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Go to StarTech.comDual-Port USB-C Card - 10Gbps per port - 2x USB-C - USB 3.1 - PCIe
Add two 10Gbps USB Type-C ports to your computer, through a PCI Express slot
Product ID: PEXUSB312C2
- Transfer files and access USB 3.1 devices faster, with up to 10Gbps throughput
- Get set for the future of universal connectivity, by adding two USB-C ports to your computer
- Optional SATA power connector provides up to 900mA per USB port
- Works with your existing USB 3.0 (5Gbps) and USB 2.0 (480Mbps) devices, for cost-effective backward compatibility
- PCIe x4 interface compliant with PCI Express Base Specification Revision 3.0
- Fits into standard or low-profile systems with a dual-profile design
- 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
Overview
This USB 3.1 card lets you add two USB-C™ ports to your computer, through a PCI Express slot. It enables you to upgrade your current system by adding two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports to your computer and giving you access to data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
With the addition of two USB Type-C™ ports, you can rest assured your computer is compatible with the growing popularity of USB-C peripherals.
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-C devices.
With higher data throughput support, this USB 3.1 PCIe card is a necessity for external drives, drive enclosures, and many other USB 3.1 peripherals. Plus, the USB card includes an optional SATA power connector to connect to your system power supply and deliver up to 900mA of power per port to USB 3.1 bus-powered devices (500mA for USB 2.0). The card is ideal for use with large external storage solutions.
Compatible with older USB devices
The card is backward compatible with USB 3.0 (5Gbps) and USB 2.0 (480mbps) devices. You can add the card now for use with newer USB-C devices, while still connecting your existing USB peripherals using a variety of USB-C cables and adapters.
Easy installation
The USB 3.1 card is compatible with a broad range of Windows® and Linux® operating systems. Plus, the high-quality card includes both standard-profile and low-profile brackets, making it easy to install in full or small form-factor PCs and servers.
The PEXUSB312C2 is backed by a StarTech.com 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.
Applications
Upgrade an older PCIe equipped desktop from USB 3.0/2.0 to USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Expand the USB capabilities of your system with two USB-C ports, or install the card as a vital hardware component when building a new PC
Ideal for file backups, video editing, and data recovery, using high-bandwidth USB 3.1 Gen 2 external storage solutions
Technical Specifications
Product Numbers | ||
---|---|---|
Ingram Mexico | A8401YF | |
UPC Code | 065030871174 |
Warranty Information | ||
---|---|---|
Warranty | 2 Years | |
Hardware | ||
Bus Type | PCI Express | |
Card Type | Standard Profile (LP bracket incl.) | |
Chipset ID | ASMedia - ASM2142 | |
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 | |
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 Type-C (24 pin) USB 3.1 (10Gbps) Female | |
Internal Ports | 1 - SATA Power (15 pin) Plug | |
Software | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows® 7, 8, 8.1, 10 Windows Server® 2008 R2, 2012, 2016 Linux® 3.5 to 4.11.x LTS version only |
|
Special Notes / Requirements | ||
Note | The card's USB-C ports are standard data throughput port. They do not support DP Alt Mode or USB Power Delivery. | |
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) | |
Optional SATA power connector | ||
Environmental | ||
Humidity | 20~80% RH | |
Operating Temperature | 5°C to 50°C (41°F to 122°F) | |
Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) | |
Physical Characteristics | ||
Product Height | 0.8 in [21 mm] | |
Product Length | 4.8 in [122 mm] | |
Product Weight | 1.6 oz [46 g] | |
Product Width | 3.5 in [90 mm] | |
Packaging Information | ||
Shipping (Package) Weight | 4.2 oz [120 g] | |
What's in the Box | ||
Included in Package | 1 - USB 3.1 card | |
1 - low-profile bracket | ||
1 - quick-start guide |
Compatibility






Windows Server® 2008 R2, 2012, 2016
Linux® 3.5 to 4.11.x LTS version only
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Product Support
Drivers
-
[ASMedia ASM1142] Windows USB 3.1 Controller Card.zip
Version: 1.16.47.2
- Language: English
-
Windows_Release_Notes.txt
- Language: English
Manuals
-
PEXUSB312C2_QSG.pdf
- Language: English
Data Sheets
-
PEXUSB312C2_Datasheet.pdf
- Language: English
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Buy
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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USB-C is a type of USB connector that is capable of supporting the following:
- Data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps, if you use USB 3.1.
- Bi-directional power delivery up to 100W, if both the USB host connection and the device support it.
- Alternate modes, which deliver different types of data at different speeds. For example, DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode).
If using Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C, the connection is capable of additional features. For example, Thunderbolt 3 is capable of 40Gbps of total bandwidth. For more information, refer to the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/thunderbolt-3-port-capabilities.
Not all USB-C ports or devices are capable of supporting all of the features listed above, or all of the features at the maximum capabilities. If you require a specific USB-C feature, your USB host connection, cables, and device must all support the feature that you require. For more information about whether your components support specific USB-C features, refer to the information provided by the manufacturers.
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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.
-
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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Some USB-C controller cards do not support the reversibility of the USB-C connector, which means that some cable and host controller combinations only receive USB 3.1 speeds in one orientation. To determine if this is the cause of your issue, unplug your USB-C cable and flip the cable upside down and plug it back into the USB controller card.
Although USB-C supports transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, all of the devices in your setup must support USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) in order to transfer data at that speed. The maximum data transfer speed you will experience is the fastest transfer speed that the slowest device in your setup supports.
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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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Compliance and Safety
Compliance Letters
-
Country of Origin (COO)
- Language: English
-
Letter of Conformity (LOC)
- Language: English
-
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE)
- Language: English
Safety Measures
- If product has an exposed circuit board, do not touch the product under power.
- If Class 1 Laser Product. Laser radiation is present when the system is open.
- Wiring terminations should not be made with the product and/or electric lines under power.
- Product installation and/or mounting should be completed by a certified professional as per the local safety and building code guidelines.
- Cables (including power and charging cables) should be placed and routed to avoid creating electric, tripping or safety hazards.
* Product appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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