Startech.com PCI1PEX1 PCI to PCI Express adapter card content_copy

The Startech.com PCI1PEX1 is a PCI to PCI Express adapter, enabling the installation of Low-Profile PCIe cards into a standard PCI slot of a desktop or server system. The card acts as a bridge between the older PCI bus and the modern PCIe standard, allowing the use of current expansion cards in systems with outdated motherboards. The conversion is performed via a 32-bit PCI slot, providing a PCIe x1 slot on the top side of the adapter. The card is designed for use in server and desktop systems that have an available PCI slot.

Applications

The adapter is particularly suitable for integrating Low-Profile PCIe cards that cannot be directly installed in a standard PCI slot. This includes, for example, network cards, SATA controllers, or other interface cards used in compact systems or rack servers. It extends the usability of older motherboards without requiring a complete system upgrade. The card is also useful when installing a half-height PCIe card into a full-profile PCI slot, for which the included replacement slot bracket is provided.

Features and Equipment in Detail

The adapter features an innovative slot bracket design that securely holds the Low-Profile PCIe card in the converted slot. This ensures a stable mechanical connection and prevents loose contacts. The included replacement standard slot bracket allows installation in larger enclosures that accommodate standard or full-profile cards. The card is compatible with PCI slots supporting universal voltage (3.3 V and 5 V), enabling broad applicability across various systems. Installation requires no driver or software installation, as the card is hardware-compatible and automatically registers in the system.

Technology Explained Simply

The adapter is based on the PCI Bus Specification Revision 2.3 and supports a maximum bandwidth of up to 133 Mbit/s. The bridge architecture conforms to the PCI-to-PCIe Bridge Architecture Revision 1.2, ensuring reliability and compatibility with various PCIe cards. The operating temperature ranges from 0 °C to 85 °C, with a storage temperature range of -10 °C to 95 °C, and relative humidity during operation may reach up to 95 %.

Compatibility and Accessories

The card is designed for systems with an available full-profile PCI slot. The included replacement standard slot bracket can be used when installing the Low-Profile PCIe card in a larger enclosure. Installing a Low-Profile PCIe card may require removing the original slot bracket of the PCIe card if the adapter’s replacement slot bracket is used. The card is operating system independent and functions under various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and others, without requiring additional drivers.

Installation and Mounting

Installation is performed in three steps: First, the Low-Profile PCIe card is inserted into the PCIe slot at the top end of the adapter. Then, the adapter is inserted into a free PCI slot on the motherboard and secured with the slot bracket in the enclosure. After powering on the system, the card is automatically recognized. Tool-free installation is possible if the enclosure provides the necessary mounting options. The card is not suitable for use in compact enclosures with limited space if the flat PCIe card does not have sufficient clearance — in such cases, an alternative mounting solution (provided by the PCIe card manufacturer) may be required.

Operational Advantages

The adapter offers an economical and flexible solution to extend the lifespan of older systems without sacrificing modern expansion cards. The hardware-compatible integration without additional software or drivers reduces installation complexity. The card is certified to CE, FCC, and TAA, confirming compliance with European and American standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety. The warranty period is two years, limited to defects in materials and workmanship under the manufacturer’s warranty. The card is RoHS-compliant, ensuring the use of environmentally safe materials.

Scope of Delivery

The package includes: 1 x PCI-to-PCIe adapter card, 1 x replacement standard slot bracket, and 1 x user manual. The manual is available in German and contains installation instructions and technical details. The card is delivered in packaging with dimensions 143 mm (width) × 175 mm (depth) × 33 mm (height), with a package weight of 102 g.

The card is designed for indoor use, with operating conditions (temperature, humidity) suitable for typical office or server environments. Physical dimensions are 60 mm (width) × 135 mm (depth) × 20 mm (height), and the weight is 32 g. The card is painted green and made of steel, ensuring high mechanical stability.

Design
Certification	CE, FCC, TAA
Internal
Features
Chipset	Pericom - PI7C9X111SL
Logistics data
Harmonized System (HS) code	84733020
Products per master (outer) case	75 pc(s)
Master (outer) case width	352 mm
Master (outer) case length	690 mm
Master (outer) case height	314 mm
Operational conditions
Operating temperature (T-T)	0 - 85 °C
Storage temperature (T-T)	-10 - 95 °C
Operating relative humidity (H-H)	0 - 95%
Packaging data
Quantity	1
Package width	143 mm
Package depth	175 mm
Package height	33 mm
Package weight	102 g
Manual
Ports & interfaces
Host interface	PCI
Output interface	PCIe
Expansion card standard	PCI 2.3
Technical details
Compliance certificates	RoHS
Weight & dimensions
Width	60 mm
Depth	135 mm
Height	20 mm
Weight	32 g

---