MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card. This card is designed to add seven high-speed USB 3.0 ports to your desktop computer, enhancing connectivity and data transfer capabilities.

The MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card offers data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, which is significantly faster than USB 2.0. It features UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) technology and dedicated channels to optimize performance and reduce CPU load. This card is a plug-and-play solution for most modern operating systems.

Figure 1: MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items are present in your package:

• MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card (Model: PCE7USB-R05 VER006)
• Mounting Screw (typically included with PC cases, but sometimes with the card)

Figure 2: Retail packaging for the MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card

3. Specifications

Figure 3: Product dimensions of the expansion card

4. Compatibility

4.1 PCI Express Slot Requirements

The MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card requires an available PCI Express slot within your computer case. It is compatible with:

• PCIe x1 slots
• PCIe x4 slots
• PCIe x8 slots
• PCIe x16 slots

Note: This card is NOT compatible with standard PCI slots.

Figure 4: Illustration of PCIe X1 slot and compatible larger slots

4.2 Operating System Support

The card supports a wide range of operating systems, offering plug-and-play functionality for most modern versions:

• Windows 11
• Windows 10
• Windows 8
• Windows 7
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Linux

For Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP and Linux, the card is generally plug-and-play, meaning no additional driver installation is required. The operating system should automatically detect and install the necessary drivers. In rare cases, for older systems or specific configurations, manual driver installation might be necessary.

Figure 5: Logos of supported operating systems

5. Setup and Installation

Warning: Before proceeding with installation, ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet. Always ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to components.

5.1 Pre-installation Checklist

• An available PCI Express slot (x1, x4, x8, or x16) in your desktop PC.
• A Phillips head screwdriver.
• Sufficient space within your PC case for the card.

5.2 Physical Installation Steps

1. Power Off and Unplug: Shut down your computer completely and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
2. Open PC Case: Remove the side panel of your computer case to access the motherboard and expansion slots.
3. Locate an Available PCIe Slot: Identify an empty PCI Express slot (x1, x4, x8, or x16). Remove the corresponding metal bracket cover from the back of the PC case.
4. Insert the Card: Carefully align the gold contacts of the MZHOU USB 3.0 PCIe card with the chosen PCIe slot. Apply even, firm pressure to push the card straight down into the slot until it is fully seated. Ensure the card's bracket aligns with the opening at the back of the case.
5. Secure the Card: Use a screw to secure the card's metal bracket to the PC case. This prevents the card from moving.
6. Close PC Case: Replace the side panel of your computer case.
7. Reconnect Power: Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and power on your computer.

Figure 6: The expansion card correctly installed in a PCIe slot within a desktop computer

5.3 Driver Installation

Upon booting your computer, the operating system should automatically detect the new hardware and install the necessary drivers. You can verify the installation:

• For Windows: Open Device Manager (Right-click 'This PC' or 'My Computer' > 'Manage' > 'Device Manager'). Look under 'Universal Serial Bus controllers' for entries like 'USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller'. If you see a yellow exclamation mark, the driver may need manual installation or an update.
• For Linux: Use commands like lsusb or lspci in the terminal to check for detected USB controllers.

Note on Power:

The MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card does not require an additional external power connector (e.g., SATA or Molex) on the card itself. It draws power directly from the PCIe slot. However, for optimal performance and to ensure stable power delivery to all connected USB devices, especially during large data transfers or when connecting multiple high-power devices, ensure your PC's internal power supply unit (PSU) is adequate for your system's total power requirements.

6. Operation

6.1 Connecting USB Devices

Once the card is successfully installed and recognized by your operating system, you can connect your USB 3.0, USB 2.0, or USB 1.1 devices to any of the seven available USB 3.0 ports on the card. The ports are backward compatible.

Figure 7: Example of multiple USB devices connected to the card

6.2 Data Transfer Speeds

The USB 3.0 ports support SuperSpeed data transfer rates up to 5Gbps. Actual speeds may vary depending on the connected device, cable quality, and system load. For optimal performance, use USB 3.0 compatible devices and cables.

Figure 8: Comparison of USB 3.0 (5Gbps) and USB 2.0 (480Mbps) theoretical speeds

6.3 UASP Support

The card supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), which can significantly improve data transfer speeds for UASP-enabled storage devices, especially with small file transfers, by reducing protocol overhead and CPU utilization.

7. Maintenance

The MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card is designed for reliable, long-term operation with minimal maintenance. Follow these general guidelines:

• Keep Clean: Periodically clean the interior of your PC case to prevent dust buildup on the card and other components. Use compressed air to gently remove dust.
• Avoid Physical Damage: Handle the card carefully during installation. Once installed, avoid unnecessary physical contact or stress on the card or its connected cables.
• Environmental Conditions: Ensure your PC operates in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating, which can affect component lifespan.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Card Not Detected:
  • Ensure the card is fully seated in the PCIe slot. Power off, unplug, and re-seat the card firmly.
  • Try a different PCIe slot if available.
  • Check Device Manager (Windows) or system logs (Linux) for any error messages.
  • Ensure your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to enable PCIe slots.
• USB Devices Not Recognized or Malfunctioning:
  • Ensure the USB device is properly connected to the card.
  • Test the USB device on a different USB port or another computer to rule out device issues.
  • Verify that the card's drivers are correctly installed in Device Manager (no yellow exclamation marks).
  • If connecting multiple high-power devices, ensure your PC's power supply is sufficient.
• Slow Data Transfer Speeds:
  • Ensure both the connected device and the USB cable are USB 3.0 compatible. USB 2.0 devices will operate at USB 2.0 speeds.
  • Verify that UASP is enabled and supported by your operating system and storage device for optimal performance.
  • Avoid connecting the card to a PCIe slot that shares bandwidth with other high-speed components (e.g., M.2 SSDs), as this can sometimes reduce available bandwidth. Consult your motherboard manual.
• Physical Obstruction with Vertical USB Ports:
  • The USB A ports on this card are vertically oriented. If you experience difficulty plugging in USB cables due to your PC case's expansion slot design, ensure the card is securely fastened and consider the physical dimensions of your USB devices and cables.

9. Warranty and Support

9.1 Warranty Information

Specific warranty terms and duration for the MZHOU 7-Port USB 3.0 PCIe Expansion Card are typically provided at the point of purchase or on the product packaging. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. For detailed warranty information, refer to the documentation included with your product or contact the seller/manufacturer directly.

9.2 Technical Support

If you require further assistance or encounter issues not covered in this manual, please contact MZHOU customer support or the retailer from whom you purchased the product. When contacting support, please have your product model number (PCE7USB-R05 VER006) and a detailed description of the issue ready.

Manufacturer: MZHOU Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

For support inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided on the product packaging or the official MZHOU website.