USB3.0 Y Cable question

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mozga628

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May 9, 2012
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I have a Sabertooth x79 Motherboard in a cooler master cube case.
i7 3930k, 240gb Revo (OS drive), 64gb ram, 2 gtx670 sli, 4port sata3 raid card
The two 5.25 bays each have 2 (total 4) slim line slot loaded optical drives.

The case has 2 usb3.0 ports, and I am looking at replacing 2slot located optical drives with: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817998184

The mother board has only one usb3.0 20pin header.. my thought is to either use:
OPTION 1) a usb3.0 Y cable off the Motherboard to accommodate the additional usb3.0 ports (but i do not know what the performance impact would be)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-Pin-USB-3-0-Internal-Header-Y-Splitter-Cable-12cm-/221386529661?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338baa5b7d
option 2) replace a 4port SATA raid controller with a 4port SATA controller with a usb3.0 header on it (which I have so far been unable to find) **PREFERRED**

All the expansion ports are in use, adding an additional PCIE card is not an option.
Having non functional ports would just grate against my nerves...
Unless things are crazy expensive performance is more important than cost..
 
Solution
A
I don't think the USB splitter would impact performance unless you were running two devices consuming 50% or more of the max throughput of USB. There are not many devices out with that speed, just a few expensive external drives.

I could see the USB splitter causing BSOD's though, since the Motherboard is trying to read two devices from one location. I don't think it would recognize it as a HUB.
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Alec Mowat

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I don't think the USB splitter would impact performance unless you were running two devices consuming 50% or more of the max throughput of USB. There are not many devices out with that speed, just a few expensive external drives.

I could see the USB splitter causing BSOD's though, since the Motherboard is trying to read two devices from one location. I don't think it would recognize it as a HUB.
 
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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I am with the above user. Why not just leave 2 of the case ports as USB 2.0 only and cut out any extra expense.

Something like this will let either the case ports be 2.0 or that 5.25 device get 2.0 ports from the boards 2.0 headers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812201039

Failing that if you have un used rear 3.0 ports, coolermaster has an adapter for you :)
http://www.coolermaster.com/cooling/cooling-accessories/internal2external-usb3-adapter/

Last option is to install a USB 3.0 hub inside the system and use something like 2 of those coolermaster adapters(I do not recommend it, but with the right adapters.). This would have one big down side. 4 ports off of 1 3.0 port(so 4 high bandwidth devices will hurt performance of one another.).
 
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mozga628

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I had assumed the y cable would work as a hub.. I guess that's what happens when one assumes...
ok, that being said, BSOD's are not an option.
so I am looking for a 4port sata3 pcie controller with a usb 3.0 header...
 
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mozga628

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the case has front usb 3.0 ports...
I already have the 5.25 bay mobil rack which also has usb 3.0 ports.
the intent here is to have all 4 ports active. inactive ports to me is like being served an empty dinner plate...
 
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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They would not be "inactive" just act as usb 2.0 ports.

If the board lacks what is needed, you either need a pci-e card to do it.

OR

Use a usb 3.0 hub to get extra ports(not worth the cost just to say ohh look at my usb 3 ports because it would also need adapters to allow the 19/20 pin connectors to be used with it.).

Can you post the Y cables you are looking at. Most usb Y cables I have seen are just for extra power(take power from 2 ports and data from one).
 
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Alec Mowat

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You might get eSATA and USB, but generally a SATA internal card is a dedicated RAID card.


http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=48_19_903&item_id=040641
 
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