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Go to StarTech.com2-Port USB 3.1 (10Gbps) Card - 2x USB-A - PCIe
Upgrade your computer to the faster speed of USB 3.1, by adding two 10Gbps USB Type-A ports
Product ID: PEXUSB312A
- Transfer files and access USB 3.1 devices faster, with up to 10Gbps throughput
- Expand the overall USB capabilities of your computer by adding two 10Gb USB-A ports
- Fast, hassle-free setup with native support in Windows 10 and 8
- Fits into standard or low-profile systems with a dual-profile design
- Cost-effective backward compatibility
- Compatible with high-powered USB devices, with integrated SATA power providing up to 1.5A per port (connection to SATA power is required)
- Compliant with UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) Revision 1.0
- Compliant with Universal Serial Bus 3.1 Specification Revision 1.0, and Universal Serial Bus Specification Revision 2.0
- PCIe x4 interface compliant with PCI Express Base Specification Revision 3.0
- Equipped with a full-profile bracket, includes a half-height/low-profile bracket for installation in small form-factor computers
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Overview
This USB 3.1 card prepares you for the next generation of USB performance, adding two USB-A ports to your desktop with a combined bandwidth up to 10Gbps. Now you can access USB 3.1 Gen 2 peripherals at twice the speed of traditional USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) devices.
With greater bandwidth you can save time and avoid the performance bottlenecks often associated with other connectivity technologies.
Faster USB performance
By adding 10Gbps USB ports to your computer, you can harness the speed of USB 3.1 Gen 2 and rest assured you’re ready for both current and future high-bandwidth USB-A devices.
With higher data throughput, this PCI Express USB 3.1 card is a necessity for external hard drives, hard drive enclosures, and many other USB 3.1 peripherals. Plus, the USB card integrates a SATA power connector to support high-powered devices, making it ideal for use with large external storage solutions. (The card requires a connection to your computer's SATA power connector.)
For more flexibility, you can couple the card with a USB-C to USB-A Cable (USB31AC1M) and connect your USB Type-C™ devices.
Compatible with older USB devices
Connecting older peripherals isn’t a problem. This versatile USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) card is backward compatible with legacy USB 3.0/2.0 devices that use the common USB Type-A port, so you can eliminate the added expense and aggravation of purchasing new devices.
Easy to install, in virtually any Windows based PC
The USB 3.1 card offers hassle-free installation with no additional software or drivers required in natively supported Windows® 10, 8.1, and 8 operating systems. Plus, the high-quality card includes both standard-profile and low-profile/half-height brackets, making it easy to install in full or small form-factor PCs or servers.
The PEXUSB312A is backed by a StarTech.com 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.
Applications
Upgrade an older PCIe based desktop from USB 3.0/2.0 to USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Expand the USB capabilities of your system, or install the card as a vital hardware component when building a new PC
Ideal for backing up files, video editing, and data recovery using high-bandwidth USB 3.1 Gen 2 external storage solutions
Connect your legacy USB devices to your computer
Technical Specifications
Product Numbers | ||
---|---|---|
Ingram Austria | V933526 | |
UPC Code | 065030862417 |
Warranty Information | ||
---|---|---|
Warranty | 2 Years | |
Hardware | ||
Bus Type | PCI Express | |
Card Type | Standard Profile (LP bracket incl.) | |
Chipset ID | ASMedia - ASM1142 | |
Industry Standards | USB 3.1 Specification Rev. 1.0 USB Specification Rev. 2.0 PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 3.0 Intel xHCI Specification Rev. 1.1 UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) Rev. 1.0 |
|
Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | |
Port Style | Integrated on Card | |
Ports | 2 | |
Performance | ||
Maximum Data Transfer Rate | 10Gbps | |
MTBF | 50,000 Hours | |
Type and Rate | USB 3.1 Gen 2 - 10 Gbit/s | |
UASP Support | Yes | |
Connector(s) | ||
Connector Type(s) | 1 - PCI Express x4 Male | |
External Ports | 2 - USB 3.1 USB Type-A (9 pin, Gen 2, 10 Gbps) Female | |
Internal Ports | 1 - SATA Power (15 pin) Plug | |
Software | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows® 7, 8, 8.1, 10 Windows Server® 2008 R2, 2012, 2016 Mac OS X® 10.9 to 10.10 Linux® 3.5 to 4.11.x LTS version only |
|
