PCI USB 3.0 expansion card Renkforce 986823, 4 ports, NEC chipset

The Renkforce PCI USB 3.0 expansion card 986823 adds four external USB 3.0 ports to a desktop PC with an available PCI slot. Based on an NEC chipset for host control, this card expands high-speed USB connectivity to support external storage, peripherals and backup devices while maintaining backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices. It is intended for users who need additional ports or faster transfer rates on older systems that lack native USB 3.0 support.

Advantages

This PCI USB 3.0 expansion card provides four external ports, enabling simultaneous connection of multiple devices without occupying motherboard headers. The NEC chipset ensures stable host control and reliable data transfers. With compatibility across USB generations, the card supports plug-and-play installation on most operating systems with standard drivers. The low-profile bracket design (where applicable) helps fit a variety of PC cases and the external port orientation simplifies cable routing for external drives and peripherals.

Suitable for

• Adding high-speed USB 3.0 ports to desktop PCs lacking native USB 3.0
• Connecting external hard drives and SSD enclosures for faster backups and file transfers
• Expanding connectivity for multiple USB peripherals such as webcams, card readers and audio interfaces
• Upgrading older systems to improve data transfer performance without replacing the motherboard

Key specifications

• Interface: PCI (32-bit) expansion card compatible with standard PCI slots
• Ports: 4 x external USB 3.0 Type-A ports
• Chipset: NEC chipset for host control and USB signal management
• Data transfer: USB 3.0 SuperSpeed transfer rates (backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1)
• Form factor: low-profile bracket option for compact PC cases (if supplied) and standard bracket for full-height slots
• Power: self-powered from PCI slot; may require additional power for some high-draw devices depending on system configuration

How to use

Power off the PC and disconnect from mains before installation. Open the computer case, locate an empty 32-bit PCI slot and remove the corresponding slot cover. Insert the Renkforce USB 3.0 expansion card into the PCI slot until it is firmly seated and secure the bracket with the case screw. Replace the case cover and reconnect power. Boot the system and install any required drivers supplied by the operating system or from the manufacturer if the OS does not provide native support. After drivers are installed, connect USB devices to the external ports and verify device recognition and transfer performance.

Usage recommendations

For reliable high-speed transfers, connect USB 3.0 external storage using high-quality USB 3.0 cables and ensure the system power and BIOS settings support PCI devices. If multiple high-current devices are used simultaneously, consider using externally powered USB hubs or devices with their own power supply to avoid overloading the PCI slot's power delivery.