Overview
The StarTech.com PEXUSB312C2 is a PCIe 3.0 x4 expansion card that adds two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports — one USB-C and one USB-A — to your desktop PC. Powered by the ASMedia ASM3142 controller, it delivers reliable high-speed connectivity for modern peripherals.
Key Features
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 support: Up to 10Gbps data transfer rate, backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0.
- Dual port design: One USB-C and one USB-A port, covering both legacy and modern devices.
- PCIe 3.0 x4 interface: Sufficient bandwidth for simultaneous high-speed transfers.
- Low-profile bracket included: Fits standard and small-form-factor cases.
- No external power required: Powered directly from the PCIe slot.
Compatibility & Notes
- Supported OS: Windows 10/11, Linux, macOS (limited functionality on macOS). Drivers auto-install or available from StarTech.
- Slot requirement: Requires a PCIe 3.0 x4 or larger slot (will operate in x4 mode in x16 slots).
- Physical size: Card length ~12 cm, fits most ATX/mATX cases.
- BIOS note: May need to enable "Above 4G Decoding" in UEFI/BIOS on some motherboards.
Ideal Use Cases
- Adding USB-C connectivity to a desktop PC without native USB-C ports.
- Maximizing transfer speeds for external SSDs or high-speed USB drives.
- Expanding USB port count for multiple peripherals without sacrificing speed.
This card is an excellent choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone needing reliable high-speed USB expansion.