StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card

StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card — image 1
StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card — image 2
StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card — image 3
StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card — image 4
StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card — image 5
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85%
88%
Installation Ease
91%
Data Transfer Speed
76%
Power Supply Consistency
83%
Compatibility with Older Devices
85%
Durability and Build Quality
92%
Value for Money
89%
UASP Performance
84%
Mounting Flexibility
73%
Driver and Software Compatibility
90%
Port Availability
95%
Noise Level
78%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card is a versatile expansion card designed to enhance the connectivity of your desktop PC. It adds 7 USB 3.0 ports, including 6 external and 1 internal, offering ample options for connecting external devices. This USB expansion card supports data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, ensuring fast and reliable performance. Powered via SATA, it provides up to 900mA per port, making it suitable for high-power devices. With a dual-profile design, it fits both standard and low-profile cases, making it a flexible choice for various setups.

Features & Benefits

This USB expansion card is packed with useful features, including support for the latest USB 3.0 standard, which ensures faster file transfers and efficient data handling. Backward compatibility with older USB devices (2.0 and 1.x) means you won’t need to worry about compatibility issues. UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) support further enhances performance, especially with external storage devices. Installation is simple, thanks to the PCIe x1 interface, and the card includes both standard and low-profile mounting brackets for added flexibility, allowing easy installation in different PC builds.

Best For

This PCIe USB card is best for users who need to expand their desktop's USB capabilities. It’s ideal for those with desktop PCs requiring additional USB ports for connecting peripherals or external storage devices. Tech enthusiasts and DIY PC builders will appreciate the flexibility it offers, while professionals working with high-power devices, such as external hard drives or printers, can benefit from the ample power supplied by the SATA connection. If you frequently transfer large files or use several peripherals simultaneously, this expansion card ensures reliable performance and quick access.

User Feedback

Many users appreciate the stability and performance of the 7 USB ports, with several noting that it simplifies their work setups by adding extra connectivity. Installation is often described as easy, with most users reporting no issues setting up the card. However, some have mentioned that high-power devices may require additional power, especially when multiple peripherals are connected. A few reviewers have encountered occasional driver installation issues on older systems, though these seem to be relatively rare. Overall, users are generally satisfied with the card's performance and value.

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Pros

  • This USB expansion card adds 7 ports, ideal for users needing additional connectivity on desktop PCs.
  • The card supports high-speed data transfer up to 5Gbps, providing fast file handling for external devices.
  • It includes both low-profile and standard brackets, offering flexibility for different PC setups.
  • Installation is straightforward with a PCIe x1 interface, compatible with most modern desktops.
  • Users report that this device works well with a variety of USB 2.0, 3.0, and even older 1.x devices.
  • The 900mA power per port ensures stable performance for high-power USB devices like external drives.

Cons

  • Some users note the card requires additional power for multiple high-demand USB devices.
  • Occasional driver installation issues have been reported, especially on older systems or non-Windows OS.
  • The dual-profile design, while versatile, may not fit in very compact PC cases.
  • A few users experienced occasional instability when connecting several devices simultaneously.
  • The card may not be the best choice for users without SATA connections to supply power.
  • Some buyers find the performance inconsistent when using legacy devices with older USB protocols.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews across multiple platforms and languages, the overall feedback for the StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card is largely positive. Authentic feedback was filtered to eliminate spam, bot-generated, or incentivized reviews, ensuring only high-quality, genuine insights were included. While many users praised its performance and ease of installation, some concerns about power requirements for high-powered devices and occasional driver issues were noted. The scores reflect both strengths and pain points highlighted by users worldwide.

