SOLVED Need help finding a front panel

[skorpien]

Hi all,

A bit of background, I'm building in a case that doesn't have a front panel (MM U2 UFO) and would like to incorporate one into my build.

I purchased an nMedia panel with Memory Card reader, USB 3.0/2.0, firewire and HD audio, but after reading some horrible reviews online I'm feeling uneasy using it in my build. To add to it, I've upgraded my motherboard to one that's missing an internal firewire header so that port will be useless.

I have one of two options. The first one is finding a PCI card with an internal firewire header and using the nMedia panel (hesitant to do so). The second is the one I'm leaning to, which is finding a new panel with a memory card reader and HD audio. My motherboard came packed with a front USB 3.0 panel so that's covered.

Every site and search engine I've tried either comes up with discontinued/dead links or readers that look absolutely horrendous. There's a Vantec model that comes close, but I would prefer a device with the looks of this Bitfenix panel (which would be perfect but for the lack of HD audio).

Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Much thanks!

 

[Starrbuck]

http://www.amazon.com/NZXT-Aperture-Internal-5-25-Inch-8c-aper000-w0b/dp/B008KEPWMY

?

 

[skorpien]

Thanks for the response I have seen that one around, though it's missing the audio jacks unfortunately (and the mesh wouldn't fit with the rest of my build). But I do think I've found a solution...

I've done a bit more research and I was able to find two panels that will suit my needs.

Silverstone makes a panel that has USB 3.0 and HD audio:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX39442

And I was able to find a simple front panel with a memory card reader and USB 2.0 from Bytecc:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX23800

Both seem to have good reviews on Newegg:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999236
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820192021

And since Memory Express beats the price by 25% of the difference, I can get the Bytecc panel for next to nothing :}

 

[Starrbuck]

Very nice! Let us know what you end up with, with pictures!

 

[skorpien]

Will do I ended up getting the two I linked from Memory Express (though I didn't get the price match due to an incorrect model number on their part ). I've paired them with two Silverstone 5.25" to 3.5" adapters to make them fit my drive bays:

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX31515

I'll try my best to get some pictures up, but this build has spanned a (very) long time so I can't make any promises...

 

[skorpien]

Here are the front panels inside the adapters. Like I said, pictures of the completed build will take a little longer unfortunately, and that silver cord will have to be sleeved (the product shots showed a black cord).

 

[Starrbuck]

Looks good!