Special Notes / Requirements | ||
Note | The maximum throughput of this card is limited by the bus interface. PCI Express Gen 1.0 max throughput is 2.5Gbps. PCI Express Gen 2.0 max throughput is 5Gbps. PCI Express Gen 3.0 max throughput is 10Gbps. | |
The available bandwidth (10Gbps) is shared equally between the two ports. | ||
System and Cable Requirements | PCI Express enabled computer or server with a PCI Express x4 slot or higher (x8, x16) | |
SATA power connector | ||
Environmental | ||
Humidity | 5~95% RH (Non-condensing) | |
Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F) | |
Storage Temperature | -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F) | |
Physical Characteristics | ||
Product Height | 120 mm [4.7 in] | |
Product Length | 90 mm [3.5 in] | |
Product Weight | 50 g [1.8 oz] | |
Product Width | 18 mm [0.7 in] | |
Packaging Information | ||
Shipping (Package) Weight | 100 g [3.5 oz] | |
What's in the Box | ||
Included in Package | 1 - 2-port USB 3.1 gen 2 card | |
1 - low-profile bracket | ||
1 - instruction manual |
Compatibility








Windows Server® 2008 R2, 2012, 2016
Mac OS X® 10.9 to 10.10
Linux® 3.5 to 4.11.x LTS version only
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Product Support
Drivers & Downloads
Driver(s):
-
[ASMedia ASM1142] Windows USB 3.1 Controller Card.zip
Version: 1.16.47.2 - Windows_Release_Notes.txt
Manual(s):
Compliance Letter(s):
Data Sheet(s)
- PEXUSB312A_Datasheet.pdf
English
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Buy
Yes, it is required to use the included power connector with this card. Additional power is required above what the PCI or PCI Express slot on the motherboard is able to provide. If the power connector is not used with the card, the devices used with the card are not likely to function correctly, and the ports on the card will not be able to output the maximum amount of power USB is capable of.
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USB 3.1 is the most recent version of the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard for connecting computers and electronic devices. It is capable of data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps, and while it can use the USB-C connector type, it can also use a variety of other connector types. To achieve USB 3.1 transfer speeds, your USB host connection, cables, and device must all support USB 3.1. USB 3.1 is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps).
USB 3.0 is capable of data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. USB 3.0 is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps).
USB 3.1 is backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, except in the following scenarios:
- USB-B 3.1 cables are not compatible with USB-B 2.0 ports.
- Unless you use an adapter, USB-C ports or cables will not work with USB-A or USB-B ports or cables.
- Devices that require USB 3.1 transfer speeds of 10Gbps might not work with USB 3.0 or USB 2.0, or you might experience lower transfer speeds and impacted performance.
- Bus-powered USB devices that requires more power than what USB 2.0 can provide are not compatible with USB 2.0.
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To transfer data at speeds of 10Gbps, you need to confirm that the following components in your setup support USB 3.1:
- The USB host connection
- The USB cable
- The USB device and any subcomponents (for example, a hard drive docking station and the hard drives in the docking station)
Note: USB 3.1 is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps). Devices that support USB 3.1 should have the USB 3.1 symbol on them. If the USB 3.1 symbol does not appear on your USB source or device, refer to the information provided by the manufacturer to confirm whether the USB source or device support USB 3.1.
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Installation
Before you install the device, make sure that your operating system is current (for example, the most recent service pack is installed).
- Download the latest drivers from the StarTech.com website at www.startech.com/Support. The part number and product ID are on the product packaging.
Note: Windows usually saves the files to the Downloads folder that is associated with your user account (for example, C:\Users\your_name\Downloads).
- After the download is complete, right-click the zip folder that you downloaded, click Extract All, and complete the instructions.
- In the list of extracted files, right-click the setup.exe file and click Run as Administrator.
Note: If the Run as Administrator option is not available, you might be attempting to run the installer from within the zipped file. Complete the instructions in step 2 to extract the files.
