Cables To Go - 27036 - USB 2.0 Front-Bay Hub 2-Port Black

 (5 customer reviews)

It comes with proper cable so you can hook it directly to your motherboard. I wish it comes in 3.5" format.

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this product. For under $20 I expected something adequate but flimsy. 'Cables To Go' has impressed me with their products.

Pros:

Sturdy metal mounting cage
Well constructed / high quality mounted ports
Two different USB connection types - motherboard (with premounted cable) and external (with additional supplied cable)
Two different face plates (one with a 3 1/2 cutout and one without, they are both identical otherwise)
Rear slot plate provided for use with external USB connection cable
Mounting screws included
Instructions in English that are understandable
Additional modding possibilities with supplied extra cable

Cons:

Limited to two ports on front (although clearly listed in description as a 2-port unit)

Most Motherboards have USB headers/Connectors on them for hooking up to front USB ports. If your case does not have these ports available, or you want to add more, you're only option would be to add a USB expansion card and have to connect at the back of the computer (a pain). If all you are after is the front USB ports, then this is the best option I could find (and I did a lot of looking). Your other options are front bay configurations that look like this product, but cost a lot more, and add functions (like card readers and temp. gauges) that you may not want. This product can be used as is, or you can add a 3.5 hard or floppy to save space.

The unit does have an installation problem though.
When using the side mount holes to install your 3.5 drive, you can't use the hole next to the USB plug, not even a flat head screw, so you have to drill out the bottom mount hole to secure that corner. Before you ask; the bottom mount holes do not bring the 3.5 flush to the...Read more