Inateck KTU3FR-4P PCI-e to USB 3.0 4-Port Expansion Card User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Inateck KTU3FR-4P is a PCI-e to USB 3.0 expansion card designed to add four SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports to your desktop computer. This card provides enhanced data transfer rates and broad compatibility with various USB devices and operating systems.

Key features include:

• SuperSpeed USB 3.0 with transfer rates up to 5Gbps.
• Four USB 3.0 downstream ports for standard desktop PCs.
• Supports USB Hot Plug and Plug & Play functionality.
• Low Energy Consumption (LPM support).
• 15-pin SATA Power Connector for stable power supply to USB devices.
• Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices.
• Operating System Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Mac OS 10.8 or above.

This image displays the Inateck KTU3FR-4P expansion card, highlighting its four USB 3.0 ports and the PCI-e connector. The included SATA power cables are also visible, essential for providing sufficient power to the card and connected devices.

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items are present in the package:

• 1x Inateck USB 3.0 PCI-E Expansion Card (KTU3FR-4P)
• 1x CD Driver
• 1x Mounting Screw
• 1x User Manual (this document)
• 1x 15-pin to 2x 15-pin SATA Y-cable
• 1x 4-pin to 2x 15-pin SATA Cable (for older power supplies)

3. Setup and Installation

3.1 Pre-installation Checklist

• Ensure your computer has an available PCI-Express slot (PCI-E 2.0 or higher recommended).
• Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source.
• Ground yourself by touching a metal object to discharge static electricity before handling internal components.
• Gather necessary tools: Phillips head screwdriver.

3.2 Hardware Installation Steps

1. Open the Computer Case: Remove the side panel of your computer case to access the motherboard and PCI-Express slots.
2. Locate an Available PCI-Express Slot: Identify an empty PCI-Express slot on your motherboard. The Inateck KTU3FR-4P card requires a PCI-Express x1 slot or larger.
3. Insert the Expansion Card: Carefully align the gold contacts of the Inateck card with the chosen PCI-Express slot. Press down firmly and evenly until the card is securely seated.

   

   This image shows a detailed view of the PCI-E connector, emphasizing the gold contacts that interface with the motherboard slot. Ensure proper alignment during installation.

4. Secure the Card: Use the provided mounting screw to secure the card's bracket to the computer case.
5. Connect Power: The Inateck KTU3FR-4P requires external power for stable operation and to supply power to connected USB devices.
   • Locate an available 15-pin SATA power connector from your power supply.
   • Connect this SATA power connector to the 15-pin SATA power port on the Inateck card.
   • If your power supply does not have an available 15-pin SATA power connector, use the provided 4-pin Molex to 15-pin SATA power cable or the 15-pin to 2x 15-pin SATA Y-cable as needed.

     

     This image displays the two types of power cables included: a SATA Y-cable and a 4-pin Molex to SATA cable, providing flexibility for various power supply configurations.

6. Close the Computer Case: Replace the side panel of your computer case.
7. Reconnect Power: Plug your computer back into the power source and turn it on.

This image illustrates the expansion card properly seated in a PCI-e slot within a computer case, with the SATA power cable connected to the card.

4. Driver Installation and Operation

4.1 Driver Installation

For Windows 8/10/11 and Mac OS 10.8 or above, the necessary drivers are typically installed automatically upon system startup (Plug & Play). For older operating systems like Windows XP/Vista/7, manual driver installation may be required.

1. Automatic Installation (Windows 8/10/11, Mac OS 10.8+): After booting your computer, the operating system should detect the new hardware and install the appropriate drivers automatically. You can verify installation in Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (Mac).
2. Manual Installation (Windows XP/Vista/7):
   • Insert the provided driver CD into your computer's optical drive.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers.
   • Alternatively, download the latest drivers from the Inateck official website if the CD is unavailable or for updated versions.

This image lists the compatible operating systems, including Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 and Mac OS 10.8 or above, indicating broad system support.

4.2 Basic Operation

Once drivers are successfully installed, the four USB 3.0 ports are ready for use. Simply plug your USB devices into the available ports. The card supports:

• SuperSpeed Data Transfer: Connect USB 3.0 compatible devices to achieve transfer speeds up to 5Gbps.
• Backward Compatibility: USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices will function normally, operating at their respective maximum speeds.
• Hot-Plugging: Devices can be connected and disconnected while the computer is running.

5. Maintenance

The Inateck KTU3FR-4P is designed for reliable, long-term operation with minimal maintenance. To ensure optimal performance and longevity:

• Keep your computer's interior clean and free of dust to prevent overheating and component damage.
• Avoid physical impact or excessive force on the card or its connectors.
• Ensure proper ventilation within your computer case.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Card Not Detected or Not Functioning

• Check Seating: Ensure the card is fully and securely seated in the PCI-Express slot.
• Verify Power Connection: Confirm that the 15-pin SATA power cable is firmly connected to both the card and the power supply. Insufficient power is a common cause of issues.
• Driver Installation: For Windows XP/Vista/7, ensure drivers are correctly installed. For newer OS, check Device Manager for any error symbols next to the USB controller.
• Try Another Slot: If available, try installing the card in a different PCI-Express slot.
• Mac Pro Specific Note: Some Mac Pro models may have issues with the 4th PCI-e slot not providing power. Avoid using this slot if you experience problems.

6.2 Slow Transfer Speeds

• USB 3.0 Device: Ensure the connected device (e.g., external hard drive, flash drive) is a USB 3.0 compatible device. USB 2.0/1.1 devices will operate at their slower native speeds.
• Cable Quality: Use high-quality USB 3.0 cables.
• System Performance: Other system activities or an overloaded CPU can affect transfer speeds.
• Driver Update: Ensure you have the latest drivers installed, especially for Windows 10/11, as generic drivers might not fully utilize the card's capabilities (e.g., Multiple Transaction Translation for specific applications like VR headsets). Check Inateck's website or Fresco Logic's website for the latest FL1100EX chip drivers.

6.3 USB Devices Not Receiving Power

• This almost always indicates an issue with the external power connection to the Inateck card. Double-check the SATA power cable connection.
• Ensure your power supply has sufficient wattage to power all components, including the new expansion card and connected USB devices.

7. Specifications

This image highlights the FL1100EX chipset, which is responsible for the card's high-speed USB 3.0 performance and compatibility.

8. Warranty and Support

Inateck products are designed for quality and reliability. This product is typically guaranteed for a period of one year from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship.

For technical support, driver downloads, or warranty inquiries, please visit the official Inateck website or contact their customer service department. When contacting support, please have your product model number (KTU3FR-4P) and purchase information ready.

Official Inateck Website: www.inateck.com