StarTech.com PEX300WN2X3 User manual

PCI Express Wireless
Adapter Card
PCI Express 802.11n 300Mbps
Wireless Network Adapter Card
- 2T3R
PEX300WN2X3
Instruction Manual
Manual Revision:07/28/2010
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.startech.com

FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other Protected Names and
Symbols
This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other
protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to
StarTech.com. Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes
only and do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.
com, or an endorsement of the product(s) to which this manual applies by the
third-party company in question. Regardless of any direct acknowledgement
elsewhere in the body of this document, StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that
all trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks, and other protected names
and/or symbols contained in this manual and related documents are the property
of their respective holders.

i
Table of Contents
Introduction ...............................................................1
Packaging Contents..............................................................1
System Requirements ..........................................................1
Installation.................................................................2
Hardware Installation............................................................2
Driver Installation..................................................................2
Verifying Installation..............................................................4
Specifications............................................................5
Technical Support.....................................................6
Warranty Information ................................................6

1
Introduction
The StarTech.com PCI Express Wireless 802.11n 300Mbps network
adapter adds high speed wireless network connectivity to almost any PCI
Express enabled desktop/workstation PC. Using a 2T3R (2 Transmitter/3
Receiver) design, the PCIe adapter card is capable of reaching up to
300Mbps over an 802.11n network, while improving signal reception and
range. Backwards compatible with 802.11b/g networks (11/54Mbps), this
adapter card is a versatile wireless networking solution. With support for
standard and advanced security options such as WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPS
and 802.1x along with wireless Quality of Server (QoS) support, this PCI
Express 2.0 card is backed by StarTech.com’s lifetime warranty and free
lifetime technical support, making for an excellent wireless upgrade or first-
time setup option.
Packaging Contents
• 1 x PEX300WN2X3 adapter card
• 3 x Wireless Antenna
• 1 x Driver Installation CD
• 1 x Instruction Manual
System Requirements
• PCI Express enabled computer with available full profile slot
• Microsoft®Windows®2000/XP/Vista/Server 2003/Server 2008 R2/7
(32/64-bit), or Linux®kernel 2.4/2.6

2
Installation
WARNING! PCI Express cards, like all computer equipment, can be
severely damaged by static electricity. Be sure that you are properly
grounded before opening your computer case or touching your PCI
Express card. StarTech.com recommends that you wear an anti-static
strap when installing any computer component. If an anti-static strap is
unavailable, discharge yourself of any static electricity build-up by touching
a large grounded metal surface (such as the computer case) for several
seconds. Also be careful to handle the PCI Express card by its edges and
not the gold connectors.
Hardware Installation
1. Turn your computer off and any peripherals connected to the computer
(i.e. Printers, external hard drives, etc.). Unplug the power cable from the
rear of the power supply on the back of the computer and disconnect all
peripheral devices.
2. Remove the cover from the computer case. See documentation for your
computer system for details.
3. Locate an open PCI Express slot and remove the metal cover plate on
the rear of the computer case (Refer to documentation for your computer
system for details.). Note that this card will work in PCI Express slots of
additional lanes (i.e. x4, x8 or x16 slots).
4. Insert the card into the open PCI Express slot and fasten the bracket to
the rear of the case. For ease of installation, make sure the antennas
are not attached to the card yet.
5. Place the cover back onto the computer case.
6. Attach the included external antennas to the rear bracket of the card.
7. Insert the power cable into the socket on the power supply and
reconnect all other connectors removed in Step 1.
Driver Installation
Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003
1. Upon starting Windows, if the Found New Hardware wizard appears on
the screen, cancel/close the window and insert the included Driver CD
into the computer’s CD/DVD drive.

3
2. AutoPlay should automatically launch the Driver/Software installation
splash screen. If not, open My Computer and right-click on the CD/DVD
drive the disk is inserted into and select “AutoPlay”.
3. Select the option to install the Driver and Utility. This should launch the
Ralink Installation wizard.
4. Complete the wizard and this should automatically install all necessary
drivers and the Ralink utility (optional to use).
Windows Vista/7/Server 2008 R2
NOTE: Windows 7/Server 2008 R2 have the drivers preinstalled, so
installing them separately is not necessary. If problems are encountered
with the native drivers, or use of the Ralink Utility is desired, they can be
installed per normal installation procedures.
1. Upon starting Windows, if the Found New Hardware wizard appears on
the screen, cancel/close the window or choose not to install the drivers
and insert the included Driver CD into the computer’s CD/DVD drive.
2. AutoPlay should automatically launch the Driver/Software installation
splash screen or prompt you to run Setup.exe. If not, open “Computer”
and right-click on the CD/DVD drive the disk is inserted into and select
“AutoPlay”.
3. Select the option to install the Driver and Utility. This should launch the
Ralink Installation wizard.
4. Complete the wizard and this should automatically install all necessary
drivers and the Ralink utility (optional to use).
Windows Server 2008 R2 Note:
By default, the Microsoft “Wireless LAN Service” Feature is not installed.
Before any wireless networking can be enabled, this feature must be
installed through the Windows Server Manager window. Refer to Windows’
documentation for details.

4
Verifying Installation
Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7
From the main desktop, right-click on “My Computer” (“Computer” in
Vista/7), then select Manage. In the new Computer Management window,
select Device Manager from the left window panel.
Double-click on the Network adapters option. A new Wireless adapter
should be listed.

5
Specications
Bus Interface PCI Express 2.0
(x1 slot connector)
Form Factor Full Profile
Chipset ID Ralink RT2890 + RT2820
Connectors 3 x RP-SMA
LEDs 1 x Activity
Supported Standards IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g,
IEEE 802.11b
Supported Security Protocols WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP/AES
Maximum Data Transfer Rate 802.11n: 300Mbps
Operating Temperature 0°C ~ 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)
Storage Temperature 0°C ~ 70°C (32°F ~ 158°F)
Humidity 5 ~ 95% RH
Dimensions 102.0mm x 76.5mm x 21.0mm
Weight 106.7 g
Compatible Operating
Systems
Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003/
Vista/Server 2008 R2/7
(32/64-bit), Linux kernel 2.4/2.6

6
Technical Support
StarTech.com’s lifetime technical support is an integral part of our
commitment to provide industry-leading solutions. If you ever need
help with your product, visit www.startech.com/support and access
our comprehensive selection of online tools, documentation, and
downloads.
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a lifetime warranty.
In addition, StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in
materials and workmanship for the periods noted, following the initial
date of purchase. During this period, the products may be returned
for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion.
The warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does
not warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse,
abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.
com USA LLP (or their officers, directors, employees or agents) for
any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental,
consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any
pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed
the actual price paid for the product. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. If such
laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement
may not apply to you.

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