USB 3.0 PCIE card

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  1. Posts : 158
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
       #1

    USB 3.0 PCIE card


    Hello,
    I want to add USB 3.0 to my motherboard, but I encountered 2 types : one which is a pcie card that provides USB 3.0 output to the rear,for example this one : 2 Port USB 3 0 PCI Express PCIe Adapter Controller Card Low Profile | eBay
    And one is, a front panel USB 3.0 output (with some card readers) , but instead of card connected to the PCIE slot, there is a small PCIE connection,for example this one :DC 4 Pin USB 2 0 9 Pin 3 5" Front Panel PCI E to USB 3 0 4 Port Hub Card Reader | eBay

    And I was wondering if the front panel will work without having a dedicated usb 3.0 card like the first link.
    I am wondering about that because , the dedicated rear PCIE card seems much larger and with many more components than the small PCIE connector of the front panel one ( I hope you get what I'm trying to ask )
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #2

    Yes the bottom front panel unit will power off the PSU and grab it's USB 3.0 off the PCIE slot and then the USB 2.0 off a free mobo USB 2.0 header.

    The first is only (2) USB 3.0 to the rear and the internal connector again is for power from the PSU.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 158
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    linnemeyerhere said:
    Yes the bottom front panel unit will power off the PSU and grab it's USB 3.0 off the PCIE slot and then the USB 2.0 off a free mobo USB 2.0 header.
    Thanks for the quick answer!

    But my motherboard by itself does not have 3.0 outputs (like the 20-pin USB 3.0 connector),
    so does the front panel actually adds USB 3.0 ability to my pc? I am confused because, when you connect a PCIE rear card it makes sense that it would add USB 3.0 ability to my PC, because it has many components on it, but look at the front panel PCIE connector, the PCIE is just a small connector without components, or maybe all the USB 3.0 components are inside the box of the front panel? I'm confused
    I am wondering if the front panel will work only if I already have USB 3.0 capabilities (motherboard or extra USB 3.0 dedicated card, or that the front panel works as a dedicated card)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #4

    It uses the Software Driver to allow the PCIE to be used to carry the USB 3.0 to the front panel device and the USB 2.0 is coming from the mobo header.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 158
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    OK thanks, so if I want to add USB 3.0 to my pc, the front panel (and the small PCIE connector) is enough?
    Last thing, so where are all the USB 3.0 components? I mean , you can see them on a usb 3.0 card, but not on this front panel.

    botton line:If I use just the front panel USB 3.0 + Card reader,without having a separate card, or usb 3.0 on motherboard, will I have usb 3.0 capabilities (900mA, up to 5 GBps of speed)? Because I dont really need USB 3.0 on the rear.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #6

    You will want to make all the connections as the PCIE portion will only power the front 3.0's and the 2.0 USB will power the card reader and any 2.0 connections. The power to the PSU is to power the entire front panel devices and where needed.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 158
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks again, so if I want to add USB 3.0 to my pc, the front panel is enough? I won't need one of the dedicated USB 3.0 PCIE cards like in the first link? the front panel by itself will add the USB 3.0 ?
    But again, the only thing that confuses me is the difference between the PCIE card and the PCIE on the front panel, the card seems to be large with many components,so it makes sense that it adds USB 3.0 capabilities, but the front panel PCIE connector is small,so how does it add 3.0 capabilities? Is it because all the USB 3.0 components thingy are inside the box of the front panel?
    Sorry if I'm repeating myself
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #8

    No unless you want to add rear USB 3.0 and have an additional available PCIE slot. You're making this confusing, If you are looking to add USB 3.0 and only have it available to front mounted IO's then this is a nice little kit.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 158
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    OK got you! I will only need the front one .. thanks a lot , sorry I'm confusing it's just because of that small PCIE connector on the front panel kit , I mean, where are all the components of USB 3.0 ?!
    (I guess all the USB 3.0 components are inside the front panel box and the PCIE is just to connect it from the box to the PCIE)
    **When I say components I mean all those chips and Integrated Circuits on the PCIE card..
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #10

    I have a similar unit that I am happy with. All the components are in the front panel box.

    If you want USB 3.0 both up front and in back, you could a PCI-e card similar to this one, then either get a box like this for the front USB 3.0 ports or another card reader that can use the USB 3.0 header on the card.
      My Computer


 
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