Need more USB ports...external USB hub or PCI card?

darrenkarp · 7 Jan 2021 at 18:45

Hi All,

I have an Asus Maximus Hero VIII mobo and have run out of USB ports. What's better, an external USB hub or a PCI express card? Any makes / model recommendations welcome too!

Cheers
Daz

robj20 · 7 Jan 2021 at 18:48

Pcie card will be faster, usb hub will be fine if your connecting lots of low speed items.

darrenkarp · 7 Jan 2021 at 18:52

thanks for the fast reply. I don't, currently, have any USB 3.0 devices plugged in but they may change in the future. An external hub is easier to plug in but not as neat as a PCI express card...what are your thoughts?

robj20 · 7 Jan 2021 at 18:54

darrenkarp said:
thanks for the fast reply. I don't, currently, have any USB 3.0 devices plugged in but they may change in the future. An external hub is easier to plug in but not as neat as a PCI express card...what are your thoughts?

I'd start with a hub and plug all your slow items into and hide it out of the way, leave the fast ports for things like storage.

darrenkarp · 7 Jan 2021 at 18:55

thanks. any make / model of hub you'd recommend?

HoneyBadger · 7 Jan 2021 at 19:10

External hub. Easier and won’t consume PCIE lanes.

darrenkarp · 7 Jan 2021 at 19:11

Thanks for the reply. Does it matter that external USB hubs don't have a built in controller?

HoneyBadger · 7 Jan 2021 at 19:43

Not sure what you mean

Armageus · 7 Jan 2021 at 20:01

Another option would be a usb bracket if you have any headers free (believe that board has 2x usb3 headers and 2x usb2 headers)

Something like the below

CODE
My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x Akasa USB 3.0 Internal Adapter Cable with PCI bracket= £6.95

Total: £9.69 (includes shipping: £2.74)