VANTEC UGT-IH100 Multi-function Front Panel USB 2.0/FireWire 400/eSATA x 1

Pros: It is one of the only USB 2.0 addition ports available still on newegg.

Cons: Others have mentioned the 5 pin connector. I would pay much more if they would use the 5+4. And the 1394 is a joke. All of this can damage the motherboard (as they state) if oriented incorrectly. Well, my MB doesn't list the correct orientation and neither do they so it's a 50-50 chance of voiding your warranty if it's at all dark or difficult to reach your USB plugins. I didn't plan to plug in 1394 because of previous reviews, but the USB? I didn't expect that to be absolutely in the dark. I plugged it in backwards, fried it, caused my mobo to be down one usb port in windows. If I could get unit replaced I would replace and know how to install it better next time. Nope, warranty is gone since they warned me. FAT HELP THAT WAS. Vantec lost my business. Glad it was less than $30. I hope Newegg takes it, but since warranty is void... Some will say this is my error. If they marked the 5-pin, it would be, however I do believe it is blank. Wires are colored, but...

Other Thoughts: ...I think improperly. Look, I have installed the CPU, the case's USB ports, the case's SATA ports, a water cooler for the CPU, a graphics card (not the hardest thing) the case's little things like power l.e.d.s and buttons, (actually harder than the graphics card and only as hard as this should be) numerous fans and drives, I think I know what I'm doing, especially with stuff like this since I got all the power l.e.d.s and buttons right the first try. I am exasperated.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,
We try hard to provide our customer with the best service. If you have questions about our products, please feel free to write to us for assistance at support@vantecusa.com. We will try our best to answer your questions. Thank you for looking into our products. We do value your patronage.
Best Regards, Vantec

Pros: , i did not require the firewire
eSata works
the 2 left USB ports work fine
the 2 right USB port, provide power only

Cons: The two right USB port may not be wring

Other Thoughts: I plugged the 1x5 USB connector into my 2x5 MB USB header, not sure if i have done this correctly

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Customer,
We try hard to provide our customers with the best products. If you have questions about our products, or anything that are not functioning the way it is advertised, please feel free to write to us for assistance. We will try our best to support and answer your questions. Thank you for looking into our products.
Best Regards, Vantec

Pros: It has exactly what I wanted and it works completely. I bought the first one in the summer of 2011 and just bought another for a computer I built for my wife.

Cons: The firewire has individual pins, not a header, so it is a bit agrivating to plug into the motherboard.

Pros: It works as advertised. Housing is rock solid once installed properly.

Cons: Unit came with two sets of four screws - one set was larger diameter than the other. The larger diameter screws didn't fit in the 3.5" - 5.25" adapter bracket, nor did they fit in the bracket - housing in my computer. Had to scrounge my screw pile to find 4 small-diameter screws that fit.

The USB 2.0 & 1394 Firewire wires that interface with the motherboard weren't in the conventional 5x2 orientation. Instead, the USB 2.0 wires were in 5x1 configuration and the 1394 wires came as 6 individual pins. I had to search for 1394 pin specification on the internet and have my small-handed girlfriend plug it in for me. Word to the wise - use the wire labels, not the wire colors. The wire colors aren't standard convention.

Other Thoughts: After some frustration with installation (and navigating the Engrish instruction manual), I really didn't think that this unit would work. To my surprise, it does... if you do some of your own research and install this correctly.

Pros: This front panel does what it needs to do. The ports on it are of quality and fit plugs well.

Cons: The power indicator LED on the front burnt out within a month. It was annoying at night anyways. Very bright orange. :)

Pros: It probably works

Cons: None really.

Other Thoughts: It only adds 4 USB ports. Has Firewire/1394 connectivity, which I didn't need. Many motherboards may not be able to take the full connectivity. So again, check your specs to determine if you really need this product.

Pros: Works good easy install.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: Buy It