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Modding a front panel to replace USB 2 with USB 3 ???

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Sep 20, 2009
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How practical is it to mod a case front panel like this? Is the overall "shell" of the USB 3 connector the same size? ... larger?

Where would you get the necessary USB 3 "shell" and cabling for this mod?

My systems use a Corsair 700D (which has a front panel USB 3 upgrade kit), an Antec P180, and some no-name cases.
 
I know it's possible, I've seen the parts sold separately. I tried poking around the other day and couldn't find the links... sorry!

The shell of the USB receptacle is the same size between 2.0 and 3.0, AFAIK.

Some cases will be more difficult than others because of tight access to the inside of the case behind the control panel, especially with all the power/reset button wiring, audio ports, etc. Some are just hot-glued in there, others are riveted or screwed in.

I'm curious - do you have free 5.25" or 3.5" bays in these cases?

It'd be much easier to use those add-on type USB 3.0 panels - you probably still have a free USB 2.0 header or two that you can use on the ones built in the case.

BitFenix makes them with 2 or 4 USB 3.0 ports:

http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/accessories/usb3-front-panel/

But if you really want to go the other route, check all the modding supply shops - I swear I saw them somewhere recently!

(frozenCPU, Performance-PCs, Sidewinder, Xoxide, etc.)
 
stratosrally said:
I know it's possible, I've seen the parts sold separately. I tried poking around the other day and couldn't find the links... sorry!

The shell of the USB receptacle is the same size between 2.0 and 3.0, AFAIK.

Some cases will be more difficult than others because of tight access to the inside of the case behind the control panel, especially with all the power/reset button wiring, audio ports, etc. Some are just hot-glued in there, others are riveted or screwed in.

I'm curious - do you have free 5.25" or 3.5" bays in these cases?

It'd be much easier to use those add-on type USB 3.0 panels - you probably still have a free USB 2.0 header or two that you can use on the ones built in the case.

BitFenix makes them with 2 or 4 USB 3.0 ports:

http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/accessories/usb3-front-panel/

But if you really want to go the other route, check all the modding supply shops - I swear I saw them somewhere recently!

(frozenCPU, Performance-PCs, Sidewinder, Xoxide, etc.)
Click to expand...

My case is a Corsair 700D ( :D ) and I have 3 free 51/4 drive bays.

I'm also interested in the possibility of replacing a 1394 port with eSATA. I don't know why manufacturers continue to provide 1394 front ports, but not eSATA.:rolleyes:
 
Could get a blank bay cover and mount it on the cover. Of course you need a empty bay.
 
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