USB 3.0 pci cards

[augerpro]

Couple questions about upgrading to USB 3.0 without having to get a new mobo. Are the USB 2.0 ports on my computer case compatible (as in full performance) with USB 3.0? If so, all I really need is a 3.0 pci card with regular mobo type USB connection? Any good cards you can recommend?

 

[popatim]

USB 2.0 cannot acheive usb3 performance. What often happens is the usb3 device is not able to even saturate the usb2 bus though so even if you plug it into a 3.0 port you dont get a speed boost. Slow flash drives are a prime example. Many usb3 drives aren't any faster than their usb2 couterparts.

USB3 ports are physically different than usb2 ports, they have 5 more connectors yet they still accept usb2 devices (just as usb2 ports will accept usb3 devices). You would not be able to connect your front panel usb2 ports to a usb3 header and have it work ... if you can even find a card with one.

 

[augerpro]

USB3 ports are physically different than usb2 ports, they have 5 more connectors yet they still accept usb2 devices (just as usb2 ports will accept usb3 devices). You would not be able to connect your front panel usb2 ports to a usb3 header and have it work ... if you can even find a card with one.

I see, was not sure if there were more wires/connectors involved, so this reply helps. Well in that case I'll probably just get a regular pci card with the external connections and just get an extended cable to wrap around the front of my computer.

 

[IH8U]

Or you can pick up one of these, and have 4x USB 3.0 up front, and 1x in back. Uses internal cable:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815150170
$80 SIIG SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Bay Hub+Host Kit

*EDIT* if you have a HAF 932 Advance, grab one of these: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/13831/usb-09/Silverstone_EC01_PCI_Express_Card_w_USB30_Connector.html
$30 Silverstone EC01 PCI Express Card w/ USB3.0 Connector

 

[augerpro]

That SIIG looks good! I'll probably get that.

So what would be a good 1-3 foot cable extension? I've had problems with cheap USB cables in the past and I suppose 3.0 is even more demanding?

Wonder if there is a way to retrofit my case? It's Thermaltake Tsunami Dream that I love and don't really want to part with it.

 

[a_tractor]

haha well you going to have to. No really i think you will be able to retrofit it just remove the old ones and put the extensions in. Why dont you just use them in the back?

 

[augerpro]

haha well you going to have to. No really i think you will be able to retrofit it just remove the old ones and put the extensions in. Why dont you just use them in the back?

Just not as user friendly, and I didn't want to be forced to use extensions, as I said I've had trouble in the past with them.

 

[IH8U]

Well, if you get the SIIG, there is no "retrofitting". It goes into a drive bay, and pci slot, then has an internal cable (yes it is of decent quality). If you want a different brand, check Amazon for USB 3.0 cables (they have tons, ignore anything branded Monster tho).