New PC build, lacking internal USB ports, need options

Randomrocket · 27 Dec 2014

Hey guys, I'm putting together new PC build and made a tiny mistake. I didn't think to look at internal USB 2.0 ports when choosing a new motherboard.

The motherboard I picked out is MSI X99S MPOWER. The motherboard only came with two internal USB 2.0 ports. Which is fine but the case I got is a Cooler Master HAF 932 Advanced and the front panel on it uses two USB 2.0 ports. I also got a Corsair H100i for CPU cooler which needs one of those USB 2.0 ports and I was also planning on bringing a memory card reader from my old build, but it needs USB 2.0 also.

So I need advice on what to do. I'm two ports short. I do have one empty, internal USB 3.0 port that I am not using.

I'm thinking about about getting a USB 2.0 expansion card that comes with an internal port, but all the ones I can find require an adapter to convert it to the internal USB pins.

Any advice is welcome. And it may just be a simple choice of buying the USB 2.0 expansion card, but I didn't know if anyone knew of any other options. I'm fine with only some of the front USB ports working and getting a new card reader that uses USB 3.0, but I can't find anything like that.

Thanks in advance.

matts6887 · 27 Dec 2014

For now i would say give the usb 3.0 slot a shot. It should be compatible with usb 2.0 devices so you could do that. Or just get the expansion card like you were originally planning on doing.

whs · 27 Dec 2014

If you get an expansion PCI-e card, get USB3. That can also deal with USB2 devices. In addition you can get USB hubs. If you attach spinning disks to it, get a powered hub. Example:

Rosewill RHB-320 7 Ports USB 2.0/1.1 Hub with Power Adapter - Newegg.com

RoasterMen · 28 Dec 2014

I'd prefer giving USB 3.0 Ports a shot. It should be backwards compatible.