Model: PCIUSB3S4
from $69.99
Add 4 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports to a computer through a PCI slot. The PCIUSB3S4 4-Port PCI to USB 3.0 Card enables legacy PCI slots to support the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 standard, which is capable of data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps. Using USB 3.0 devices with this card will increase data transfer rates with up to 1.3 Gbps of available bandwidth (PCI bus limit) - more than doubling performance compared to a USB 2.0 connection.
Determine if you need a passive adapter (just changing the plug shape) or an active converter (translating a digital signal to analog, like HDMI to VGA). Active converters are strictly directional, meaning an HDMI-to-DisplayPort cable will not work backwards. Available from $69.99.
Adapters and converters have zero maintenance and no consumable parts. Active converters may draw a microscopic amount of power via USB or HDMI, but the cost is unmeasurable. They are simply replaced if lost or broken.
Common Failure Modes
Failures are entirely physical or heat-related. Connectors can bend or snap if torque is applied to the cable. Active converters (which contain chips) can overheat and fail if passing high-bandwidth signals for long periods.
Determine if you need a passive adapter (just changing the plug shape) or an active converter (translating a digital signal to analog, like HDMI to VGA). Active converters are strictly directional, meaning an HDMI-to-DisplayPort cable will not work backwards. Always check maximum supported resolution and refresh rate for video adapters.
Passive adapters last indefinitely unless physically broken. Active converters (with chips) may fail after several years.
The StarTech Four-Port SuperSpeed USB 3.0 PCI Card with SATA/SP4 Power is available at bhphoto, adorama, starting at $69.99.
Adapters and converters have zero maintenance and no consumable parts. Active converters may draw a microscopic amount of power via USB or HDMI, but the cost is unmeasurable. They are simply replaced if lost or broken.
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