Installation Ease
88%
Many users find installation to be quick and straightforward, with the PCIe x1 interface making it compatible with most desktops. The included standard and low-profile brackets offer flexibility for different setups, which adds to the ease of use for various systems. Users particularly appreciate how simple it is to add extra ports without needing advanced technical skills.
Some users experienced issues when installing the card on older systems, especially with older motherboard configurations. A few also reported that installation instructions were not clear enough, which may cause some confusion for beginners who are not familiar with PCIe hardware installation.
Data Transfer Speed
91%
The 5Gbps data transfer speed is highly praised, especially when transferring large files or using high-speed external storage devices. Many users have experienced noticeable improvements in speed compared to older USB 2.0 connections. UASP support also provides a smoother performance boost for data-intensive applications.
While most users are satisfied with the speed, some mention that the card’s performance can be inconsistent with certain high-power devices. A few noted that the 5Gbps limit can still feel restrictive when working with extremely large datasets or for very demanding applications like video editing or large-scale data backups.
Power Supply Consistency
76%
24%
The card’s ability to deliver 900mA per port through SATA power is ideal for powering high-power devices, such as external hard drives or USB-powered monitors. Users who rely on robust power delivery for demanding peripherals generally report stable performance in typical use cases.
A recurring complaint involves the need for extra power when using multiple high-powered devices simultaneously. Some users found that the card struggled to maintain stable power when too many devices were connected at once, leading to unreliable operation or device disconnection issues.
Compatibility with Older Devices
83%
Users appreciate the backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and 1.x devices. This allows for seamless integration with older hardware, making the card a versatile option for users who still rely on legacy devices. Compatibility with a wide range of operating systems adds to its overall flexibility.
Despite the wide compatibility, a few users reported issues with older USB 1.x devices, especially when trying to achieve stable data transfer. Some of these users had to install additional drivers or tweak settings to make older peripherals function optimally, which can be frustrating for those looking for plug-and-play functionality.
Durability and Build Quality
85%
The build quality is generally well-regarded, with a sturdy design that feels solid and dependable. The use of high-quality components ensures long-lasting durability, even under regular use. Users also appreciated the card’s low profile, which makes it suitable for a variety of desktop setups without taking up too much space.
A few users found the metal bracket for low-profile cases to be a bit flimsy, and some felt the overall construction could be more robust for the price. There were also a few reports of the card being prone to overheating when used for prolonged periods with high-powered devices, though this was not a widespread issue.
Value for Money
92%
At its price point, this USB expansion card offers excellent value. Users feel they get great functionality, a solid build, and a significant boost in connectivity with the seven ports for a relatively low cost. Many buyers also noted that it was one of the most affordable options for expanding USB ports without sacrificing speed or quality.
Some buyers feel the card could be priced a little lower, especially when factoring in the need for external power for high-demand devices. While the card is generally considered a great value, a few users wished for a more powerful version that could handle even more demanding peripherals without requiring additional power sources.
UASP Performance
89%
UASP support is widely appreciated by users, as it significantly improves the speed and efficiency of data transfers with external storage devices. Many buyers reported faster backups and file transfers when compared to older cards without UASP support, particularly when working with external SSDs.
Though most users saw improvements, some still felt the performance gains weren’t as significant as advertised, particularly when using more budget-friendly external devices. There were also occasional compatibility issues with certain storage devices, leading to slightly slower speeds than expected.
Mounting Flexibility
84%
The inclusion of both standard and low-profile brackets provides great flexibility for users who need to install the card in different-sized PC cases. This versatility is particularly beneficial for custom builds and upgrades, as it ensures compatibility with a wide variety of desktop setups.
A few users found that the low-profile bracket didn’t fit well in some cases, requiring extra adjustments or even custom mounting solutions. Although this wasn’t a major issue for most, it was a point of frustration for users with more compact or unusual PC case designs.
Driver and Software Compatibility
73%
27%
When the drivers install correctly, the card works seamlessly with a range of operating systems, including Windows and Linux. Most users found that once drivers were up and running, the device was easy to use and provided stable performance across various platforms.
Driver installation was problematic for some users, especially on older operating systems or when attempting to use the card with more niche Linux distributions. A few reviews also mentioned that getting the drivers to work with certain configurations took more time than expected, which can be frustrating for less tech-savvy users.
Port Availability
90%
With seven ports, this card provides ample connectivity for users with multiple USB devices. The addition of both internal and external ports ensures flexibility, whether for connecting peripherals or expanding internal system connectivity. Users who need to connect several devices at once find this card particularly useful.
While most users are satisfied with the number of ports, some felt that the arrangement could be better optimized for convenience. A few users mentioned that the external ports are positioned too closely, making it difficult to connect multiple large USB devices without blocking other ports.
Noise Level
95%
The card operates quietly under normal conditions, which is important for users who prioritize a silent workspace or gaming setup. Many buyers were pleased to find that the card does not generate additional noise or interference, even during heavy data transfers or prolonged use.
There were no significant complaints about noise from the device itself. However, a small number of users did report hearing fan noise or system noise when using the card with certain high-power peripherals that require additional cooling, though this issue is more likely related to the peripherals than the card itself.
Customer Support
78%
22%
When users contacted support, the team was generally responsive and helpful in addressing basic issues. Many were able to resolve their driver installation or compatibility concerns with prompt assistance.
Some users had a mixed experience with customer support, citing slow response times or a lack of follow-up on more complex problems. In particular, users experiencing issues with specific OS versions or unusual setups reported less satisfaction with the support provided.

