PCIE X4 to 2X 10Gbps USB 3.1 GEN2 Type E Card - Front Panel USB-C

In this review the FebSmart FS-E2C-Pro is examined as a practical way to add two front-panel USB 3.1 GEN2 Type E key A ports to desktop PCs, workstations, and Mac Pro systems. The bottom line: it is best for users who need two reliable 10Gbps-capable USB-C connections without routing power cables to the PSU, delivering a straightforward plug-and-play upgrade that prioritizes data throughput and compatibility with high-speed USB-C peripherals.

Key Features

• Dual 10Gbps USB-C: Adds two USB 3.1 GEN2 Type E ports to the front panel, allowing up to 10Gbps per port for NVMe enclosures, 10Gbps hubs, VR gear and 4K USB-C video adapters.
• Self-powered design: Built-in FebSmart Self-Powered Technology supplies 5V/3A to each port without connecting to the PC power supply, so high-power devices can run at superspeed.
• ASMedia ASM3142 controller: Uses the third-generation ASM3142 host controller with multiple INs coordination to auto-manage bandwidth across both ports.
• Thermal management: An added heat sink helps keep core components cool so connected devices can maintain peak 10Gbps speeds under sustained use.
• Wide OS support: Plug-and-play on modern Windows and many macOS and Linux kernels, with drivers available where required for legacy Windows systems.

Who It's For

The FS-E2C-Pro is aimed at desktop users, creative professionals, and Mac Pro 5,1 owners who need two front-panel USB-C ports that can sustain high transfer rates for external NVMe enclosures, fast USB-C hubs, or video adapters. It is particularly useful when rear I/O is crowded or when frequent front access is preferred.

Users who should look elsewhere include owners of systems that only provide PCIE x1 or x2 slots, and those who need Thunderbolt or ALT+DP video-over-USB-C functionality, since this card provides standard USB 3.1 GEN2 features only and requires a PCIE x4/ x8/ x16 slot to reach full 10Gbps performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy installation and plug-and-play use on supported Windows and macOS versions.
• Provides two independent USB-C ports capable of 10Gbps each for high-speed peripherals.
• Self-powered design delivers 5V/3A per port without PSU cables, simplifying setup.
• Heat sink and ASM3142 controller help maintain thermal stability and manage bandwidth.

Cons

• Does not work in PCIE x1 or x2 slots and cannot provide Thunderbolt or ALT+DP video pass-through.
• Some users report inconsistent behavior with certain devices or power-sensitive peripherals, so results may vary by system.

Specifications

Product type	PCIE x4 USB 3.1 GEN2 expansion card
Ports added	2x USB 3.1 GEN2 Type E key A (front-panel USB-C)
Max data rate	10Gbps per port (16Gbps total theoretical)
Power	Built-in self-powered: 5V/3A per port (5V/6A total), not for fast charging
Controller	ASMedia ASM3142 USB 3.1 GEN2 host controller
PCIE compatibility	Requires PCIE x4, x8, or x16 slot (not compatible with x1/x2)
OS support	Plug-and-play on Windows 10/11 and macOS 10.9+ (not 10.11); drivers for older Windows

Our Verdict

The FS-E2C-Pro is a pragmatic, cost-effective upgrade for desktops and Mac Pros needing two front USB-C ports with sustained 10Gbps capability. Its built-in power delivery and thermal attention make it a good value for users with compatible PCIE slots; however, those requiring Thunderbolt features or using PCIE x1/x2 slots should seek alternative solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work in a PCIE x16 slot?
Yes, the card is compatible with PCIE x4, x8, and x16 slots and will function normally in an x16 slot.

Do I need to connect a PSU cable for the ports to supply power?
No, the FebSmart self-powered technology supplies 5V/3A per port without an external PSU connection, though it is not intended for fast charging.

Does this card provide Thunderbolt or DisplayPort alternate mode?
No, it only provides USB 3.1 GEN2 functionality and does not support Thunderbolt or ALT+DP video pass-through.