PCIe x1 versus x4≺lmost all of the PCIe cards for USB 3.0 use the x1 expansion slot, which means they can fit into x1 or wider PCIe slots (x4, x8, x16). PCIe version 2.0 supports twice the bandwidth of PCIe version 1.0, and most recent motherboards support PCIe version 2.0 (check your motherboard/system documentation if you’re not sure). Version of PCIe supportedTo get the maximum level of USB 3.0 performance, make sure your card supports PCIe version 2.0 or greater. Depending upon your power supply or motherboard design and drives in use, you might need to use an adapter or a splitter to deliver power to your card. Checking the Fine Printīe sure to check the following issues when you compare these cards:īracket types providedIf you are planning to install a USB 3.0 card into a system that uses shorter-than-normal card brackets (such as a low-profile or home theater PC), make sure you choose a card that includes a low-profile bracket.Īuxiliary power requirementsSome cards use a four-pin hard disk (Molex) power connector, while others use a four-pin floppy power connector, an SATA power connector, or a USB motherboard header. PCIe x4 cards that provide both USB 3.0 and eSATA 6GBps are currently available from ASUS, but others may become available over time. PCIe x1 cards are available from Acomdata, Belkin, Buffalo Technology, EVGA, Gigabyte, GWC Technology, HP, LaCie, Kingwin, Koutech, MSI, Rosewill, SIIG, StarTech, Vantec, and many others.

To upgrade a desktop computer to USB 3.0, you must have an available PCI Express (PCIe) slot that’s x1 or wider. Add-on Card for Desktop ComputersĪdding USB 3.0 ports via an add-on card is easier and less expensive than replacing the motherboard or purchasing a new computer.

If you want to add USB 3.0 devices to your system and get the performance and other benefits they provide, you first need to add USB 3.0 ports to your system. Learn More Buy Upgrading Your Current System to USB 3.0 Upgrading Your Current System to USB 3.0 Upgrading and Repairing PCs, 19th Edition

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