PCI-E expansion card for USB3 header?

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Lizard1977

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#142848 26-Mar-2014 14:35

I've got myself a shiny new case for my PC, however the front panel of the case only has USB3 (served by a 20-pin internal USB3 connector. My motherboard doesn't have a USB3.0 connector, so I won't be able to connect the front panel USB ports direct to my motherboard.

I figured a PCI-E card might be the answer, but my scan of Pricespy only revealed cards with USB3 ports on the backplane, rather than a plug for me to connect the front panel connector to. Google showed up a couple from overseas through Amazon or Newegg, but I'd prefer to buy in NZ if possible. Does anyone know of a product that would do what I'm looking for, and where would I find it in NZ?

andrewcnz

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#1013378 26-Mar-2014 19:26

http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/components/other-pci-cards/auction-710603636.htm

Lizard1977

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#1013398 26-Mar-2014 20:33

Thanks for that. Never thought to check Trademe. It says Windows 7 only, but I'm guessing it would be fine with Windows 8 (using Win7 Compatibility Mode if need be).

As it turns out, my wife found an adaptor cable from her most recent build. It converts the 20 pin USB3 plug to a 10-pin USB2 plug, so it would fit the header on my motherboard. It would only give me USB2.0 speeds, but as I don't have any USB3.0 devices, it wouldn't matter much, and at least the front panel would work. I might look into Trademe for a card down the track though.

Cheers