Description
The MSI USB4 PD100W Expansion Card is a high-performance PCIe 4.0 x4 interface card powered by the ASMedia ASM4242 controller. It delivers dual USB 4.0 Type-C ports, each capable of 40Gbps bidirectional bandwidth, effectively doubling the speed of previous USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 standards. This card is designed for users who require massive data throughput for external NVMe drives and professional-grade peripherals while maintaining backward compatibility with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices.
This product is for:
This expansion card serves five distinct user groups:
- Creative professionals handling 8K video files who need the fastest external storage speeds for real-time editing.
- Workstation users requiring 100W Power Delivery to charge high-drain devices like laptops or tablets directly from their desktop PC.
- Multi-display enthusiasts utilizing the dual DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for high-resolution video pass-through via USB-C.
- Tech-forward builders looking to future-proof their systems with the latest USB4 connectivity standards.
- IT professionals seeking a reliable ASMedia-based solution for high-speed data backup and server-to-client environments.
Detailed specifications:
Technical Specifications:
- Chipset: ASMedia ASM4242 USB 4.0 Controller
- Interface: PCI-Express 4.0 x4
- External Ports: 2 x USB 4.0 (USB-C)
- Video Input: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 ports
- Power Delivery: Up to 100W fast charging support
- Form Factor: 5.2 inches x 4.11 inches (13.2 cm x 10.4 cm)
- Included Accessories: 1 x U4 header cable, 1 x USB 2.0 cable
Integrating the MSI USB4 PD100W into a build significantly reduces cable clutter and enhances workflow efficiency. By connecting your graphics card's DisplayPort output to the expansion card's DP-in ports, you can output both high-definition video and high-speed data through a single USB-C cable. The 100W Power Delivery ensures that even power-hungry mobile workstations remain charged while connected to the desktop, making it an ideal hub for hybrid professional setups.
Compared to standard USB 3.2 expansion cards, the MSI USB4 PD100W offers four times the bandwidth and significantly higher power output. While Thunderbolt 4 cards offer similar speeds, this USB4 solution provides broader compatibility with the open USB4 standard and specialized support for 100W PD, which is often capped at lower wattages on competing PCIe add-in cards. The use of the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface ensures that the 40Gbps ports are never bottlenecked by the system bus.
Q&A:
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Does this card require external power for 100W PD? Yes, a dedicated power connection from the PSU is required to enable the full 100W charging capability.
- Can I use this card in a PCIe 3.0 slot? While physically compatible, using a PCIe 3.0 slot will limit the maximum potential bandwidth of the USB4 ports.
- How does the DisplayPort pass-through work? You connect a DP cable from your graphics card to the DP-in on the MSI card to enable video output via the USB-C ports.
- Is this card compatible with non-MSI motherboards? It is generally compatible with motherboards featuring a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot and the necessary internal headers for the U4 and USB 2.0 cables.
- What is the maximum data transfer speed? The card supports up to 40Gbps per port, depending on the connected device's capabilities and the cable used.
