StarTech.com USB31000SA — USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, Silver Aluminium
Gigabit EthernetUSB-A 5 GbpsDriverlessSilver aluminium
The StarTech.com USB31000SA is an aluminium USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet adapter that adds a wired Gigabit Ethernet port to a laptop, desktop PC, tablet or thin client through its USB-A port. Its silver aluminium housing matches MacBooks and Chromebooks, and it installs without drivers. It is built on the Realtek RTL8153 controller and connects at 10/100/1000 Mbps. It draws its power from the USB port, so there is no separate power supply to carry. A cable connection is the dependable answer when Wi-Fi is weak, crowded or not allowed, when a slim laptop has no network socket, or when backups, large downloads and video calls need a steady, low-latency link.
Compatibility — check before buying:
Check the port: the adapter has a USB-A plug; on a laptop that only has USB-C ports, choose a USB-C model instead. It links at up to 1 Gbps with any standard switch or router port, and Cat5e cable or better is enough. Operating systems listed by StarTech.com: Windows 7 and later, Windows Server, macOS 10.14 and later, Linux kernel 4.11 and later (LTS), ChromeOS. Not sure it suits your laptop, dock or switch? Tell us the model and we check it.
Best For
✓ Laptops without an Ethernet port
✓ Stable video calls and remote desktop
✓ Office desks and hot desks
✓ Backups and large downloads
✓ Replacing a faulty built-in port
✓ IT toolkits and travel bags
Key Features
Gigabit Ethernet
Up to 1000 Mbps full duplex for steady calls, cloud work and file transfers; falls back to 100/10 Mbps automatically.
USB-A plug
Plugs into the standard USB-A port found on most desktops, older laptops, docks and monitors with a USB hub.
Network features
Supports 802.3x full duplex flow control, power, link and activity LEDs.
Aluminium, driverless
A silver aluminium adapter that installs automatically on current systems.
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Brand |
StarTech.com |
| Product |
USB 3.0 to Gigabit Network Adapter, Silver, Sleek Aluminum Design for MacBook, Chromebook or Tablet |
| Part Number |
USB31000SA |
| EAN / GTIN |
0065030862035 |
| Network |
| Ports |
1× RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Speeds |
10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Chipset |
Realtek RTL8153 |
| Features |
802.3x full duplex flow control, power, link and activity LEDs |
| Host Connection |
| Connector |
USB-A (5 Gbps) |
| USB |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) |
| Power |
USB bus powered |
| Compatibility |
| Operating Systems |
Windows 7 and later, Windows Server, macOS 10.14 and later, Linux kernel 4.11 and later (LTS), ChromeOS |
| Physical |
| Colour |
Silver |
| Housing |
Aluminium |
| Dimensions |
approx. 19 × 2 × 1.5 cm (7.5 × 0.8 × 0.6 in) |
| Weight |
approx. 26 g (0.9 oz) |
| In the Box |
| Included |
USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet adapter, quick-start guide |
| Not Included |
Network cable, switch or router |
| Warranty |
| Warranty |
1-Year Warranty (Singular) |
| Manufacturer Term |
StarTech.com publishes a 2-year warranty for this part number in its official datasheet. Singular’s direct warranty is 1 year; beyond that we assist you with the manufacturer’s warranty process for its full duration. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install a driver?
No. StarTech.com specifies a driverless install on Windows 7+, macOS 10.14+, Linux 4.11+ LTS and ChromeOS.
Is it faster than Wi-Fi?
A wired Gigabit link gives up to 1 Gbps with steadier latency than most Wi-Fi connections — that is what video calls, remote desktop and large transfers benefit from. Your internet speed still depends on your connection.
Will it work on a USB-C-only laptop?
Not directly — it has a USB-A plug. For USB-C laptops choose StarTech.com US1GC30A (USB-C, aluminium).
Does it work through a dock or USB hub?
Usually yes — it is a standard USB network device. For full speed the hub or dock port must be USB 3.x, and bus-powered hubs should have enough power for all connected devices.
Singular Expert Insight
We suggest the USB31000SA for MacBooks, Chromebooks and tablets with a USB-A port, where a driverless, good-looking adapter matters. For USB-C-only MacBooks choose the
US1GC30A in the same aluminium style. Browse more
network cards or
network switches. Local support in Cyprus comes with every order.
Buyer’s Guide
Buy it if
You want a silver, driverless Gigabit adapter for a USB-A port.
Skip it if
Your MacBook has only USB-C ports.
Also consider
StarTech.com US1GC30A — USB-C, aluminium.