USB extension panel for 5.25" front bay?

[Escape-To-88]

Need some more external USB ports on my PC and have a spare 5.25" bay at the front of my case.

Wondered if someone could recommend me a USB panel as need an extra 4 or more external ports? USB 3.0 preferred.

[briareos_kerensky]

First thing, are you sure you have internal USB headers available on your motherboard? Or do you want to run a cable that connect to the USB ports on the back of your computer? The latter kind is rare, though there are adapters for the job (that are rare too).
After that, you just have to browse for what you need and what would look OK in your case.

I have a NZXT Aperture M (5.25", 2x USB 3.0, 1x CF/SD/MMS/etc reader), black plastic with perforated grill to match with my case (Antec 1900), but for example Lian Li produces aluminium bays in various colours.

Anyway, the Icy Box IB-866 has 4 USB 3 ports, but that fits in 3.5" bay, so you'll need an adapter.

[Escape-To-88]

I'm unsure if I have internal USB port(s). I'll need to consult the motherboard manual or open it up as it's been a while since I've upgraded anything.

Would anything fit into SATA or IDE?

[Brad]

The Icy Box internal Card Readers with USB 3 ports tend to use USB connection i.e. run the cable out the back of the PC and into a USB port. Akasa ones tend to connect to a proper header on the motherboard. That's all I know!

[briareos_kerensky]

The Icy Box I've mentioned must be connected to an internal USB header.

Would anything fit into SATA or IDE?

Do you have a mobo with an IDE (or floppy) port?
Anyway, no, frontal panels with USB ports must be connected to USB ports or USB headers. You can connect things to SATA, eSATA, or SATA Express if the panel has the corresponding port.

[Brad]

The one you mentioned has 4 connectors. 2 are for internal motherboard and 2 are for feeding out the back of the PC and connecting to the USB 3 ports there.

[Escape-To-88]

Thanks guys, I have a P8P67 pro motherboard so going to open it up in a bit and see what's free.
I'm thinking this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Akasa-Interc.../dp/B005VPRDRW
Or this: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/silve...luminium-black

[briareos_kerensky]

According to the manual, the mobo has 1 internal USB 3 header and 3 USB 2 headers, go for the Akasa panel.

[Escape-To-88]

Yeah opened it up and took a look. So will go for the Akasa or something similar