External or Internal USB hub ?

[Big Dee]

Hi,

I have a desktop PC with four USB 2.0 ports at the rear and would like to add more USB ports - extra 4 ports should be fine.

What would be the better option -

(1) External hub (with psu)?, or

(2) Internal bay hub?
- what sort of connections does this have?
- does it connect to the motherboard or to one of the external USB ports?
- are there any links showing the installation instructions?

Any major advantages/disadvantages between the options?

Thanks

 

[Big Dee]

Hi dazz25,

Thanks for the info. Your suggestion is for adding USB ports at the rear, right?

What about installing a Hub BAY unit, so that the extra ports are at the front? I think Belkin do one. Any ideas what connections would a unit like this have?

I shall be plugging a USB Memory Stick and digital camera on occasions but want to avoid reaching to the back of the PC as much a possible - very inconvenient.

I will take a look at the Motherboard details on the web.

Thanks.

 

[Big Dee]

Hi again dazz25,

That's no problem.

Yes, it's the one that would fit in one of the spare bays at the front.

Is there more than one way to get this connected, as in do all unit sof thsi kind connect the same way?

What is the USB "header" which you mentioned?
What does this look like and what if my mobo does not have it.
I have this mobo: Asus A8N-E nForce4 Ultra (Socket 939) PCI-Express Motherboard.

Installing this unit into the bay is not a problem, it's not knowing the connectivity and I don't want to buy one and find out I can't accommodate it.

Are there any other advantages to having the USB ports at the front?

Cheers.

 

[Big Dee]

I'm going to open up my PC and take a look at the mobo.
I know what the USB header is meant to look like now.

I'll update you as soon as I've checked.

Thanks.