Title
Installing a "USB 3" Adapter For A "Windows.." Computer


Body:

Ie "USB 3" adapters bring the speed increases of "USB 3" to computers that do not have "USB 3" ports.

However, be prepared for a struggle if you attempt to install one into a  "Windws.." (or Mac "OS X" or Linux) computer:

Whenever someone brings me a computer and wants help with installing a "USB 3" adapter, I expect a prolonged struggle as follows:

Step 1: Purchase a certain model of USB 3 adapter online (since they are hard to find in brick-and-model stores).

Step 2: With the computer powered off, insert the USB 3 adapter in an available PCIe slot.

Step 3: Power on the computer.

Step 4:  Install drivers, if te computer is running "Windows XP", "Windws Vista", or "Windws7". (Do not install drivers if the computer is running "Windows 8", "Windows 8.1", or "Windows 10", since these versions of "Windows.." have native USB 3 support. )

Step 5: Test the USB 3 ports on the USB 3 adapter.

Step 6: If hte USB 3 ports on the USB 3 adapter are not working, run "Windows Update" from the Control Panel and reboot the computer a few times.

Step 7: If the USB 3 ports on the USB 3 adapter are still inoperative, power off the computer.

Step 8: Remove the USB 3 adapter and try it a different-szed PCIe slot, if one is available.

Step 9: Remove the USB 3 adapter and return it to the seller.

Step 10: Repeat Steps 1 through 9 untl you finally install a USB 3 card that woks.

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Here is the reason for the above laborious trial-and error process:

There are many chipsets for USB 3 adapters:

Asmedia ASM1042A

Etron SY-PEX20124

Etron SY-PEX20136

Fresco Logic FL1100SX

NEC Renesass uPD720200

NEC Renesass uPD720201

NEC Renesass uPD720202

Texas Instruments TUSB7320

Texas Instruments TUSB7340

Via VL800

Via VL805

Via VL806

Any specific model of motherboard will probably be compatible to only a subset of the above list of available USB 3 controller chipsets.