StarTech.com
Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis
Best expansion solution for professionals needing external PCIe card connectivity.
Expand your system's capabilities with this versatile PCIe expansion chassis. It allows you to integrate full-sized, specialized PCIe cards into modern computers lacking internal expansion slots, perfect for demanding tasks like high-speed networking or video capture. Featuring dual external PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots, it offers substantial bandwidth and supports single-width cards up to 8 inches long. Enjoy external display support up to 8K/5K 60Hz. Setup is simple with its toolless design and driverless operation on macOS and Windows, making it an ideal solution for power users and IT professionals.
$562.71
Owner Satisfaction
3.5
/ 5
Category Rank
245
/ 252
#245 in Computer Components
Price vs Category Average
+89%
Above average
Interface
3440
/ Thunderbolt / ( Gbps maximum data rate)
Who it's for
- Creative professionals needing lightning-fast data transfer speeds
- Laptop users requiring desktop-grade hardware performance
- Power users managing complex multi-device workstations
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable hardware upgrades
- Users with older computers lacking Thunderbolt 3 support
- Mobile professionals prioritizing a lightweight, portable setup
Performance breakdown
Expansion Versatility
Dual PCIe slots provide excellent flexibility for specialized professional hardware upgrades.
Setup Simplicity
Toolless design and driverless operation make hardware integration remarkably straightforward.
Data Throughput
Thunderbolt 3 connectivity ensures high-speed bandwidth for demanding data-intensive tasks.
Build Durability
Rugged aluminum construction offers reliable protection for sensitive internal components.
Power Capacity
Limited wattage restricts usage to lower-power cards rather than high-end GPUs.
Form Factor
Compact footprint fits easily on crowded desks without sacrificing essential functionality.
Key Specs
Interface
Thunderbolt 3/4 (40 Gbps maximum data rate)
External Ports
2x Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, 1x DisplayPort 1.4
Internal Slots
2x PCI Express x16
Card Support
Single-width cards up to 8 in (20.3cm) long
Power Delivery
25W per PCIe slot, up to 40W total via SATA power
Material
Aluminum construction
Dimensions
5.6 in H x 11.1 in W x 3.3 in L
Weight
3.6 lb [1.6 kg]
Know before you buy
This chassis is designed for specialized PCIe cards like network adapters or video capture cards. Because it provides 25W of power per slot, it does not supply enough wattage to support most modern desktop-class graphics cards.
No, the chassis is designed for driverless operation on both macOS and Windows. Simply connect it via the included Thunderbolt cable, and your system should recognize the installed PCIe cards automatically.
The chassis supports single-width PCIe cards with a maximum length of 8 inches (20.3 cm). Please verify the dimensions of your specific card before purchasing to ensure it fits within the enclosure.
Yes, the unit features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, allowing you to daisy-chain additional Thunderbolt devices. This is useful for maintaining a clean desk setup while expanding your system's connectivity.
Yes, the chassis is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 4 ports. It will operate at the maximum bandwidth supported by the Thunderbolt 3 standard, which is 40 Gbps.
The chassis includes an integrated active cooling fan to manage heat generated by your PCIe cards. The durable aluminum housing also acts as a passive heat sink to help maintain stable operating temperatures.
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