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Help choosing a front panel USB 3.0 & card reader

Started by Andrew Peterson2 · · 👁 5 views · 4 replies

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Participants Andrew Peterson2amberotter19
Andrew Peterson2 Andrew Peterson2 Active MemberOP
148 messages
joined May 2013
#1 ·
I’m looking to get some USB 3.0 ports on the front of my case since I've got those faster sticks lying around—plus, honestly, I just can't get enough USB ports in general, so I was eyeing this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5-Front-Pa...IAAOSwwpdW3j3g

I'm running an ASUS ROG Maximus https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P8B75M_LX_PLUS/ and I'm pretty sure this will work... the old USB 2.0 headers have different pins, right?
I've got a spare PCIe slot ready to go, and there's actually another one free too, though it's tucked right under the graphics card fan, so it's a bit of a pain to reach...

So, quick question for you guys... is this reader actually any good?
Do you think there's anything better out there for the price? It seems decent since the USB 3.0 drives come in that 3.5" format and it looks like it handles all the standard cards...
amberotter19 amberotter19 Member
10 messages
joined Apr 2014
#2 ·
I’d much rather go with one of these options... whichever one suits you best. You either get it right in your hands immediately, avoid some random off-brand import, or at least know you have a full year of warranty coverage. Plus, $27 is basically nothing—it's about twenty bucks. Honestly, don't overthink it; just buy it locally here.
Andrew Peterson2 Andrew Peterson2 Active MemberOP
148 messages
joined May 2013
#3 ·
Honestly, I’m pretty underwhelmed by what's out there.
I was really hoping to find something with at least three or four USB 3.0 ports—just a basic requirement at this point—but it feels like everything is either bundled with some random card reader I don't even need, or it's one of those cheap options that only gives you three USB 3.0 slots... which isn't enough.

The specific one I tracked down uses a PCI Express connection plus some other extra hardware, so it's obviously a bit more substantial than the stuff you suggested.
Anyway, if anyone else wants to throw some suggestions my way, I'd appreciate it. Is there anything actually decent out there? Or maybe just something similar to the one I picked, but from a brand I actually recognize...
Andrew Peterson2 Andrew Peterson2 Active MemberOP
148 messages
joined May 2013
#4 ·
I’d definitely want more options if I ever decide to move files from one thumb drive to another—especially if it means avoiding buying yet another cheap little stick...

Actually, thinking about it now, that Icy Box setup might be better, but only if it's the 3.5-inch desktop version.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S series using Reddit
amberotter19 amberotter19 Member
10 messages
joined Apr 2014
#5 ·
I hear where you're coming from, but let's be realistic—you're probably only going to use this twice a year, if that. Investing in a cheap off-brand unit just for something that rare doesn't really make sense. Besides, if you're struggling with reaching those rear ports, you can always just run a extension cable from the back panel to the front to make things easier. Honestly, I think the IB-868-B is definitely the way to go... especially if you have, or are planning to get, a phone that requires a 2.4A at 5V charger...

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