Solved Corsair Carbide 500R Front Panel USB Port Failures

[fireberd]

I've build 4 systems in the last two years using Corsair Carbide 500R cases. I like the case design and functionality and being quiet. I particularly like that the front I/O panel is in the front of the case and not the top like many cases today.

However, I have had 3 front panel USB port failures in these units. Corsair promptly replaces the front panel assemblies under warranty, but the point is the failures in these units. The first one, that I built for a client lasted 6 months and developed a problem of one of the USB ports not working. The next one, built for another client did the same thing. I now have another failure (in my recording studio system) that failed in less than 3 months and very little use of that USB port.

I like this model case but can't stand any more failures and the hassle of replacing the front panel and wiring.

End of Rant.

 

[essenbe]

firebird, I've read several people talk about the same thing on several models; and not only with Corsair. I know Cooler Master had a problem of the front panel connections shorting out the computer for years. I've come to the conclusion that it is purely a financial decision. It is cheaper for them to replace the defective part than it is to redesign it and re tool the manufacturing process. The same is true with quality control with motherboards. It's cheaper to replace and swap around defective boards than to spend the money to buy the proper equipment to manufacture them and pay for qualified quality control personnel.

So, the end result is we end up with inferior equipment so the owners can line their pockets more than they do already. It will not change until the consumer quits buying from them and they begin to lose money from lack of sales because of these decisions. We both know, that is not going to happen on any scale large enough to make an impression.

 

[fireberd]

Adding insult to injury, I just found out the latest replacement front panel assembly is out of stock. I opened the latest ticket on 5/15 and on 5/17 I got an e-mail that the warranty replacement was authorized and the request was sent to the parts department and I would get a shipping notice. I never received any shipping info and today found out the front panel assembly is back ordered.

 

[essenbe]

I guess they've had to replace too many.

 

[fireberd]

I must have used up their spare inventory with previous units that had to have the front panel assembly.

 

[essenbe]

I imagine you had several thousand others helping you.

 

[badger906]

my air 540 front panel failed including the power and hdd led lights. I took it apart as I didnt rant to have it replaced and luckily my wiggling of cables solved it! one of the usb ports is a little dodgy still and doesnt always work though.

 

[fireberd]

One of the other ones that I had that failed, I tried repairing. I got the replacement front panel in but before I did the replacement I tried repairing, even resoldering jack connections and reseating cables at the front panel I/O board and nothing helped. It may have been in the cable or connector that plugs into the I/O board. It could even be in the molded USB 3.0 motherboard plug, but I didn't get into that as I would had to destroy the plug to check the wiring.

 

[fireberd]

I finally got a shipping notice that the replacement front panel assembly has been shipped. Only took a little over two weeks. As they are on the west coast and I'm in Florida it will take a week (UPS ground) to get here.

 

[essenbe]

Unless it's being shipped from Taiwan.

 

[Layback Bear]

Their is a good chance that the usb ports are from the same manufacture and used by many case manufacture. That is why different brands of cases are having the same problem.
The case manufactures are going to have to get mean with the usb port manufactures.

 

[fireberd]

ETA is May 13 according to UPS tracking. That's a full week from the shipping date, May 6.

 

[fireberd]

Replacement, finally, arrived yesterday and installed. It took care of the problem. My rant is still with the fact that I've had multiple failures of the front I/O panel jacks in this model.