Computer USB Port Expansion Cards for PCI Express x16

Finding a USB Port Expansion Card for PCI Express x16

USB port expansion cards allow users to upgrade or expand the number of USB ports on a computer through an available PCI Express (PCI-E) port. The cards offer a range of external and internal ports for slotting into the motherboard, enabling users to insert USB 3.0 PCI-Express add-on cards in any desktop computer. The PCI Express cards allow high bandwidth connections between computers and connected USB devices.

Why Should You Consider When Selecting a USB Port Expansion Card?

Transferring data from a computer to an external device is something people do on a regular basis. Most of the time, they do so through the USB slot, so upgrading their USB to the latest version can do them a world of good. To do so yourself, you need to install a new USB port expansion card. Some of the factors you should consider when choosing a USB port expansion card include:

• Speed: With quicker speeds, you'll experience less wait time. USB 3.0 expansion cards support data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps making it 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
• PCIe version: PCIe comes in various versions and speeds. You can choose between versions 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 and either of x1, x4, x8, or x16. The x1 uses a single data lane, while the x16 protocol transfers data in 16 data lanes. The more the data lanes, the more the bandwidth in the connection.
• Compatibility: Consider whether the card is compatible with your operating system. In addition, you should determine whether the card is compatible with your motherboard.
• Size: The card you pick should be able to fit in the physical space available in your computer chassis.

How Do You Install a USB Port PCI Express Expansion Card?

Installing a PCI card is one of the easier upgrades you can perform on a computer, with a few simple steps:

• Open the computer: First, unplug the computer and then open the side panel to access the motherboard.
• Identify the PCI slots: Look for rectangular slots on your motherboard corresponding with the bays on the back of the computer case.
• Remove the bay cover: Each PCI slot has a protective cover at the back of the computer. To open it, unplug the screw holding it in place and press it out of the case.
• Insert the card: Line up the PCI card to the PCI slot and press the card gently into the slot. Once the card is fully seated, screw the card into the same hole the bay cover was screwed. Connect the auxiliary power using a PCIe power cable or a SATA power connector.

Once the PCI-E card is fully secured, put the side panel back in and close up the computer. If the card is not detected, you need to install USB card drivers from the disk that came with the card.