front mounted usb

[methalorange]

My current case has no USB ports on the front---I want at least one
what is the best way to go about doing this? I have 2 USB on the back and I still have 2 USB headers left on the MB that arent being used ..I was thinking….buy one of those PCI cards-take it apart and route the two usb ports out the front to an empty 3 1/2 bay is the a better method than this--cheaper?

[Yakbak]

I know that my mobo manufacturer (Soyo) sells 3 1/2 drive bays with USB ports and maybe more (Scard reader, firewire, etc), with the plugs that go into the motherboard...much better than taking apart a PCI card.

[Mike K]

Originally posted by Yakbak
I know that my mobo manufacturer (Soyo) sells 3 1/2 drive bays with USB ports and maybe more (Scard reader, firewire, etc), with the plugs that go into the motherboard...much better than taking apart a PCI card.

That is a good alternative but won't those only work on Soyo boards? You should try a usb riser, it fits in a pci slot and uses your mobo usb headers. There is a guide here (http://www.virtual-hideout.net/guides/chieftec_frontusb_mod/index.shtml) but instead of putting them into the side of the case, just use the 3 1/2 bay cover.

[macklin01]

I used an Antec EasyUSB (under $20). It uses the motherboard headers that you mention. I also used the Antec to mount my fanbus circuitry. See http://www.math.umn.edu/~macklin/fanbus .

Also, I think you might be able to find some reviews of similar products at Tomshardware. Lastly, there are many products that don't use motherboard headers, but instead hook up in the back ports and loop back inside towards the front. (Not my personal favorite.)

Good luck! -- Paul

[Yakbak]

Originally posted by Mike K


That is a good alternative but won't those only work on Soyo boards?

The USB plugs are the standard 9-pin connectors...most new mobos support that, unless it's a non-standard design.

[methalorange]

Originally posted by Mike K


That is a good alternative but won't those only work on Soyo boards? You should try a usb riser, it fits in a pci slot and uses your mobo usb headers. There is a guide here (http://www.virtual-hideout.net/guides/chieftec_frontusb_mod/index.shtml) but instead of putting them into the side of the case, just use the 3 1/2 bay cover.

i knew VH had this article but i couldn't find it

thanks mike

[Mike K]

Originally posted by Yakbak


The USB plugs are the standard 9-pin connectors...most new mobos support that, unless it's a non-standard design.

Do the connectors look like this?
http://www.theforumisdown.com/uploadfiles/0702/usbrises.jpg
Also I was more interested about the compact flash and that. I thought only a soyo board would have the proper connectors.