Review on 🖥️ StarTech.com PEX2PCI4 PCI Express to 4 Slot PCI Expansion System - External PCI Slot - PCI Expansion Chassis (Black) by Frank Bruton

My employer had an old computer that needed replacing. Five expensive PCI cards were installed in the existing system, which had to be migrated to the new system. Given the choice between building a new custom system with a 5 PCI slot motherboard or using an external case, I decided to go with an external case as it gives more flexibility should we need to move hardware again in the future. In this case I read the instructions and then installed the hardware on a computer running Windows 7. When fully connected, the case worked without any problems. During startup, Windows immediately downloaded and installed the drivers for the test card that I installed in the cage, with no drivers or software for the cage itself. (The PCI accelerator software on the included CD was neither required nor helpful.) Note that case installation is an all-or-nothing scenario. Once the internal PCIe adapter card is installed in the PC, the case MUST be connected and powered for the computer to function. I have a few complaints about the case, but they can be resolved with a little work.{1} Problem The adapter board's external connector uses a standard DVI-D video connector. The manufacturer is aware of the risk of confusion and includes warnings in the instructions, but it would help if there was a more prominent label on the outside of the card itself. I solved this problem by printing a label and sticking it on the bezel next to the slot.{2} The case is too small for some PCI cards. We had to bend the side panel of the case away from the four PCI slot covers on the opposite end.{3} The ventilation could have been better. There are vents on the back of the cage, but they only help for the next card. Air holes on the top of the lid would have helped. Since we already had the side panel open (see #2), we simply routed a small fan inside.