Expansion cards and adapters add ports to a computer or change the type of connection it offers. Our range mainly covers PCIe expansion cards, serial port cards, USB cards and M.2 and other internal adapters. The most common brands are DELOCK, StarTech.com, EXSYS and InLine.
They suit home and office PCs, as well as industrial or older equipment that lacks the ports you need.
How to choose an expansion card or adapter
Connection to the motherboard. Start by checking which free slot your motherboard has. Most cards in our range connect through PCIe, but there are also Mini PCI Express, M.2, PCI and SATA solutions. PCIe slots come in x1, x4, x8 and x16 sizes, and a card will usually fit a slot of the same size or a longer one.
The port you need. Decide what you plan to connect. Outputs in our range include serial ports, USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, M.2 and fibre. Serial ports are typically needed for till equipment, industrial controllers and network device consoles.
Speed and PCIe lanes. A card with a PCIe x1 connection can limit very fast devices such as an NVMe drive or an external USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSD. Before buying, check how many PCIe lanes and which generation the card needs, and compare that with what your motherboard offers.
Size and bracket. Small cases and mini PCs often take only low-profile cards. Check whether a low-profile bracket is included or only a full-height one.
Operating system and drivers. Look at the description to see whether the card supports your version of Windows or Linux. Some cards, serial cards in particular, need drivers to be installed separately.
Brands we carry
- DELOCK: known for computer cards, adapters and cables, which is why it accounts for the largest share of this category.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian company known for connectivity and adapter solutions aimed at IT professionals.
- EXSYS: specialises in serial and multi-port input and output cards.
- InLine: known for cables, adapters and other computer accessories.
- Thermaltake and AKASA: makers of cases, cooling and PC accessories, whose expansion products suit custom PC builds.
- ASUS: a manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards.
Also in our range: S-CONN Maximum Connectivity, Transmedia, Microconnect and Conceptronic.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do if my motherboard has too few USB ports?
You can fit a USB expansion card in a free PCIe slot. This gives you extra USB Type-A or USB Type-C ports without replacing the motherboard. Before buying, check that the card suits your slot size and supports the USB speed you need.
Can a PCIe x1 card go in an x16 slot?
Yes, this usually works. The shorter card simply uses part of the longer slot and runs at x1 speed. Still, confirm compatibility in the motherboard and card descriptions.
What is a serial port card used for?
It connects equipment that uses a serial interface such as RS-232. Examples include till systems, measuring instruments, industrial controllers and network device consoles. Many modern motherboards no longer have these ports, so a card is a simple way to add them.
Are PCI and PCIe cards compatible?
No, they are different standards with different connectors, so a PCI card will not fit a PCIe slot. PCI is the older standard and is rarely found on modern motherboards. When choosing a card, first check which slots your board has.
