StarTech.com 4 Port USB A PCIe Card 5Gbps Dedicated Bandwidth P5Q4A-USB-CARD
The StarTech.com P5Q4A-USB-CARD expands server and desktop capabilities by adding four independent USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, each delivering a dedicated 5Gbps for high-performance peripheral connectivity.
- Dedicated Bandwidth: Each of the four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports operates on an independent 5Gbps channel, preventing bandwidth contention and ensuring consistent performance for critical peripherals.
- PCIe 2.0 x4 Interface: Connects via a PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot, providing ample internal bandwidth to support all four 5Gbps ports simultaneously without bottlenecks.
- UASP Support: Enhances data transfer speeds for UASP-enabled storage devices, accelerating file operations and reducing wait times for large data sets.
- Server OS Compatibility: Supports Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012 R2, 2016, and 2019, enabling reliable USB expansion for critical server infrastructure.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com P5Q4A-USB-CARD is a PCI Express 2.0 x4 expansion card designed to add four USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) Type-A ports to desktop computers or servers, providing essential connectivity for modern peripherals. Each port is backed by its own host controller chipset, ensuring dedicated 5Gbps bandwidth for each connected device.
This card supports both full-height and low-profile installations, offering versatile deployment options across various chassis types, and includes UASP support to optimize data transfer speeds for compatible storage devices, enhancing overall system efficiency.
- Independent Port Architecture: Features four dedicated host controller chipsets, ensuring each USB 3.2 Gen 1 port delivers its full 5Gbps bandwidth without sharing, crucial for high-demand applications.
- PCIe 2.0 x4 Connectivity: Utilizes a PCI Express 2.0 x4 interface, providing a robust internal connection that prevents data bottlenecks and maintains high throughput across all four ports.
- UASP Data Acceleration: Integrated UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) support significantly boosts transfer speeds for compatible external storage, reducing backup and data migration times.
- Broad OS Support: Compatible with a wide range of Windows client and server operating systems, including Windows 7 through 11 and Windows Server 2008 R2 through 2019, ensuring broad system integration.
- Flexible Installation: Designed with a full-height bracket and including a low-profile bracket, this card adapts to various server and desktop chassis, simplifying deployment in diverse IT environments.
Deploy this StarTech.com PCIe card to reliably expand USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity, ensuring your business-critical peripherals operate at peak performance.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Ports & interfaces6
Features3
Weight & dimensions4
Design2
Operational conditions1
System requirements1
Packaging data1
Logistics data1
Downloads1
What This Solves
High-Speed Data Acquisition
Research labs or industrial settings often require connecting multiple high-speed sensors or cameras to a single workstation for simultaneous data capture. This card provides four independent 5Gbps USB ports, ensuring each device receives dedicated bandwidth for uninterrupted, high-fidelity data streaming and acquisition.
Scientific research facilities, industrial automation environments, quality control departments, embedded system developers
Server Peripheral Expansion
Servers may need additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for connecting external storage, backup devices, or specialized hardware without compromising performance. The PCIe card adds four dedicated 5Gbps USB Type-A ports, enabling reliable, high-throughput connections for server peripherals and supporting critical data operations.
Data center operators, small business server rooms, IT infrastructure teams, virtualized environments
Workstation I/O Upgrade
Professional workstations often require more high-speed USB ports than natively available for connecting multiple external SSDs, docking stations, or specialized input devices. This card upgrades workstation I/O with four dedicated 5Gbps USB ports, facilitating faster file transfers and ensuring consistent performance for demanding professional workflows.
Creative agencies, engineering firms, financial trading desks, video production studios
Key Features
Four USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) Type-A Ports
Provides ample connectivity for multiple high-speed peripherals, eliminating the need to constantly swap devices and improving workflow efficiency.
Dedicated 5Gbps Bandwidth Per Port
Ensures each connected device operates at its maximum potential without bandwidth contention, critical for consistent performance of data-intensive applications.
PCI Express 2.0 x4 Host Interface
Offers a high-bandwidth internal connection to the system, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring stable data flow across all four USB ports.
UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) Support
Accelerates data transfer speeds for compatible storage devices, significantly reducing file copy times and enhancing overall system responsiveness.
Windows Server OS Compatibility
Enables reliable USB expansion for critical server infrastructure, supporting a wide range of server applications and specialized hardware.
Industry Applications
Manufacturing & Industrial
For connecting industrial cameras, sensors, and control systems to embedded PCs or servers, requiring dedicated, stable 5Gbps USB bandwidth for reliable data acquisition.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
For integrating specialized medical imaging devices, diagnostic tools, or lab equipment that depend on high-speed, uncontended USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity for accurate data transfer.
Legal & Professional Services
For high-volume document scanning operations or connecting multiple external storage devices for large data sets, ensuring efficient and rapid data handling without bottlenecks.
Education & Research
For equipping research workstations and lab servers with additional high-speed USB ports to connect scientific instruments, data loggers, and high-resolution sensors for experimental setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of dedicated bandwidth per port on this USB card?
Dedicated bandwidth means each of the four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports has its own 5Gbps channel, preventing performance degradation when multiple high-speed devices are used simultaneously. This ensures consistent, optimal performance for each connected peripheral.
Can this card be installed in a low-profile computer case or server?
Yes, the StarTech.com P5Q4A-USB-CARD includes both a full-height bracket and a low-profile bracket, allowing for flexible installation in various desktop and server chassis configurations.
Does this USB card require additional power?
Yes, the card features a SATA 15-pin power connector, which must be connected to your system's power supply to provide sufficient power for the card and connected USB devices.
What operating systems are supported by this PCIe USB card?
This card supports a broad range of operating systems, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11, as well as Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012 R2, 2016, and 2019, plus Linux operating systems.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
2-Year Warranty
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.