{"product_id":"pcie-x4-to-2x-10gbps-usb-3-1-gen2-type-e-card-front-panel-usb-c","title":"PCIE X4 to 2X 10Gbps USB 3.1 GEN2 Type E Card - Front Panel USB-C","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the FebSmart FS-E2C-Pro is examined as a practical way to add two front-panel \u003cstrong\u003eUSB 3.1 GEN2\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual 10Gbps USB-C:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSelf-powered design:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eASMedia ASM3142 controller:\u003c\/strong\u003e Uses the third-generation ASM3142 host controller with multiple INs coordination to auto-manage bandwidth across both ports.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThermal management:\u003c\/strong\u003e An added heat sink helps keep core components cool so connected devices can maintain peak 10Gbps speeds under sustained use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide OS support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plug-and-play on modern Windows and many macOS and Linux kernels, with drivers available where required for legacy Windows systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsers 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy installation and plug-and-play use on supported Windows and macOS versions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides two independent USB-C ports capable of 10Gbps each for high-speed peripherals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelf-powered design delivers 5V\/3A per port without PSU cables, simplifying setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeat sink and ASM3142 controller help maintain thermal stability and manage bandwidth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes not work in PCIE x1 or x2 slots and cannot provide Thunderbolt or ALT+DP video pass-through.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report inconsistent behavior with certain devices or power-sensitive peripherals, so results may vary by system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCIE x4 USB 3.1 GEN2 expansion card\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePorts added\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2x USB 3.1 GEN2 Type E key A (front-panel USB-C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax data rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10Gbps per port (16Gbps total theoretical)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuilt-in self-powered: 5V\/3A per port (5V\/6A total), not for fast charging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eController\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eASMedia ASM3142 USB 3.1 GEN2 host controller\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCIE compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRequires PCIE x4, x8, or x16 slot (not compatible with x1\/x2)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOS support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlug-and-play on Windows 10\/11 and macOS 10.9+ (not 10.11); drivers for older Windows\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this work in a PCIE x16 slot?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the card is compatible with PCIE x4, x8, and x16 slots and will function normally in an x16 slot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to connect a PSU cable for the ports to supply power?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the FebSmart self-powered technology supplies 5V\/3A per port without an external PSU connection, though it is not intended for fast charging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this card provide Thunderbolt or DisplayPort alternate mode?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, it only provides USB 3.1 GEN2 functionality and does not support Thunderbolt or ALT+DP video pass-through.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FebSmart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48265306734811,"sku":"B09BMBWMDF","price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61hFWqf2QnL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778233775","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/pcie-x4-to-2x-10gbps-usb-3-1-gen2-type-e-card-front-panel-usb-c","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}