USB 3.1 Type-C PCIe Expansion Cards Coming Soon

[imrazor]

http://rog.asus.com/403332015/asus-...est-and-most-comprehensive-usb-3-1-solutions/

I take this to mean that in order to properly use these USB 3.1 add-in cards a BIOS update must be applied to the motherboard. Perhaps this is just an option added into the BIOS to toggle some USB 3.1 specific features,.....?

The last time I checked, my Asus X99-A motherboard had a BIOS update available that cited USB 3.1 support with specificity. My Asus Z97-E motherboard had no such update available but it had pending available some time in March.

These Asus USB 3.1 cards still don't seem to be available though so it doesn't necessarily matter either way right now.

Hmm, I wonder if this new PCI-E card will be backward compatible with my Z77 board. Probably not enough economic incentive for Asus, or perhaps impossible because my board is (relatively) old.

 

[Octavean]

Hmm, I wonder if this new PCI-E card will be backward compatible with my Z77 board. Probably not enough economic incentive for Asus, or perhaps impossible because my board is (relatively) old.

I really have no idea at this point.

My first guess was probably very much like the average computer users in that I just thought it would be no different then a USB 3.0 add-in card. That is to say that I thought it would be universally comparable or quasi so.

I still get the feeling that the BIOS upgrade component to this has to do with options specific to USB 3.1 but we'll have to see how that works out.

BTW, I just came across this review:

ASUS USB 3.1 Type-A Card Review – Add USB 3.1 For $39
Read more at http://www.legitreviews.com/asus-usb-31-type-a-card-review_160622#KF7rX5U3t710js5x.99

http://www.legitreviews.com/asus-usb-31-type-a-card-review_160622

Legit Reviews wanted to see how USB 3.1 performed and was able to get the ASUS USB 3.1 Type-A Card along with a USB 3.1 enclosure to do some speed testing on! This USB 3.1 Card should be available to purchase in the next 1-2 weeks and will have an MSRP of around $39 USD.

The ASUS USB 3.1 Type-A Card is a single slot card that measures 3.12″ in length with a height of 2.9″. It features a PCI Express x4 interface, but actually only runs at x2. ASUS states on the product page for this card that the ASUS USB 3.1 Type-A add-on card is only compatible with selected ASUS motherboards that have the requisite BIOS/UEFI update for the card to work. Our ASUS X99 Deluxe motherboard did not come with support for USB 3.1, but the latest UEFI version that came out this month now support USB 3.1 and it worked just fine.

ASUS went with an ASMedia ASM1142 USB 3.1 host controller for their discrete USB 3.1 Type-A Card to bridge PCI Express to USB 3.1. The ASM1142 integrates ASMedia self-designed PCI Express/USB 3.1 PHY, and it also integrates two internal regulators to supply normal core power and suspend core power with driver
image: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png
support for Windows 7, Windows 8.0, Windows 8.1 and various Linux Kernels.

The review went up on March 25th,...

~$40 isn't too bad so I'll buy one and try it on my Asus X99-A motherboard whenever these cards start shipping.

 

[remoteworks]

https://en.ctimes.com.tw/DispProduct.asp?O=HJZ428PTMTCSAA00P1

 

[tonymacx86]

Looks like the ASRock edition is now up on Newegg:

View attachment 134946ASRock Model USB 3.1/A+C Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813998030

 

[dekalb]

I bought the ASRock's one and installed it in my hackintosh (GA-X58A, 10.10.3, Clover). Although I can not test the full 3.1 functions (I don't have any 3.1 devices), it seems working perfectly OOB! At least, I am happy that the card provides stable 3.0 connection with my USB 3.0 drives. (The GA-X58A requires an extra kext to enable USB 3.0 and it is not always stable.)

 

[Octavean]

I bought the ASRock's one and installed it in my hackintosh (GA-X58A, 10.10.3, Clover). Although I can not test the full 3.1 functions (I don't have any 3.1 devices), it seems working perfectly OOB! At least, I am happy that the card provides stable 3.0 connection with my USB 3.0 drives. (The GA-X58A requires an extra kext to enable USB 3.0 and it is not always stable.)

What version of OS X are you using?

For what its worth I just came across what looks like a generic version on Amazon "SEDNA - PCIE USB 3.1 2 Port Type A Adapter (10 Gbps) with Low Profile Bracket" but its $58.90. Not worth it to me at that price.

 

[Octavean]

Actually there are a number of USB 3.1 cards available now:

ASUS Model USB 3.1 TYPE-A CARD USB 3.1 Dual Type-A PCIe Card $49.99

Asus USB 3.1 TYPE-C CARD Model USB 3.1 TYPE-C CARD $44.99

Then there are some generic models as well:

SEDNA - PCIE USB 3.1 2 Port Type A Adapter (10 Gbps) with Low Profile Bracket $58.90

USB 3.1 Type C PCI-E 4x Express to USB 3.1 Type C USB-C Dual Port Add on Expansion Card Adapter 10 Gbps $39.99

There are some duds though like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/PCI-E-Express-5Gbps-Quick-charge/dp/B00XLWHP70/

I'm not sure why they are calling this one USB 3.1 but its PCIe x1 not PCIe x4 like the others and it uses some chip I'm not familiar with unlike the ASM1142 chip the others do. Also its 5Gbps only. I guess the Type-C connection was just slapped on a USB 3.0 card and called a USB 3.1 card,....

 

[dekalb]

What version of OS X are you using?

10.10.3

I connected USB 3.1 HDD drive, and found that it is also connected as USB 3.0.
However, USB 3.0 connection is very stable.

It is said that the current OS X supports USB 3.0 only,
even if a 3.1 device is connected to the Type-C connecter of the new MacBook.
I hope that some future OS update will support 10Gbps connection.

 

[dkontis]

Has anyone tested the ORICO PA31-AC ?

 

[kdolaac]

Has anyone tested the ORICO PA31-AC ?

just got one and going to try