Question 1

I do not have a port labeled 1394 on the motherboard nor do I have an HD or ac97? Presently the Media Cards do not work. I have plenty of extra USB ports and I have the SATA plugged in. Any suggestions to get the card readers to work especially would be greatly appreciated. They are the reason I bought this to begin with.

Accepted Answer

Julie: The one I purchased "worked" for a few days and then the SD Card file transfer rate went from 16MBp/s to 1MBp/s or less.
I contacted the Manufacturer who issued an RMA.
I had to pay to ship it to them and they (supposedly) fixed it and sent it back.

I say supposedly because I gave up on them and in the mean time I decided to just purchase another one that supports larger SD cards (*) and it runs much better anyway. The one they sent is collecting dust somewhere.

You mentioned this, but I almost didn't notice my MoBo had one in the back so... Make sure that the I/O panel doesn't have a 1394 port or you can damage your MoBo and/or the card reader.

It sounds weird to me that you would not have a sound port on the MoBo. Also, the SATA is for the SATA, I think you have to plug in the SD readers into an available USB socket on the MoBo. (and this might be silly.. but don't forget the power)

Another thins, I think this device can only read one thing at a time, so if you have a USB plugged in or anything else on one of the other ports, the other ports will not work.

(*) While writing it occurred to me that might be your problem.. there is a limit as to the virtual size of the cards this reader will read. Make sure by checking the specs at the manufacturer's site.

Question 2

compatible with dell inspiron 570?

Accepted Answer

It's 'compatible' if there is an empty 5-1/2" drive bay and the motherboard has connectors for the various ports (USB, SATA, Audio, etc.). This panel simply brings access to those extra buses to the front of the computer.

I can't speak for the Dell Inspiron specifically, but most motherboards have extra pinouts for these functions. The panel comes with built-in cables with the respective connectors suited to the various ports.

Question 3

Can a computer illiterate (myself) install this?  I see plugs on the end of cables and I can plug something in.  Does it come with instructions WHERE to connect the plugs?  Am tired of buying flimsy readers that plug externally into USB ports that get the pins in the CF card slots bent over.  Also is a pain in the keester to locate the reader, then plug it into USB port.

Accepted Answer

When installing new peripherals in a computer, to paraphrase Franklin D. Roosevelt, 'The only thing you have to fear is fear itself.'

The primary consideration you have to take into account is whether you have an empty 5-1/4" slot in which to put the USB/Card reader panel. If so, installing the panel is as simple as removing one side panel from the case, installing the panel just as you would a CD Drive so the front of the panel is flush with the other components stored in adjacent 5-1/4" slots and complete the physical installation by installing a screw in both sides of the panel to mount it permanently to the case.

Hooking up the wires is essentially a matter of finding the ports/pins on your motherboard which correspond with the identifying marks on the plugs at the end of each cable. You may find it necessary to unplug existing USB and/or front audio cables from the motherboard in order to use the ports found on the new panel. Don't worry about having 'extra' cables... The decision as to which ports you want active on the new panel (vs those built into the front of your case) determines whether you will connect the cables coming from the new panel or the existing ports on the old case.

A diagram of your motherboard's internal port connections would be helpful in finding the respective ports, but not altogether necessary since these pins/ports are usually pretty clearly marked on the motherboard itself. And thankfully, most pins/ports are manufactured so that you can't install the cables backward.

This panel seems to be well-made with good quality components and I honestly don't think you'll have any trouble installing it.

Good luck.

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