onlyshiza
asked on
USB card or extension? Solution for my USB drive...?
Hi folks,
I have recently purchased a USB (flash) drive. My desktop has only USB ports at the back of the CPU tower. I really don't know what other options I have to make using the USB drive less of a pain. I have searched around on the web and saw USB extension cables, but what I was really looking for was a card for the front of my CPU tower. I have one of those "DELL L series mini towers" and it seems it has an extra slot (with dimensions 4" x 3/4") at the front of the CPU case. Are there any card that can be inserted in this slot?
I really appreciate your comments on the options that there are out in the market, specially about the USB card for the front of the case.
Thanks!
I have recently purchased a USB (flash) drive. My desktop has only USB ports at the back of the CPU tower. I really don't know what other options I have to make using the USB drive less of a pain. I have searched around on the web and saw USB extension cables, but what I was really looking for was a card for the front of my CPU tower. I have one of those "DELL L series mini towers" and it seems it has an extra slot (with dimensions 4" x 3/4") at the front of the CPU case. Are there any card that can be inserted in this slot?
I really appreciate your comments on the options that there are out in the market, specially about the USB card for the front of the case.
Thanks!
How about an AeroCool reader: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=20-401-501&depa=0
ASKER
Callandor,
Thanks for your reply. It seems really cool! However I don't think it fits into the slot on my tower (I couldn't find any info on it's dimensions). Besides, I don't think I would use most of it's features like CF card reader. Are there more economical options out there ?
Thanks for your reply. It seems really cool! However I don't think it fits into the slot on my tower (I couldn't find any info on it's dimensions). Besides, I don't think I would use most of it's features like CF card reader. Are there more economical options out there ?
There are two types: Ones that connect to INTERNAL usb headers on your motherboard, and the second connects ("through" the inside of your case) to the USB ports on the back.
I think this one will suit your needs, as is designed for the 3.5" drive bay you mentioned you have open: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=20-213-003&DEPA=0 (I think the previous item posted may be too large).
Either way, the common denominator is that NEWEGG is also my favorite place to shop for parts like this, and they have what you need.
I think this one will suit your needs, as is designed for the 3.5" drive bay you mentioned you have open: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=20-213-003&DEPA=0 (I think the previous item posted may be too large).
Either way, the common denominator is that NEWEGG is also my favorite place to shop for parts like this, and they have what you need.
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ASKER
Caseybea,
Seems like this one is more close to what I need. However I don't see any USB port on it...is it just a CF or SM card reader? (I always admit I am a bit dumb when it comes to hardware :-)
Seems like this one is more close to what I need. However I don't see any USB port on it...is it just a CF or SM card reader? (I always admit I am a bit dumb when it comes to hardware :-)
ASKER
Thanks Callandor... This is what I was looking for...Now two more questions:
1- It says: (Require motherboard with built-in USB & 1394 host controllers)... How do I know that my motherboard has these specifications.
2- Does it come with any instructions on how to connect that...again I am a bit dumb about hardware!
1- It says: (Require motherboard with built-in USB & 1394 host controllers)... How do I know that my motherboard has these specifications.
2- Does it come with any instructions on how to connect that...again I am a bit dumb about hardware!
You can specify your motherboard, and we can look it up.
You can install and run Everest, if you don't know what motherboard you have: http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en&pageid=3
Instructions on how to connect (you can check the pictures to see if you have USB headers)
http://www.directron.com/installusb.html
You can install and run Everest, if you don't know what motherboard you have: http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en&pageid=3
Instructions on how to connect (you can check the pictures to see if you have USB headers)
http://www.directron.com/installusb.html
ASKER
Ok, I have installed Everest and this is the quick report I got for the motherboard:
Motherboard Properties:
Motherboard ID 51-2300-000000-00101111-03 0199-$CA81 0_
Motherboard Name Intel Cayman CA810
Front Side Bus Properties:
Bus Type Intel GTL+
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 133 MHz
Effective Clock 133 MHz
Bandwidth 1066 MB/s
Chipset Bus Properties:
Bus Type Intel Hub Interface
Bus Width 8-bit
Motherboard Physical Info:
CPU Sockets/Slots 1
Expansion Slots 4 PCI
RAM Slots 2 DIMM
Integrated Devices Audio, Video
Form Factor Micro ATX
Motherboard Size 240 mm x 240 mm
Motherboard Chipset i810
Motherboard Manufacturer:
Company Name Intel Corporation
Product Information http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/index.htm
BIOS Download http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/genbios.htm
Motherboard Properties:
Motherboard ID 51-2300-000000-00101111-03
Motherboard Name Intel Cayman CA810
Front Side Bus Properties:
Bus Type Intel GTL+
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 133 MHz
Effective Clock 133 MHz
Bandwidth 1066 MB/s
Chipset Bus Properties:
Bus Type Intel Hub Interface
Bus Width 8-bit
Motherboard Physical Info:
CPU Sockets/Slots 1
Expansion Slots 4 PCI
RAM Slots 2 DIMM
Integrated Devices Audio, Video
Form Factor Micro ATX
Motherboard Size 240 mm x 240 mm
Motherboard Chipset i810
Motherboard Manufacturer:
Company Name Intel Corporation
Product Information http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/index.htm
BIOS Download http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/genbios.htm
It looks like that board has an optional USB front panel, but you'll have to check your manual or motherboard to make sure: http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/CA810/sb/CS-012827.htm#6
Whoops! I posted one that had no USB port on the front. Here's one that's only 16 bucks, and fits both 3.5" and 5.25"
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-999-231&depa=0
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-999-231&depa=0
ASKER
Thanks a lot Callandor. I really appreciate all your time and help. I will increase the points a bit as you have put lots of time on this.
onlyshiza
onlyshiza
ASKER
Caseybea,
I have posted some points on a separate posting for you. Thanks a lot for your contribution.
onlyshiza
I have posted some points on a separate posting for you. Thanks a lot for your contribution.
onlyshiza