This article covers StarTech.com 2ポート10Gbps USB-A.

Overview

The StarTech.com PEXUSB311AC3 is a PCI Express expansion card that brings modern high-speed USB connectivity to older or port-limited desktop PCs. It adds one USB Type-C and one USB Type-A port, each supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) with UASP for enhanced storage device performance. The card ships with both standard and low-profile brackets, making it compatible with a wide range of chassis types, from full towers to slim mini-ITX cases.

Connectivity & Compatibility

The card uses a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, which is widely available on most consumer motherboards from the past several years. The USB-C port can deliver up to 5V/3A (15W), suitable for charging smartphones, powering external SSDs, or running small peripherals. The USB-A port provides 5V/0.9A (4.5W). If the PCIe slot cannot supply enough power, an onboard SATA power connector allows supplemental juice from the PSU. The card is plug-and-play on Windows 8+, macOS, and Linux, with automatic driver installation. It is backward compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 devices, so older peripherals remain usable.

Product Info

Launched around 2020, the PEXUSB311AC3 is a mid-range product that fills the gap between basic USB 3.0 cards and expensive Thunderbolt adapters. It currently sells for around ¥7,729 (approx. $55 USD) on Japanese , and includes a 2-year manufacturer warranty. The package contains the card, standard and low-profile brackets, and a driver disc (though drivers are typically installed automatically). It is a practical choice for users who want reliable 10Gbps USB expansion without paying a premium for the latest 20Gbps or Thunderbolt interfaces.

Best Use Cases

Users who want to maximize external NVMe SSD performance: With 10Gbps bandwidth and UASP support, this card allows external SSDs to operate near their full potential, making file transfers significantly faster than with standard USB 3.0 ports. However, if your motherboard already has a 10Gbps USB-C port, this card may be redundant. Desktop owners running out of USB ports: If you need to connect multiple high-speed peripherals like VR headsets, external drives, or audio interfaces, this card adds two capable ports via a single PCIe slot. It is not suitable for laptop users, who should look into USB-C hubs instead. * Creative professionals handling large media files: Photographers and video editors working with RAW images or 4K footage will benefit from the faster copy speeds and improved efficiency. The card also works in Mac Pro systems with PCIe slots, but its USB-C power output is limited to 15W, so don't expect to charge a laptop.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: StarTech.com(スターテック)
  • Seller: Startech Japan KK
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon
  • ASIN: B0897XXRXT
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.