Well I just built a new computer a couple days ago reusing an older case which only had 2 front panel USB 2.0 ports.
I added this product to put the 3.0 ports up front where they are easier to access.
Well the Asus motherboard I have, Sabertooth Z77 along with the case Antex 1200 with the additional middle fan added did not make for a simple install. I had to remove the graphics card and middle fan just to be able to access the connection on the motherboard which is directed to the front of the case with the sata connections. With the big header connector on this cable and the location it didnt go in easily. It still feels like its not really seated well but I didnt want to force it and damage the motherboard for a cheap addon.
I went ahead and booted up. Card reader works, usb 2.0 but I dont care. I dont read many memory cards for that to matter. Plugged in a few of my usb 2.0 memory sticks in and they would not work.
Put them into the existing 2.0 ports and they work fine. Went to get my usb 3.0 stick and it worked. So I found my usb 3.0 external hd. It worked. Tried my usb 2.0 headphones. Didnt work. USB mouse, assuming 2.0 since 3.0 would just be stupid for a mouse. Didnt work. So my conclusion is for some reason, 2.0 devices do not work on the unit I got.
It could be that I dont have the header plugged in all the way, but I'm not forcing it more than I did. It works for the devices I bought it for, so leaving it be for now.
It could be the motherboard or not fully seated, so I just took off one star. Maybe someday I will try harder but dont want to break a new computer for something that works good enough.
Update 2/21/2013 - Well I can't just leave things be that are not working 100%.
I put in a PCI-E USB 3.0 card with a header port on it. Moved this product to the new PCI-E card instead of the header on the motherboard which just didnt fit well.
Header connection was much better and secure. Booted up and front ports are now working properly with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices. Therefore I changed it from a 4 star to 5 star review. The issues I had are not with this product but with the connection on the motherboard. Even runs significantly faster than some of the back USB 3.0 ports on the motherboard and replaced a USB 2.0 back panel with USB 3.0 back panel, so now I have 4 more USB 3.0 slots.
Very happy with the product now.
| Brand | NZXT |
|---|---|
| Item model number | AA-APMU3-B1 |
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.25 x 1.25 x 1.5 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.25 x 1.25 x 1.5 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Manufacturer | NZXT Technologies |
| ASIN | B008KEPWMY |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | June 1, 2012 |
