots; main trade-off: PCI/PCI-X only; not compatible with PCIe slots.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Adds 4 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) ports to legacy PCI/PCI-X slots
- ✓ SATA and SP4 power inputs deliver up to 4.5W (5V/0.9A) per port
- ✓ Includes both full-profile and low-profile brackets
- ✓ UASP support reaches the PCI bus ceiling of 1.3Gbps
Cons
- ✗ PCI/PCI-X only; not compatible with PCIe slots
- ✗ Windows only (XP and up); no macOS or Linux drivers
- ✗ PCI bus caps real throughput at 1.3Gbps, not the full 5Gbps
- ✗ PCIe-to-PCI bridge boards may cause compatibility issues
Manufacturer description
Product DescriptionThe PCIUSB3S4 4-Port PCI to USB 3.2 Gen 1 Card enables legacy PCI slots to support the SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard, which is capable of data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps. Using USB 3.2 Gen 1 devices with this card will increase data transfer rates with up to 1.3 Gbps of available bandwidth (PCI bus limit) - more than doubling performance compared to a USB 2.0 connection. Note: Some newer PCs may use a PCIe to PCI bridge which can cause unexpected compatibility issues with this product. This versatile USB 3.2 Gen 1 adapter includes an optional SATA power connector…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port PCI SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Adapter 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
- ADD 4x SUPERSPEED USB 3.0 PORTS: This PCI/PCI-X Universal (3.3V & 5V, 32-bit) card adds four USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports to your computer or server through a PCI slot; Supports USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1/USB 3.2 Gen 1x1
- TRANSFER SPEEDS: USB PCI card with UASP achieves speeds up to the maximum of your PCI bus (1.3Gbps); Ideal for older computers with only PCI slots available like Dell OptiPlex 7010/HP Compaq dc7800; Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1/1.0
- OPTIONAL POWER: USB PCI expansion card features SATA & SP4 power ports to supply additional power to the USB ports (when motherboard power is insufficient); Power can be connected to SATA or SP4 port to provide up to 5V 0.9A/4.5W per USB Type-A port
- STANDARD & LOW PROFILE BRACKET: PCI USB card comes with a full-profile (standard) bracket pre-installed and a low-profile (half height) bracket included for versatile installation in both low-profile and full-profile computer systems
- COMPATIBILITY: This card is Windows only; Supported versions: Windows XP and up, Windows Server 2003 and up; USB card is only compatible with PCI/PCI-X slots and is NOT COMPATIBLE with PCI-Express (PCIe); See PEXUSB3S4V for a PCIe solution
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Style | 4 port |
| Style Name | 4 port |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | PCIUSB3S4 |
| Built-In Media | Low-profile bracket, USB adapter |
| Item Type Name | USB 3.0 Card |
| Mfr Part Number | PCIUSB3S4 |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Hardware Interface | PCI, USB, USB 3.0 |
| Warranty Description | Lifetime |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 5.2"L x 0.8"W x 2.6"H |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00065030849517 |
| Full listing title | StarTech 4-Port PCI SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Adapter Card, 5Gbps, Red (PCIUSB3S4) | Quad Port PCI USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps) Controller Card, Windows Only, With SATA/SP4 Power |
Ready to buy?
StarTech 4-Port PCI SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Adapter Card, 5Gbps, Red (PCIUSB3S4) | Quad Port PCI USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps) Controller Card, Windows Only, With SATA/SP4 Power 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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