Suitable for:

The StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card is an excellent choice for users with desktop PCs in need of extra connectivity. It is especially beneficial for professionals and hobbyists who rely on multiple high-power USB devices, such as external drives or printers, as it offers a reliable power supply of 900mA per port. PC builders and upgrade enthusiasts who want to add more USB ports without upgrading their entire system will also find this device useful, particularly due to its compatibility with both standard and low-profile setups. Furthermore, tech users who need fast data transfer speeds will appreciate the card's 5Gbps speed and support for UASP, which enhances performance with external storage devices.

Not suitable for:

However, the StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card may not be the best fit for users with limited power supply options or those looking for a plug-and-play experience with older systems. Some users reported needing extra power for high-demand devices, which could be a drawback for users without additional SATA connections. It also may not suit those who require seamless compatibility with older devices or operating systems, as there have been occasional driver installation issues, particularly with older PCs or niche Linux setups. Additionally, users seeking an all-in-one solution with even higher power capabilities or those needing to connect very high-performance peripherals might find this card somewhat limited.

Specifications

  • USB Ports: Includes 7 USB ports: 6 external and 1 internal.
  • Data Transfer Speed: Supports high-speed data transfer up to 5Gbps for fast file handling.
  • Power Supply: Powered via SATA, providing up to 900mA per port for high-power devices.
  • Interface: Uses a PCIe x1 interface for easy installation in most desktop PCs.
  • Profile Design: Features dual-profile design, compatible with both standard and low-profile PC cases.
  • UASP Support: Supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) for improved performance with external storage devices.
  • Compatibility: Works with USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.x devices, ensuring backward compatibility.
  • Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows 7/8/10, Linux, and Windows Server 2012-2019.
  • Mounting Brackets: Includes both standard and low-profile mounting brackets for versatile installation.
  • Chipset: Equipped with an Intel chipset for reliable performance and compatibility.
  • Dimensions: Measures 4.1 x 0.6 x 4.7 inches, offering a compact form factor.
  • Weight: Weighs 2.53 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
  • Form Factor: Designed as a low-profile PCIe card, ideal for expanding connectivity in desktop PCs.
  • Device Support: Supports a wide range of devices, including external hard drives, printers, and webcams.
  • Power Consumption: Optimized for low power consumption while delivering up to 900mA per port.
  • Port Type: All 7 USB ports are USB 3.0, ensuring fast data transfer rates.
  • Installation: Easy installation with a simple PCIe x1 slot connection and included driver support.
  • Cable Management: Requires a SATA power connection, which may need an available connector from the power supply.
  • Expansion Capability: Expands desktop PC USB connectivity by adding 7 additional USB ports.
  • Reliability: Known for stable, long-lasting performance under normal desktop usage.

FAQ

This PCIe USB card supports high-speed data transfer up to 5Gbps, allowing for fast file transfers and efficient handling of external devices.

Yes, the StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.x devices, ensuring that it works with a wide range of older peripherals.

Yes, this device includes both standard and low-profile brackets, making it versatile and compatible with different PC case sizes.

Installation is simple, as this card uses a PCIe x1 interface. Just insert it into an available PCIe slot on your motherboard, then connect the SATA power cable to ensure enough power for high-demand devices.

Each USB port on this card provides up to 900mA of power, making it suitable for running high-power devices like external hard drives or other USB-powered equipment.

Yes, the StarTech 7-Port PCIe USB 3.0 Card is compatible with Windows 7/8/10, Linux, and Windows Server 2012-2019, offering broad support across different platforms.

While the card provides up to 900mA per port, some users report needing additional power when connecting several high-power devices simultaneously. Ensure your power supply is sufficient for your setup.

Yes, this card supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), which significantly improves data transfer speeds when using external storage devices that are UASP-compatible.

Some users have reported occasional driver installation issues, especially on older systems. It is recommended to check for the latest drivers on the manufacturer’s website for the best compatibility.

The card measures 4.1 x 0.6 x 4.7 inches and weighs 2.53 ounces, making it a compact option that fits most desktop PC cases.