
Too many controller cards? Here's how to find the right one
Here are five key factors to consider when selecting the appropriate controller card.
Last updated 2 days ago. Automatically generated content.


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USB ports are essential connectors that allow devices to communicate and transfer power. Selecting the right type of USB port is important for compatibility with your devices and can impact data transfer speeds and charging efficiency.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
USB-A
Typical price
31.– to 72.–Standard rectangular connector widely used in various devices such as printers and keyboards.
Ideal for connecting older peripherals, providing a reliable and familiar interface for many users.
Bestseller
USB-C
Typical price
43.– to 100.–Reversible connector that supports faster data transfer and charging capabilities.
Great for modern devices, as it allows for a single cable solution for charging and data, enhancing convenience.
Bestseller
Thunderbolt 3
Typical price
220.– to 300.–Advanced connector that supports high-speed data transfer and can daisy-chain multiple devices.
Perfect for professionals requiring fast performance, such as video editing or data-intensive tasks, providing versatility and speed.
Bestseller
The expansion slot is a critical component of a controller card that determines its compatibility with the motherboard and the available bandwidth for data transfer. Selecting the right expansion slot type ensures optimal performance and enables future upgrades to enhance system capabilities.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
PCI Express x16 (1x)
Typical price
61.– to 230.–Offers the highest data transfer rates among the expansion slots, ideal for high-performance graphics and storage cards.
Recommended for gaming and intensive applications, ensuring smooth performance and faster load times.
Bestseller
PCI Express x4 (1x)
Typical price
48.– to 94.–Provides a balanced data transfer rate suitable for mid-range applications and certain storage solutions.
Great for users looking to boost system performance without the need for the highest-end cards, offering good value for everyday tasks.
Bestseller
PCI Express x1 (1x)
Typical price
35.– to 100.–Designed for lower bandwidth devices such as sound cards and network cards, providing basic functionality.
Ideal for budget builds or systems that don’t require high data throughput, allowing users to save costs on less critical components.
Bestseller
The expansion card form factor defines the physical size and shape of the controller card, which determines compatibility with your computer case and motherboard. Choosing the right form factor is essential to ensure proper fit, airflow, and performance of your system.
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Full Profile
Typical price
38.– to 160.–Standard size expansion cards that typically offer more ports and features.
Ideal for users who need maximum connectivity options and are using larger cases with ample space.
Bestseller
Low profile
Typical price
38.– to 100.–Compact design that fits in smaller PC cases with limited space.
Best suited for users building compact systems or those who require fewer expansion slots.
Bestseller
2 slots
Typical price
29.– to 57.–Designed to occupy two expansion slots, allowing for enhanced cooling and performance.
Recommended for high-performance applications like gaming or workstation builds where heat management is critical.
Bestseller
Data ports are crucial interfaces on controller cards that allow for the connection of various external devices. Choosing the right types of data ports can greatly enhance the functionality and compatibility of your setup, impacting overall performance and ease of use.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
RS-232 (1x)
Typical price
48.– to 260.–A standard serial communication interface that allows for data transmission over short distances.
Ideal for connecting legacy equipment and devices in industrial settings, ensuring reliable data exchange.
Bestseller
eSATA (1x)
Typical price
27.– to 54.–An external Serial ATA interface designed for connecting external hard drives and storage devices.
Provides faster data transfer rates compared to USB, making it suitable for high-performance storage solutions.
Bestseller

StarTech USB 3.1 PCIe card - 2 ports - 1 x USB-A and 1 x eSATA - 10 GBit / s - USB 3.1 card - eSATA...
FireWire 400 (1x)
Typical price
48.– to 76.–A high-speed interface that supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps, commonly used for video and audio equipment.
Great for professionals in media production, enabling quick and efficient data transfer from camcorders and external drives.
Bestseller
Internal connection options refer to the types of interfaces available on a controller card for connecting to the motherboard and other components. Choosing the right connection type is essential for ensuring compatibility with your system and maximizing data transfer speeds.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
PCI Express x4 (1x)
Typical price
54.– to 100.–Provides a high-speed interface with four lanes for data transmission, suitable for various high-performance devices.
Ideal for applications requiring fast data transfer, such as gaming or video editing, enhancing overall system performance.
Bestseller
M.2 (1x)
Typical price
22.– to 48.–Compact and efficient connector that supports NVMe SSDs, allowing for faster data access and storage solutions.
Perfect for users looking to upgrade their storage without occupying additional space, leading to improved boot and load times.
Bestseller
USB 3.0 header (2x)
Typical price
31.– to 57.–Offers two headers for connecting USB 3.0 ports, enabling high-speed data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps.
Great for users needing multiple USB connections for peripherals, improving accessibility and convenience in daily tasks.
Bestseller