That old front USB ports slow transfer rates problem..

[R3X]

I don't think I ever came across a solution for this but its a general issue I have noticed with pretty much most ATX cases with any computer build, new and old.

The front USB ports, 2.0 or 3.0 there just terrible performance for transfer rates or unstable when using USB flash or HDD (2.0 or 3.0).

The easy fix has been well for myself at least to simply plug any usb device into the usb 3.0 port on the back of the motherboards build in USB ports, then I get reliable transfer and Fast speeds and joy.

Was there a fix or solution to old age problem ?

 

[an0nym0us]

A motherboard with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 header and a case with USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel ports?

 

[R3X]

A motherboard with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 header and a case with USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel ports?

Could be the fix are the newer cases arriving with USB 3.2 headers ?

Guess no one else has noticed this problem in general and its just myself though, either that or everyone has usb 3.2 ports on there motherboards with 3.2 front case ports, I am unsure what usb ports are on my cooler master 652 Silencio case but it could be usb 3.0 1st gen they are blue. Case came out 2014 so maybe its just that old.

I was thinking a USB hub with electrical ps supply may provide a more stable, reliable and fast transfer data speeds also, may have to bite the bullet and test this out.

 

[an0nym0us]

Could be the fix are the newer cases arriving with USB 3.2 headers ?

Unfortunately, the crazy people behind USB decided they needed the most confusing naming convention they could possibly dream up. Most of us actually have USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers on our motherboard because it's the exact same thing as USB 3.1 Gen 1, which is also the exact same thing as USB 3.0 (all have a max transfer speed of 5Gbps).

USB 3.2 Gen 2 is the same as USB 3.1 Gen 2 (both 10Gbps max transfer speed). Some of the newer motherboards and cases now have USB 3.2 Gen 2 headers and front I/O ports, respectively.
E.g.
https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/ROG-Crosshair-VIII-Impact/specifications/
NZXT 210, but in the form of a USB-C connector on the front panel

 

[an0nym0us]

I am unsure what usb ports are on my cooler master 652 Silencio case but it could be usb 3.0 1st gen they are blue. Case came out 2014 so maybe its just that old.

https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/cases/mid-tower/silencio652/

I/O Panel
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0

I was thinking a USB hub with electrical ps supply may provide a more stable, reliable and fast transfer data speeds also, may have to bite the bullet and test this out.

The alternative would be a case upgrade and, if you have a spare PCIe slot on your motherboard, you could try using something like this to get the 10Gbps internal USB header:
Silverstone SST-ECU02, 1x USB 3.1 Internal, PCIe 3.0 x2 - Low Profile
Not personally tried one of these adapters though, so can't comment on how good/bad it is.

 

[R3X]

https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/cases/mid-tower/silencio652/



The alternative would be a case upgrade and, if you have a spare PCIe slot on your motherboard, you could try using something like this to get the 10Gbps internal USB header:
Silverstone SST-ECU02, 1x USB 3.1 Internal, PCIe 3.0 x2 - Low Profile
Not personally tried one of these adapters though, so can't comment on how good/bad it is.

Thanks, yeah I was checking the 3.0 ports on my coolermaster case, I spotted some USB 3.1 case headers and adaptors and even USB C available on the bay which may update the old ports but that silverstone card looks good also. Eventually it is looking like a full update on the PC case and system though better to have everything on the mobo and case as updated as possible.

It was just a general query really if USB ports on Cases have improved really, I still went to stick an 64gig flash drive on an front usb 3.0 port on a maybe 6 year old PC my Uncle has and it was donkey slow, soon as I put it on the back mobo 3.0 port transferred in 2 minutes rather then 12 minutes, I have the same issue on my pc kinda guess everything gets old quickly and needs to be replaced.

 

[an0nym0us]

Eventually it is looking like a full update on the PC case and system though better to have everything on the mobo and case as updated as possible.

Probably the better overall strategy. That Silverstone PCIe USB header card I linked and other similar ones I've seen are unfortunately quite pricey.

It was just a general query really if USB ports on Cases have improved really, I still went to stick an 64gig flash drive on an front usb 3.0 port on a maybe 6 year old PC my Uncle has and it was donkey slow, soon as I put it on the back mobo 3.0 port transferred in 2 minutes rather then 12 minutes, I have the same issue on my pc kinda guess everything gets old quickly and needs to be replaced.

That doesn't seem right, it shouldn't be taking that much longer. Is it possible they are working at USB 2.0 speed for any reason?

 

[R3X]

That doesn't seem right, it shouldn't be taking that much longer. Is it possible they are working at USB 2.0 speed for any reason?

Doubtful, PC is old but pre made by hp with win 7, I fully updated it with latest intel usb chipset drivers and with window updates etc

This is why I posted this question, I have noticed it occurs on pretty much most pcs I have made or even friends and families PCs in general (often older builds 4-5+ years), its one of those things you could spot right away since if you are transferring an 8gig file on the front case usb port it says 24 minutes I give up getting bored and just stick it in the back port and then it says 3-4 minutes.

I have the same issue with my Logitech mouse usb dongle, on the front my coolermaster usb header sometimes it lags, stick it in the back usb 2.0 port and its stable and fine with no lag.

I always felt the front ports on cases internal usb header cable was too far away from the mobo or perhaps not getting enough current and power.....

But maybe its just since I deal with more older PC desktops !