PEXUSB311AC3 - USB expansion card StarTech.com - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	USB Expansion Card
Brand	StarTech.com
Model	PEXUSB311AC3
Interface	PCI Express x1
USB Ports	3x USB-A, 1x USB-C
USB Standard	USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)
Dimensions (L x H)	120 mm x 100 mm
Weight	50 g
Power Source	Bus-powered (PCIe slot)
Supported Operating Systems	Windows, Linux, macOS
Key Features	Adds 4 USB ports, compatible with USB 2.0/3.0, plug-and-play
Maintenance	Keep dry and dust-free; clean with a soft, dry cloth
Safety	Install in powered-off computer; avoid electrostatic discharge
Spare Parts & Repairability	No user-serviceable parts; contact support for issues
General Information	Designed for desktop PCs with available PCIe slot

Frequently Asked Questions - PEXUSB311AC3 StarTech.com

What is the StarTech.com PEXUSB311AC3?

The StarTech.com PEXUSB311AC3 is a USB expansion card that adds 4 USB ports to a desktop computer via a PCI Express slot.

How many USB ports does the PEXUSB311AC3 provide?

It provides 4 total USB ports: 3 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port, all supporting USB 3.1 Gen 1 speeds.

What is the maximum data transfer speed?

Each port supports up to 5 Gbps, which is USB 3.1 Gen 1 speed (also known as USB 3.0).

Is the card compatible with USB 2.0 devices?

Yes, the card is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices, but at reduced speeds.

Which operating systems are supported?

The card works with Windows (7/8/10/11), Linux, and macOS. Drivers may be required for some older systems.

Do I need a power cable?

The card is bus-powered through the PCIe slot, but some high-power devices may require an optional SATA power connector (not included).

How do I install the PEXUSB311AC3?

Power off your computer, insert the card into an available PCIe slot, secure it, and restart. The system should detect it automatically.

Can I use the card in a PCIe x16 slot?

Yes, it is compatible with any PCIe slot size (x1, x4, x8, x16) as long as the slot is physically open.

Does the card support USB charging?

Standard ports do not support dedicated charging; power output is limited to typical USB specifications (up to 0.9A per port).

What should I do if the card is not recognized?

Ensure it is properly seated in the slot, try a different PCIe slot, or install the latest drivers from StarTech.com's support page.

USER MANUAL PEXUSB311AC3 StarTech.com

2-Port USB 3.1 Card - 10Gbps per port - USB-C, USB-A - PCIe

Product Diagram (PEXUSB311AC3)

Component Function
1	USB-A Port	Used to connect a USB Peripheral Device to the USB Card.
2	USB-C Port	Used to connect a USB Peripheral Device to the USB Card.
3	Bracket Screws	Used to Secure the Low Profile or Full Profile Bracket to the USB Card.
4	PCI Express Connector	Used to connect the USB Card to the PCI Express Slot on the Host Computer.
5	SATA Power Connector	(Optional) Connect a 15 Pin SATA Power Connector to provide extra power to the USB Ports.

Requirements

For the latest requirements, please visit www.startech.com/PEXUSB311AC3

• Computer with an available PCI Express® slot (x4, x8, or x16)
  • (Optional) SATA Power Source

Tools

• Small Phillips Head Screwdriver

Hardware Installation

Warning: USB cards can be damaged by static electricity. Make sure that you are properly grounded before you open your computer case or touch the USB Card. You should wear an anti-static strap when you install any computer component. If an anti-static strap is not available, discharge any built-up static electricity by touching a large grounded metal surface for several seconds. Only handle the USB Card by its edges and do not touch the gold connectors.

Installing the Low Profile Bracket

By default the Full Profile Bracket is attached to the USB Card. Depending on your system configuration you may need to remove the Full Profile Bracket and replace it with the Low Profile Bracket (included).

1. Using a Small Phillips Head Screwdriver, remove the two Bracket Screws securing the Full Profile Bracket to the USB Card.
2. Align the Screw Holes on the USB Card with the Screw Holes on the Low Profile Bracket. Making sure the USB Card is sitting on-top of the Screw Holes on the Low Profile Bracket.
3. Insert the Bracket Screws through the USB Card and into the Screw Holes on the Low Profile Bracket.
4. Using the Small Phillips Head Screwdriver, tighten the Bracket Screws, being careful not to over-tighten.

Installing the USB Card

1. Turn off the Computer and any Peripheral Devices that are connected (e.g., printers, external hard drives, etc.).
2. Unplug the Power Cable from the back of the Computer and disconnect any Peripheral Devices that are connected.
3. Remove the Cover from the Computer Case.
   Note: Consult the documentation that came with the Computer for details about how to do this safely.
4. Locate an open PCI Express Slot (x4, x8, or x16) and remove the corresponding Metal Cover Plate from the back of the Computer Case.

5. Gently insert the USB Card into the open PCI Express Slot and fasten the Bracket to the back of the Computer Case.

6. Place the Cover back onto the Computer Case.

7. Reconnect the Power Cable to the back of the Computer.
8. Reconnect all of the Peripheral Devices that were disconnected in step 3.
9. Connect USB Peripheral Devices to the USB-C and USB-A Ports on the USB Card.

Software Installation

The drivers should install automatically, however, if they do not, you will need to manually install the driver.

- Download the drivers from www.startech.com/PEXUSB311AC3. Click on the Support tab, under Drivers, select the appropriate drive .zip file for the Operating System running on the Host Computer.

Installing the Driver in Windows 7

1. If the Found New Hardware dialog box appears on your screen, close the dialog box or click the Cancel button.
2. Navigate to the Device Manager.
3. On the list of installed devices, right-click on ASMedia USB3.1 eXtensible Host Controller.
4. Select Update Driver from the pop-up menu.
5. On the How do you want to search for drivers screen, select the Browse my computer for driver software link.
6. Click on the Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer link.

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by StarTech.com could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Industry Canada Statement

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other Protected Names and Symbols

This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to StarTech.com. Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an endorsement of the product(s) to which this manual applies by the third-party company in question. StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that all trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks, and other protected names and/or symbols contained in this manual and related documents are the property of their respective holders.

1. Select, USB xHCI Compliant Host Controller.

USB xHCI Compliant Host Controller

1. Click the Next Button.
2. Click the Close button once the installation is complete.

Warranty Information

This product is backed by a two-year warranty.

For further information on product warranty terms and conditions, please refer to www.startech.com/warranty.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their officers, directors, employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual price paid for the product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement may not apply to you.

Safety Measures

- If product has an exposed circuit board, do not touch the product under power.

Mesures de sécurité

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