Question 1

I'm confused about the connections to the motherboard.  I do have 1 USB 3.0 connection on my motherboard as pictured (I'm using it now with another panel), but I don't see the standard HD/AC97 motherboard header connection.  Does the audio in/out also use the same USB 3.0 header?  Is that possible?  How would the system recognize the audio?

Accepted Answer

I am 100% certain that the audio does not connect through the USB header (I don't even know if that's possible.) I know this because I don't have USB 3.0 headers on my motherboard (I bought this product for the convenience of front audio ports since the ones on my discontinued case malfunctioned.)

Since I didn't quite remember, I went ahead and opened up my case to check how the audio connected. My memory was correct. The audio connects with the standard HD audio connection (I don't know if that's the proper term for it) and that it doesn't have an optional connect for AC97 (which is deprecated anyways and probably has no users by now.)

The HD connection is just a black, relatively thick, insulated cable running from the panel. It may look like the USB header connection cables, but I couldn't check since those cables were tucked away and I didn't want to make a mess.

Question 2

I read on another site that people were complaining about problems with the HD audio connector.  Supposedly, the connector is missing a wire, so headphone use is either impaired and/or insertion of the headphone jack does not automatically mute speaker output.  Can anyone confirm or refute this problem?  I will be using the HD audio ports with an ASROCK Z77 EXTREME4 mobo if that matters.  Thanks!

Accepted Answer

I don't have that problem at all.  Works great for me.  Plug in my headphones and my speakers mute.  I don't have any performance issues using the headphone jack.  My only complaint would be that the cables are too short.  I have a full tower case so that's kind of my own problem.

Question 3

Hello, I don't have 2 usb 3 headers on my motherboard i was wondering how this is constructed, weather it is using a 2 part shell that is clipped onto the connectors which are independent of the housing or not?  Trying to figure out if i can remove one set of 3.0 connectors and use a set of 2.0 connectors like I've done with several other front panels that had spots for additional connectors I just had to pop open the 2 halves of the plastic shell and put in another set of connectors and push it closed again.

Accepted Answer

It would be much much much easier to buy a USB 3.0 to 2.0 header adapter. Dirt cheap. I just bought two of them and it works just fine. Didn't have to disassemble anything. Only downside is that the ones on here all ship from Asia, so it can take 1-2 weeks for them you arrive.

If my memory serves me right, I think the front panel is separate from the back part and is connected with rivets. Mind you, this is aluminium, not plastic, so it might not be as easy as your previous modifications.

Question 4

Hello, what is the length of the USB 3 cable ? Thank's you !

Accepted Answer

Hello. The length of the USB cable is approximately 65 centimetres. I can't get an exact measurement because I do not want to take it out of my case. It's safe to say it's between 60 and 70 centimetres.

Question 5

I just bought the following motherboard and need to figure out how to get some USB3.0 ports on the front of my case;

MSI X79A GD45 Plus LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gbs USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

I am having a heck of a time figuring out if this set of USB ports will connect to my MB. If not could someone point to a solution that will work?

Thanks

Accepted Answer

You need to plug in each of the adapter connectors to the USB 3.0 connections on your motherboard.  They look different that the USB 2.0 connections.   If your motherboard does not have a USB 3.0 connector you need to buy a USB 3.0 PCI card for the motherboard.  USB 3.0 is not supported on Windows XP if you are trying to install this on an old computer.

Question 6

Does the output (headphone) audio jack automatically sense when something is plugged in or unplugged in order to stop transmitting to other audio outputs?

Accepted Answer

Mine does, but I'm pretty sure it's a function of the OS software. I use Windows 7. So I'm assuming at least Windows 7 and up offer this feature. And if this feature requires comparability from hardware as well as software, then yes, this devices is compatible for this feature.

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