- Complete the instructions to install the device drivers, and restart your computer when prompted to.
Your device should be ready to use.
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How to
To confirm that Windows detects your expansion card, complete the following:
- Press the Windows key+R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
- In Device Manager, under the appropriate heading, confirm that your expansion card is listed and that there isn't an exclamation mark next to it. For example, a USB controller card would be under Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Your expansion card is listed according to the name of the chipset. To determine the name of the chipset of your expansion card, navigate to www.StarTech.com and look on the Technical Specifications tab for your product.
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Troubleshooting
If the USB device does not work after your computer has been in extended hibernation, it is likely that Windows has automatically turned off the USB Root hub to save power.
The steps below outline how to configure the USB root hub to stay on during hibernation, to prevent this from happening.
Windows 10 / 8
- On your keyboard, press the Windows key + X and select Control Panel.
- Click Hardware and Sound, then click Power Options.
- Click Change plan settings for the plan you want to change.
- Click Change advanced power settings.
- Click the plus sign (+) next to “USB settings” and “USB selective suspend setting” to expand the options and change the setting to Disabled.
- Click OK to apply the setting.
Note: You may need to disconnect and re-connect your USB device after applying these settings to re-establish the connection.
Windows 7 / Vista
- Click the Start button and select Control Panel.
- Click Hardware and Sound, then click Power Options.
- Click Change plan settings for the plan you want to change.
- Click Change advanced power settings.
- Click the plus sign (+) next to “USB settings” and “USB selective suspend setting” to expand the options and change the setting to Disabled.
- Click OK to apply the setting.
Note: You may need to disconnect and re-connect your USB device after applying these settings to re-establish the connection.
Windows XP
- On your desktop, right-click the My Computer icon and select Properties.
- Click the Device Manager tab.
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers by clicking the arrow to the left of it.
- Right-click the first USB Root Hub device and select Properties.
- Click the Power Management tab.
- Clear the box next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Click OK to apply the setting.
- Repeat steps 4-7 for any remaining devices in the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section with “Root Hub” in the name.
Note: You may need to disconnect and re-connect your USB device after applying these settings to re-establish the connection.
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When you troubleshoot issues with a USB controller card, there are some quick tests that you can complete to rule out potential problems. You can test to make sure that the following components are working correctly and are not the source of the issue:
-
USB cables
-
USB devices
-
USB controller card
To test your setup components, try the following:
-
Use the USB cable, device, and controller card in another setup to see if the problem is with the components or the setup.
-
Use a different USB cable, device, and controller card in your setup to see if the problem persists. Ideally, you should test a component that you know works in another setup.
When you test your cables, it is recommended that you do the following:
-
Test each cable individually.
-
Use short cables when you are testing.
When you test the USB device and controller card, it is recommended that you do the following:
-
Press the Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Device Manager. Check to see if your device is listed under Universal Serial Bus controllers.
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If you do not see the USB controller card listed in Device Manager please see this FAQ: https://www.startech.com/support/faqs/technical-support?topic=expansion-cards#pci-pcie-cannot-boot-os-or-detect-windows.
-
If the device is listed with an error, follow the instructions on the website to reinstall the drivers.
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If your setup components support USB 3.1 but you are experiencing slower transfer speeds than you expected, consider the following:
- A USB host connection with multiple USB 3.1 ports might not be able to support 10Gbps on each port simultaneously.
- The type of port on a device does not determine whether the device is capable of USB 3.1 speeds. A USB-C port might not support USB 3.1 speeds, while USB-A and USB-B ports might support USB 3.1 speeds.
- Any other devices that you include in your setup, such as an older hard drive in a USB 3.1 enclosure, might create a point of congestion and slow down transfer speeds.
To confirm the functionality of your USB host connection, its ports, and any other devices in your setup, refer to the information provided by the manufacturer.
Note: USB 3.1 is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps). Devices that support USB 3.1 should have the USB 3.1 symbol on them. If the USB 3.1 symbol does not appear on your USB source or device, refer to the information provided by the manufacturer to confirm whether the USB source or device support USB 3.1.
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* Product appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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