USB expansion cards fit into a computer's expansion slot and add extra USB ports. They suit desktop PCs that have run out of ports or need faster connections. Our range includes USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 cards, models with USB Type-C, and a few cards with SATA, serial or parallel connectors. Brands include Delock, StarTech.com and Dell.
How to choose a USB expansion card
Slot type and standard. The card must match a free slot in your computer. Our range includes PCIe 2.0 and PCIe 3.0 models. Faster cards often need a longer slot (an x4, for example), and a small case may call for a low-profile bracket.
USB speed. 5 Gbit/s (USB 3.2 Gen 1) is enough for keyboards, printers and ordinary external drives. 10 Gbit/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2) is worth choosing for fast external SSDs, and our range also includes 20 Gbit/s cards. Some cards share bandwidth between several ports, so read the specification carefully.
Port type and number. USB-A ports suit most peripherals, while USB Type-C is needed for newer drives and phones. Our range includes both types. Count how many devices you will connect at once and leave a little spare capacity.
Extra connectors and power. A few cards offer SATA, serial or parallel connectors, which helps with older equipment such as till systems or industrial devices. Cards that power demanding devices may need an additional power connector from the computer's power supply.
Brands in our range
- Delock: known for computer connection adapters, cables and interface cards.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian company known for connectivity products aimed at IT professionals and system administrators.
You will also find cards from Dell.
Frequently asked questions
What is a USB expansion card used for?
It is used when a computer runs out of USB ports or you want faster ones, such as USB 3.2 Gen 2 or USB Type-C. The card is installed in an expansion slot on the motherboard. It is a better choice than a hub when you need speed, because a hub shares the bandwidth of a single port.
Can I use a USB expansion card in a laptop?
Usually not. A PCIe card needs an expansion slot, and laptops generally do not have one. For a laptop, an external hub, docking station or adapter is the better option, while expansion cards suit desktop PCs with a free slot.
What is the difference between USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 cards?
Gen 1 transfers data at up to 5 Gbit/s and Gen 2 at up to 10 Gbit/s. You will notice the difference with a fast external SSD, but not with a keyboard, mouse or printer. Our range also includes 20 Gbit/s cards.
Will a PCIe 3.0 card work in a PCIe 2.0 slot?
Usually yes, because PCIe standards are backwards compatible. The older slot may limit the speed, so a 10 or 20 Gbit/s card might not get all the bandwidth it needs. Before buying, check which standard and slot length your motherboard supports.
