If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Front USB after motherboard change
Some months back I replaced the failed mobo and PS in my Compaq 5005CL
with an MSI mobo and Enermax PS. I was unable to connect the front USB connectors to the mobo because the - presumably unique - Compaq cable did not fit the MSI mobo. I thought I could live with it, but now would like to have easier access to the USB. The mobo end of the cable to the front panel is a molded connector, so I'd need a new cable and reconnection to the front connectors. That would require removing the drives and probably the mobo and PS so I can remove the drives... Before I strip the case to have a look at the front connections, does anyone have successful experience with this? For example, how is the cable attached at the front panel? Alternatives, of course, would be a USB hub which would add to my desk clutter or a new case, which I am considering. Thanks for sharing your experience and your suggestions. Chas, |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Actually there are other alternatives.
Front side USB can be added to any machine that has just a header (Not a PCI-USB card) in the back. All it consist of is a Face plate for any available bay with the USB jacks mounted in it and some slightly longer cables to reach the USB connections on the motherboard. These come with 2 and 4 USB jacks, so you can have easy access to connect additional devices. Some I believe are even called front side internal USB hubs. Or if you only need a single connection, there are USB extension cables. Just plug one in at the back and run the other end around to the front of the PC. Not elegant, but functional. KC wrote in message ... Some months back I replaced the failed mobo and PS in my Compaq 5005CL with an MSI mobo and Enermax PS. I was unable to connect the front USB connectors to the mobo because the - presumably unique - Compaq cable did not fit the MSI mobo. I thought I could live with it, but now would like to have easier access to the USB. The mobo end of the cable to the front panel is a molded connector, so I'd need a new cable and reconnection to the front connectors. That would require removing the drives and probably the mobo and PS so I can remove the drives... Before I strip the case to have a look at the front connections, does anyone have successful experience with this? For example, how is the cable attached at the front panel? Alternatives, of course, would be a USB hub which would add to my desk clutter or a new case, which I am considering. Thanks for sharing your experience and your suggestions. Chas, |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
On Sun, 30 May 2004 , "Kevin Childers" wrote:
Actually there are other alternatives. Front side USB can be added to any machine that has just a header (Not a PCI-USB card) in the back. All it consist of is a Face plate for any available bay with the USB jacks mounted in it and some slightly longer cables to reach the USB connections on the motherboard. These come with 2 and 4 USB jacks, so you can have easy access to connect additional devices. Some I believe are even called front side internal USB hubs. Saw those, but I have no free bays Or if you only need a single connection, there are USB extension cables. Just plug one in at the back and run the other end around to the front of the PC. Not elegant, but functional. Probably what I'll do for the time being... Thx, Chas. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Yes, the Compaq computers, especially Presarios, have their own special
proprietary front panel connectors. Now that you've replaced the motherboard and power supply with industry-standard ones, you would be ahead of the game replacing the chassis, too. A chassis with provision for standard USB ports in front is not too expensive. And I would assume that the MSI motherboard has a USB connector on it? ... Ben Myers On Sun, 30 May 2004 08:09:05 -0400, wrote: Some months back I replaced the failed mobo and PS in my Compaq 5005CL with an MSI mobo and Enermax PS. I was unable to connect the front USB connectors to the mobo because the - presumably unique - Compaq cable did not fit the MSI mobo. I thought I could live with it, but now would like to have easier access to the USB. The mobo end of the cable to the front panel is a molded connector, so I'd need a new cable and reconnection to the front connectors. That would require removing the drives and probably the mobo and PS so I can remove the drives... Before I strip the case to have a look at the front connections, does anyone have successful experience with this? For example, how is the cable attached at the front panel? Alternatives, of course, would be a USB hub which would add to my desk clutter or a new case, which I am considering. Thanks for sharing your experience and your suggestions. Chas, |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
On Mon, 31 May 2004, Ben Myers wrote:
Yes, the Compaq computers, especially Presarios, have their own special proprietary front panel connectors. Now that you've replaced the motherboard and power supply with industry-standard ones, you would be ahead of the game replacing the chassis, too. A chassis with provision for standard USB ports in front is not too expensive. And I would assume that the MSI motherboard has a USB connector on it? ... Ben Myers Yes, but... In my slow and cost-conscious project of evolving a Compaq computer into a non-Compaq computer, a new chassis is surely on my list, but I've been hoping my next upgrade/swap would be to replace one of the optical drives with a DVD-writer. A new case would probably follow that - Chas. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
GIGABYTE to Launch Native 1066MHz FSB Motherboard – GA-8AENXP-D | Gigabyte USA Marketing | Gigabyte Motherboards | 0 | November 4th 04 08:36 PM |
AGP Voltage problem | John | Overclocking | 4 | February 29th 04 11:51 AM |
Case review: Antec SLK3700AMB | Matt | Homebuilt PC's | 0 | December 2nd 03 05:09 AM |
what motherboard in 5700T ? | M | Compaq Computers | 12 | November 10th 03 02:03 AM |
I think my FX5200 is damaged...........any way to verify? | Dunny Rummy | Nvidia Videocards | 4 | October 28th 03 05:50 PM |