Description
The Galileo PE3117 is a high-density USB expansion solution designed for desktop users who have exhausted their motherboard's native I/O. Utilizing a PCI-E 1X interface, this card delivers seven dedicated USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, each capable of 5Gbps throughput. Its hardware-level design focuses on signal integrity and device safety, making it a robust upgrade for legacy systems or modern workstations requiring extensive peripheral support.
This product is for:
- Creative Professionals: Connect multiple external drives, card readers, and drawing tablets simultaneously without bandwidth bottlenecks.
- IT Administrators: Upgrade older server or workstation hardware to support modern USB 3.1 standards for faster diagnostic tool deployment.
- Home Office Users: Eliminate the need for external USB hubs by integrating seven ports directly into the PC chassis for a cleaner workspace.
- Industrial System Integrators: Utilize the wide OS compatibility (Windows XP to 11 and Linux) for specialized legacy equipment interfacing.
- Gamers and Streamers: Manage a full array of peripherals including webcams, microphones, capture cards, and RGB controllers through a single expansion slot.
Detailed specifications:
- Interface: PCI-Express 1X (Compatible with 4X, 8X, and 16X slots)
- Port Configuration: 7 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A
- Data Transfer Rate: Up to 5Gbps (SuperSpeed)
- Power Output: 5V / 900mA per port
- Protection Mechanisms: Independent overcurrent protection and noise filtering per port
- Operating System Support: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 (32/64-bit); Linux Kernel 3.x and above
- Features: Hot-swapping support, backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1
Installing the PE3117 is a straightforward plug-and-play process on modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11. The card draws power directly from the PCI-E slot, removing the need for additional SATA or Molex power cables in most standard configurations. During high-load data transfers, the independent noise filtering ensures that sensitive peripherals, such as USB audio interfaces or high-resolution webcams, maintain a stable connection without interference. The physical layout of the seven ports is optimized for standard Type-A connectors, providing a secure fit within the rear I/O shield.
Compared to external unpowered USB hubs, the Galileo PE3117 offers superior stability by utilizing the dedicated PCI-E bus, which reduces latency and prevents the "device disconnected" errors common with daisy-chained hubs. While USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) cards offer higher peak speeds for NVMe enclosures, the PE3117 prioritizes port density, offering seven ports instead of the typical two or four found on Gen 2 cards. This makes it the more efficient choice for users prioritizing the quantity of connected devices over maximum single-port burst speeds.
Q&A:
- Does this card require an external power connection? No, the PE3117 is designed to draw power directly from the PCI-E 1X slot to power its seven ports.
- Is it compatible with older PCI-E 1.0 or 2.0 slots? Yes, the card is backward compatible with older PCI-E generations, though bandwidth may be limited by the slot's maximum throughput.
- Can I use this card to charge my smartphone? Each port provides up to 900mA, which is standard for USB 3.1 Gen 1; it will charge devices at standard rates but does not support "Fast Charging" protocols like PD or QC.
- Will this work with a Linux-based NAS? Yes, it supports Linux Kernel 3.x and above, making it suitable for expanding connectivity on DIY NAS builds.
- Do I need to install drivers for Windows 11? Windows 10 and 11 typically include native drivers for USB 3.1 Gen 1 controllers, allowing for immediate operation upon installation.
