This article covers StarTech.com USB 3.1 Gen 2対応SATA-USB変換アダプタ USB31CSAT3CB.

Overview

The StarTech.com USB31CSAT3CB is a compact USB-C to SATA adapter cable designed for direct connectivity between USB-C equipped laptops and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs or hard drives. Featuring an integrated USB-C cable, it requires no additional accessories. It supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) and UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), which significantly improves transfer efficiency over traditional BOT mode. The adapter is backward compatible with SATA 1.0/2.0/3.0 (up to 6 Gbps), ensuring wide drive compatibility. A key advantage is its bus-powered design – it draws power directly from the USB-C port, eliminating the need for an external power brick. The lightweight, cable-style form factor makes it exceptionally portable, easily stowed in a laptop bag. Whether you're backing up data, cloning a drive, or performing a quick data migration, this adapter provides a straightforward solution for on-the-go storage access.

Connectivity & Compatibility

Interface: USB-C male connector (USB 3.1 Gen 2, 10 Gbps) Supported drives: 2.5-inch SATA SSDs and HDDs (SATA 1.0/2.0/3.0, up to 6 Gbps) Compatible devices: Notebooks, Ultrabooks, MacBooks, Chromebooks, and tablets with a USB-C port Power: USB bus-powered (no external AC adapter needed) UASP support: Yes – improves random read/write performance and reduces CPU overhead Limitation: Not compatible with 3.5-inch drives (insufficient power) or NVMe/M.2 drives. Performance is limited if the host USB-C port only supports USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) or lower.

Product Info

Availability: On sale since 2015 (still widely available) Price: Approximately ¥3,900 on Japan (as of July 2026) Warranty: 2-year manufacturer warranty plus free lifetime technical support What's in the box: The adapter cable only (drive sold separately) * Where to buy: Japan, StarTech.com direct store, and other major online retailers Market positioning: The USB31CSAT3CB sits in the entry-to-mid range of SATA-to-USB adapters. Its support for USB 3.1 Gen 2 and UASP gives it a clear speed advantage over basic USB 3.0 adapters, making it suitable for users who frequently transfer large files. However, it is a dedicated tool for 2.5-inch SATA drives only – not a universal storage solution.

Best Use Cases

IT administrators and data recovery technicians: Quickly access SATA drives from a modern laptop without opening the PC case. The bus-powered design is perfect for on-site service calls. Not ideal for simultaneous multi-drive operations (consider a multi-bay dock instead). DIY PC builders and drive cloning enthusiasts: When upgrading a laptop's internal drive, use this adapter to clone the old 2.5-inch SATA drive before swapping it out. The 10 Gbps speed cuts clone time noticeably compared to older USB 3.0 adapters. Not suitable for M.2 NVMe drives. Mobile workers expanding storage: Add an extra 2.5-inch SSD as external storage via a single USB-C cable. Great for keeping a lightweight travel kit. However, if your laptop has only one USB-C port, you cannot charge and use the drive simultaneously without a separate PD-capable hub. Field engineers and repair shops: Perform drive diagnostics, data wiping, or firmware updates on bare drives without dismantling the host device. UASP support improves efficiency during batch operations. Note: incompatible with 3.5-inch or optical drives.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: StarTech.com(スターテック)
  • Seller: Startech Japan KK
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon
  • ASIN: B0133F30R8
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.