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3.5" and 5.25" USB-C front panels
(sopuli.xyz)
There's nothing wrong with my old PC case, except I'd like some USB-Cs in the front panel.
The panel itself is unfortunately integrated, but it's possible to get additional front panels to 3.5" and 5.25" slots (the ones traditionally used for CDs etc). Here's one example from akasa with at least one USB-C: https://akasa.co.uk/search.php?seed=AK-ICR-36
It's perfectly fine if I have to just disconnect the integrated USB-A ports due to lack of motherboard connectors. They suck anyway.
So, please share recommendations for such devices. Let's not let those old cases go to waste!
Do you have internal usb 3 ports, header? Where do you want to connect it to?
internal usb connectors look like these, you can see the cables on the akasa one you linked.
If you have a port inside, all of these things just a plastic box and some wires inside. Choose the cheapest one, or the one looks nice. If you don't have a port, the interesting part is the pcie-usb3 extension card
Yeah I do have the usb header. Connected to the case ports atm, but it’s fine to replace that for the upcoming panel. I suppose that the standard header poses some limitations on what ports one can expect from these things.
Images are not showing up for some reason. What header you have, there are 3 kind of usb headers: 2, 3 and C. You need 3 or C if you want to use a front panel like that.
This is the C header: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/USB_3.1_GEN2_Key-A_front_panel_connector_IMGP3038_smial_wp.jpg
This is the 3 header: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/USB_30_pinheader_WP_20140221_023.jpg
Do you have these?
Good point. ATM I got the 30-pin header. But I'm getting a new board anyway too, so just gotta check that it has the newer headers as well.
There are also pcie expansion cards that can add additional USB headers if you need.
There also exists m.2 to USBC / USB3 headers, or even combinations. As long as you are OK losing an m.2 slot.
There also seems to be 3.2 Gen 1 (the blue connector) to “Type-E” adapters: https://graugear.de/en/portfolio-item/g-ad-19te-90/
Link isn't loading for me (spotty wifi) but AliExpress stock m.2 to both a single 3.1 (blue) and E on the one board. Personally I wouldn't be dropping an m.2 for one but I guess the option is there for those who need.