What to Look for in Internal USB Port Cards
How to Choose Internal USB Port Cards
Introduction
Adding additional USB ports to your computer can be a convenient way to expand its capabilities and allow for more devices to be connected. One way to do this is by using an internal USB port card, which can be installed inside your computer's case. In this article, we will explain what internal USB port cards are and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What are Internal USB Port Cards?
An internal USB port card is a small expansion card that can be installed inside a computer's case. It typically adds one or more additional USB ports to the computer, allowing for more devices to be connected. These cards are particularly useful for older computers that may not have many built-in USB ports, or for those who need to connect a large number of USB devices and want to avoid using a USB hub.
Internal USB port cards are available in different sizes and with varying numbers of ports. Some cards can be installed in a PCIe slot, while others use a standard PCI slot. There are also internal USB port cards that use the newer USB 3.1 or USB-C standards, which offer faster data transfer speeds and more versatile connectivity options.
How to Choose the Right Internal USB Port Card
When choosing an internal USB port card, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
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Compatibility: The first thing to check is whether the internal USB port card is compatible with your computer. Most cards will specify the types of motherboard and CPU they are compatible with, so make sure to check this before purchasing.
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Number of ports: The next thing to consider is the number of ports the internal USB port card has. If you only need a few additional USB ports, a card with one or two ports may be sufficient. However, if you need more ports, you may want to choose a card with more ports or consider using a USB hub in addition to the internal USB port card.
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Speed: If you plan on transferring large files or using high-speed devices, such as external hard drives or gaming peripherals, you will want to choose a card that supports the faster USB 3.1 or USB-C standards. These standards offer faster data transfer speeds, so your devices will perform better.
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Price: Internal USB port cards can range in price from relatively inexpensive to quite expensive, depending on the number of ports and the speed of the card. Consider your budget and the specific needs of your setup when choosing a card.
Conclusion
Internal USB port cards are a convenient way to expand the capabilities of your computer and allow for more devices to be connected. By considering factors such as compatibility, number of ports, speed, and price, you can choose the right internal USB port card for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are internal USB ports for?
Internal USB ports are used to connect the external USB ports on the computer chassis to the motherboard inside the PC. They serve as the endpoint for the connection, allowing devices to be connected via extension cables. Unlike external USB connectors, internal USB headers on the motherboard have different connectors.
2. How do I add more internal USB ports?
There are two main ways to add more internal USB ports. One option is to use a USB hub, which splits the capability of a single USB port into multiple ports. Another option is to add a USB expansion card, which can be installed into an available PCI Express port on the computer. Both methods allow for additional internal USB ports.
3. Do motherboards have internal USB ports?
Most modern motherboards come with onboard USB ports. However, it is also possible to add-on cards with USB ports, especially useful for older machines that may have USB 2.0 ports and want to utilize USB 3.0 devices fully.
4. What does a USB expansion card do?
A USB expansion card allows users to expand the number of USB ports on a computer by utilizing an available PCI Express port. It provides additional USB ports for connecting devices to the computer.
5. What does an internal USB 3.0 connection do?
An internal USB 3.0 connection supports all speeds offered by USB 2.0 and adds SuperSpeed at 5Mb/s. It incorporates both a USB 2.0 hub and a SuperSpeed hub internally. However, for SuperSpeed to be used, all devices and hubs between the host and the device need to be SuperSpeed enabled.
6. What are 3 ways to get more USB ports?
There are three ways to increase the number of available USB ports on your PC. One option is to use USB splitters, which are cables that split into multiple USB ports. Another option is to use USB hubs, which offer additional ports. Powered USB hubs provide more power and can support more devices. Lastly, PCIe expansion cards can be added to the computer to add more USB ports.
7. Why would someone want to add an expansion card?
Expansion cards serve various purposes, such as improving video output with graphics cards, enhancing audio quality with sound cards, enabling wired or wireless connections with network cards, adding extra storage space or speed with storage cards, providing functions like TV tuners or USB, and more. People may want to add an expansion card to enhance the capabilities of their computer.
Editor's Notes
During our internal usb port card research, we found 24 internal usb port card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 28,410 customer reviews through our big data system to write the internal usb port cards list. We found that most customers choose internal usb port cards with an average price of $26.42.
The internal usb port cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of internal usb port cards, including ELUTENG, StarTech.com, YEELIYA, Inateck, FANBLACK. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 460 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.
