StarTech.com 2-port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card - PCIe RS232 Serial Host Controller Card - PCIe to Dual Serial DB9 Card - 16950 UART - Expansion Card - Windows & Linux

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

For £38.53 ex-VAT, this StarTech dual-port PCIe-to-DB9 card is a solid “get the job done” buy if you’ve got a real need for classic RS232—think industrial gear, legacy scanners, some UPS/network cabinets, or bespoke lab equipment. The key is reliability in the places where USB-to-serial adapters often feel flaky. A proper PCIe serial controller generally gives you cleaner, more stable connections for devices that are picky about baud rate timing and line control, and it’s also a nice way to keep older workflows running without rewriting software or replacing hardware.

That said, I wouldn’t buy it if you don’t specifically need serial. If your devices can take USB/ethernet (or you’re just trying to connect “something that talks RS232-ish”), it’s often better value to avoid serial entirely—because the adapter won’t solve configuration issues and RS232 itself can be finicky (cabling, null-modem requirements, correct pinouts, etc.). Also, make sure you actually have a spare PCIe slot and that your software expects a serial port in the first place. Overall: good value for UK B2B resellers and IT teams maintaining legacy estates; not worth it for anyone who’s only “sort of” using serial.