StarTech.com StarTech 2-Port USB 10Gbps PCIe Card
Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech 2-Port USB 10Gbps PCIe Card: Two USB-C ports at full 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 speed; main trade-off: data only: no DisplayPort Alt Mode video output.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Two USB-C ports at full 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 speed
- ✓ ASMedia ASM3142 controller on PCIe 3.0 x4 lanes for full bandwidth
- ✓ UASP support speeds up external NVMe and SSD enclosures
- ✓ Up to 5V 3A (15W) per the spec, plus optional SATA power input
- ✓ Full and low-profile brackets included; Windows, macOS, Linux support
Cons
- ✗ Data only: no DisplayPort Alt Mode video output
- ✗ No USB Power Delivery charging or Thunderbolt device support
- ✗ Needs a PCIe x4 or larger slot; won't fit an x1 slot
- ✗ Reduced throughput when installed in a PCIe 2.0 slot
Manufacturer description
The StarTech.com PEXUSB312C3 adds two USB-C SuperSpeed 10Gbps ports to your desktop PC or server through a single PCIe expansion slot. It is a USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 card (also sold as USB 3.1 Gen 2) built on the ASMedia ASM3142 host controller, which uses x4 lanes of PCIe 3.0. That gives you full 10Gbps bandwidth for external NVMe enclosures, SSDs and other fast USB peripherals. UASP support lowers protocol overhead, so external drives come closer to their rated speed than they would over standard bulk-only transfer. Each USB-C port supplies up to 5V 3A (15W). An optional SATA power connector…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech 2-Port USB 10Gbps PCIe 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect a monitor to this USB-C PCIe card?
No. The StarTech.com PEXUSB312C3 is data only and does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode, so USB-C monitors and video docks will not display through it.
Will it fit in a PCIe x1 slot?
No. The card needs a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, or a larger x8/x16 slot. It is backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 slots, but performance is lower there.
Can I charge my laptop or phone from these ports?
The ports supply up to 5V 3A (15W), but the card does not support USB Power Delivery. Devices that need PD charging won't fast-charge or charge at higher voltages.
Does it work with Thunderbolt drives and docks?
No. Thunderbolt devices are not supported. The card works with USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices, including UASP-capable external SSD and NVMe enclosures.
Which operating systems and case sizes does it support?
It supports Windows, macOS and Linux, and drivers install automatically on Windows 8 and later. Both full-height and low-profile brackets are included for standard and slim desktop or server cases.
Key Features
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Add 2x USB-C SuperSpeed 10Gbps ports to your desktop PC with this USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 PCIe Card; Expansion card provides up to 5V 3A (15W) via the USB-C ports
- USB 3.2 GEN 2X1 SPEEDS: PCI Express card features the ASMedia ASM3142 host controller using x4 lanes of PCIe 3.0; Capable of speeds up to 10Gbps enabling fast access to high-performance devices like NVMe drives and SSDs
- MAXIMIZED USB PERFORMANCE: 2-port USB-C PCIe Card adapter supports USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) optimizing USB performance; Installs in full/low-profile PCIe 3.0 x4 desktop / server slot (lower performance with PCI-e 2.0)
- COMPATIBILITY: Add-on card installs in full or low-profile (bracket included) PCIe 3.0 x4 slot (Backward compatible with PCIe 2.0); Windows/Linux/macOS with auto-install drivers Win 8 and up; Works with USB 3.2 Gen 2/3.0/2.0 devices
- COMPATIBILITY NOTICE: This dual port USB-C 10Gbps PCIe card supports data transfer only; It does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output, USB Power Delivery, or Thunderbolt devices
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Style | 2 USB-C |
| Style Name | 2 USB-C |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
| Model Number | PEXUSB312C3 |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, Linux |
| Built-In Media | PCIe USB 3 Card |
| Item Type Name | USB Adapter |
| Mfr Part Number | PEXUSB312C3 |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer, Server, Windows, Linux, macOS, USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices, USB 2.0 devices |
| Hardware Interface | USB, USB Type C |
| Warranty Description | 2 Years |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 4.8"L x 3.1"W x 0.7"H |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00065030887434 |
| Full listing title | StarTech 2-Port USB 10Gbps PCIe Card, TAA, Data Only (PEXUSB312C3) | USB-C 10Gbps PCI Express 3.0 x 4 Adapter, Windows/macOS/Linux |
Ready to buy?
StarTech 2-Port USB 10Gbps PCIe Card, TAA, Data Only (PEXUSB312C3) | USB-C 10Gbps PCI Express 3.0 x 4 Adapter, Windows/macOS/Linux is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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