Does USB 3 require a new case?

NeilF · 19 Sep 2013 at 11:06

If I've got a case which has USB 2 sockets built into it, whose cables obviously currently plug into the USB 2 headers on my mother board, if I were to replace the mother board with one that supports USB 3, do I just plug the existing USB cables of the case into the USB 3 headers and all is OK?

Or will those old headers/cables not be compatible with USB3?

Hyburnate · 19 Sep 2013 at 11:09

No,

That's USB3.0 header, so you'd need a new case that supports it sadly

davido_labido · 19 Sep 2013 at 11:09

no, USB 3 headers are different, but you can get these....

they will only run at usb 2 speeds though, so not much point.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-107-AK

or you could buy one of these to run at full usb3 speed

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-053-BX

NeilF · 19 Sep 2013 at 11:12

OK... Thanks! So I guess not wishing to throw the case away, use the case's USB slots as USB2 (to USB 2 headers on the new motherboard or with converters), and have USB3 ones around the rear...

davido_labido · 19 Sep 2013 at 11:17

yeah, that would work fine, depending on the mobo, there will probably be usb2 headers as well so wait to see what ya get first!

NeilF · 19 Sep 2013 at 11:40

Be a shame to chuck my Hyper Osiris case just because of some USB sockets!

You can see the USB sockets on the top here - http://www.overclock3d.net/gfx/articles/2008/05/16153558306s.jpg

Shame they can't just be USB3'd!

spoffle · 19 Sep 2013 at 11:44

Hyburnate said:
No,

That's USB3.0 header, so you'd need a new case that supports it sadly

This is awful advice. :confused:

There are plenty of retro-fit kits to add USB3.0 ports to PC cases, as well as third party ones that add USB3.0 ports to a spare 3.5" slot.

A fair amount of cases have their USB ports built in to 3.5" external docks anyway, like on my TJ07. I can just unscrew the old USB ports and replace them with the newer USB3.0 module that Silverstone are selling or including in newer revisions.

If all that isn't possible, it's very easy to modify a USB 3.0 header and USB 3.0 ports to work with your case.

NeilF · 19 Sep 2013 at 11:55

I guess one of the front covers could be swapped for one with USB3 sockets? As long as it sort of matched the brushed black finish - http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cases_cooling/hiper_osiris_atx_case/2

There is a floppy disk panel so if there's a 3.5" USB3 panel that could go in that? - http://www.overclock3d.net/gfx/articles/2008/05/16184012836s.jpg