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StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card, 5Gbps (PEXUSB3S42) | Native OS Support in Windows 8 and 7, 3 External and 1 Internal, Standard and Low-Profile
StarTech.com

StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card

Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card ($37.61 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Adds 4 USB 3.0 ports: 3 external plus 1 internal 20-pin header; main trade-off: PCIe x1 2.0 link caps aggregate bandwidth when several ports run at once.

$37.61

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Buy on Amazon — $37.61 Compare to similar expansion cards

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.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Adds 4 USB 3.0 ports: 3 external plus 1 internal 20-pin header
  • ✓ 5Gbps throughput with UASP support for faster external SSD transfers
  • ✓ Native drivers in Windows 8.1/8/7 and Linux kernel 2.6.31+, no disc needed
  • ✓ Ships with both standard and low-profile brackets for SFF builds
  • ✓ Optional SATA power input delivers up to 900mA per USB port

Cons

  • ✗ PCIe x1 2.0 link caps aggregate bandwidth when several ports run at once
  • ✗ Only 3 ports are rear-accessible; the 4th needs a free internal 20-pin device
  • ✗ No stated Windows 10/11 driver support in the manufacturer feature list

Manufacturer description

Expands your computer connectivity with four extra USB 3.0 ports (3 external, 1 internal) Easy to install with native OS support in Windows 8.1, 8, 7, and Linux kernel 2.6.31 or later Fits standard or small form-factor computers, low-profile bracket included Data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps plus UASP support Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.x devices Built-in optional SATA power connector provides up to 900mA per USB port PCIe x1 interface, compliant with PCI Express 2.0 specifications Here’s a cost-effective solution for adding USB 3.0 connectivity to your computer. This 4-port PCIe…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 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

  • Expands your computer connectivity with four extra USB 3.0 ports (3 external, 1 internal)
  • Easy to install with native OS support in Windows 8.1, 8, 7, and Linux kernel 2.6.31 or later
  • Fits standard or small form-factor computers, low-profile bracket included
  • Data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps plus UASP support
  • Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.x devices

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
StyleMusic
Style NameMusic
Unit Count1.0 Count
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberPEXUSB3S42
CompatibilityLinux
Built-In MediaLow-profile bracket, USB adapter
Item Type NameUSB Adapter
Mfr Part NumberPEXUSB3S42
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
Hardware InterfaceUSB 3.0
Warranty Description2 Year
Global Trade Identification Number00065030860321
Full listing titleStarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card, 5Gbps (PEXUSB3S42) | Native OS Support in Windows 8 and 7, 3 External and 1 Internal, Standard and Low-Profile

Ready to buy?

StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card, 5Gbps (PEXUSB3S42) | Native OS Support in Windows 8 and 7, 3 External and 1 Internal, Standard and Low-Profile 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.

Buy on Amazon — $37.61

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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StarTech 4-Port PCI Express USB 3.0 Card, 5Gbps (PEXUSB3S42) | Native OS Support in Windows 8 and 7, 3 External and 1 Internal, Standard and Low-Profile
$37.61
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