Question 1

what size is it 3.5 or 5.25?

Accepted Answer

I find with these drive there are always some cable connections that cannot be connected in computer unless you have that specific configuration. Over all I find the mayor part of functionality to be good.

Question 2

I am not going to put this internal, I need to know the actual dimensions. What are the units dimensions?

Accepted Answer

I have already installed the card reader in my PC case. So the measurements were taken from the installed unit. I measure the height as 1 inch, the width as 4 inches and the depth as 3 7/16 inches (just slightly under 3.5 inches).

Question 3

the only place on the motherboard, as far as I can see, is a SATA port. Will that work with this unit?

Accepted Answer

This unit requires the follow:
-  The SATA cable is hardwired to the unit with a plug on the free end to connect to an unused SATA connector on the motherboard.
- an Intel USB connector on the motherboard. The cable to make this connection is provided.
- the power connection for this device is a SATA power connector. I needed a IDE to SATA power adapter since my power supply did not have an available SATA power connection but did have plenty of unused IDE power connectors.

Question 4

Is the 5v power input in the front the only way the unit recieves power or is there internal power via SATA as well?

Accepted Answer

This device gets it's power via SATA only.  The 5v output is for external devices that need 5 volts.  Other thoughts:  this device is pretty awesome.  Good luck.

Question 5

are the cables long enough for a full tower case?

Accepted Answer

I have the cooler master HAF full size case with a Gigabyte Z77 board. This reader works wonderful. I had no issue with the cables at all. Buy it!

Question 6

What connections are needed to install this?   I don't  see it mentioned and I don't recognize one of the connectors in the picture.

Accepted Answer

Usb n audio ports, the instrucutions are fairly clear if you have ever been inside a computer case you will recognize each connector, have your mainboard book handy..

Questions & Answers