Asus Launching USB 3.0 PCI-E Card for $30
Don't want to switch out the motherboard for USB 3.0? Why not sink $30 into an Asus PCI-E card!
Although Intel isn't exactly eager to jump on board the USB 3.0 bandwagon just yet, that doesn't mean consumers can't get in on the SuperSpeed USB action. While Asus just unveiled the first motherboard to support USB 3.0, the company also snuck out a nifty expansion card for PC enthusiasts who just don't feel like swapping out the motherboard.
Enter the Asus U3S6, providing two tasty USB 3.0 ports and two SATA 6 Gb/sec. ports across the PCI-E bus. Maximum PC took a few zesty screenshots of the expansion board, and reports that it contains three primary components: a NEC D720200F1 USB 3.0 controller, a Marvell 88SE9123 SATA 6 Gb/sec. controller, and a PLX PEX8613 (also found on the SATA6 boards).
According to Maximum PC, the expansion board worked on par with the USB 2.0 ports found on the P55 used in testing. However, because USB 3.0 is relatively new, the site didn't have any 3.0 devices handy; they didn't have a SATA 6 Gb/sec. drive for testing either. However, the site did say that Asus alleviated any possible bottlenecks by running the card in an x4 PCI-E mode.
The Asus U3S6 PCI-E card is expected to be available soon, and will retail for a measly $30.
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
-
eklipz330 OMG this makes me so happy, it requires double post.... MY MAXIMUS FORMULA X38 LIVESSS!!!!! =D =D =D =D =DReply -
razor512 It is good that actual hardware improvements are happening but I wouldn't go for it just yet as most likely bugs are still being worked out and performance improvements are also still happening. Best to give it time as we don't know how these cards or the early hardware will perform when a wide range of USB 3.0 devices are used or what problems will surface.Reply -
IronRyan21 Now I cant wait for USB 3.0 Devices to show up, im tired of the slow transfers from my USB flash drive to PC :(Reply -
Gin Fushicho Sure would be nice if ASUS would either release a new BIOS for my Crosshair or let me go back to my old one.Reply -
dhowie If this allows drives to boot from it, this will allow nearly anyone to build a semi future proof machine! I just wonder if you are utilizing both sata ports and both usb 3.0 if it will bottleneck. It's to my understanding that the 4x slot will only allow for about 5/6 of full sata 6GBS, and then throw in some USB 3.0 threads to clogg it up. Let's get some benchmarks!Reply