I want to add USB 2.0 to my computer. It only has 2 1.1 ports in the back, and I've been looking at some new devices... namely an external hard drive which I'd use for backup. My new Lian-Li case has two USB 2.0 ports on the front, which would be great for a digicam or a gamepad. Does anyone know of a USB 2.0 add on card which I could connect my front ports to?

I've got a usb 2.0 pci card. It's got 4 ports on the back and one single internal port. That internal port can be wired up to a drive-bay type hub on the front - or if you get tricky, rewiring your current front ports.

Typically digicams, gamepads, keyboards, mice and several other compnents don't benefit from usb 2.0. My external hard drive wouldn't be useful in the least if it was *just* usb 1.1. I haven't calculated the speed, but it's close to ide to ide had drive transfers.

Lots here.

I don't think there's much product differentiation on USB 2.0 PCI cards. I'd just pick a price and get the best brand name you can from there. How wrong can you go for $30? I assume you're keeping your current MOBO with the new case. Usually the case USB connection wires are terminated with .100" pin headers for connecting directly to a MOBO. You might need to do some wire hacking/replacing. There are also bay hubs that do the same thing, something to consider.

-Zeke

I was looking for something like this as well a while back. I think you want this. That will take the pins from your case ports. I keep meaning to order one, but never get around to it. As far as I've seen, that is the only PCI card that will take pins from case USB ports.

Does it have to be a Soyo? I just want it all; is that so much to ask? What I was hoping for was a card that had at least 2 ports for the rear, and connectors for 2 front ports. But everything is 3+1, 4+1, 5+1, and the internal connector is the same as the externals. Ugh.

I'm too picky. I suppose I should just bite the bullet and start looking for a new mobo.

You might want to check those cards that claim to have internal connectors for case ports. From what I've seen, those are basically long USB cables running from the card to be mounted in a case somewhere. I don't think they have those pins that someone was talking about. Anyway, I haven't seen anything like this card before.

I agree completely, though. Soyo sucks big time (at least in my dealings with them).

When it comes down to it, all I really want USB 2.0 for is to be able to use an external hard drive for backup (FLACs, OGGs, personal files, etc.). Someday I'll get around to building a new computer. But for now my old PIII 1GHz is plenty fast. I'll just pick up one of the standard 4 port cards, so I have enough for whatever I can come up with... even if I do have to roll my desk away from the wall.