USB 3.1 Front Panel Box w/ USB 3.1 cable exist?

[soochinator]

I have a Maximus IX Code mobo w/ a USB 3.1 front panel header that's (at this point) seemingly worthless. I see ASUS has developed USB 3.1 (Type A & C) 5.25" panel boxes w/ SATAe internal connection, but has any mfr developed a front panel with a USB 3.1 internal connection? I'm looking for a 3.5" front panel to fit in my 5.25" Icy Dock dual 2.5" SSD & 3.5" bay mounting adapter and plug into the USB 3.1 front panel header. Ideally I'd like one with both Type C & A, but either one would satisfy me. Is the 3.5" form factor possible or is USB 3.1 somehow limited to 5.25" panel boxes?

I have a be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 case and am not interested in replacing it with a different case that has native front panel USB 3.1. I'm very happy with the rear USB 3.1 Type A & C support on the Code, but would really like the convenience of a front panel connection.

I read this post: https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?90648-USB-3-1-header-on-Z270-Motherboards-What-cable-do-yo... where someone found a proper USB 3.1 header cable online and modified their case to mount the Type C connector, so I suppose that's one possibility (although I'd really like the convenience of two connectors). Here is the cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/

This is what I'm looking for, but w/ USB 3.1 instead of 3.0: https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboard-Accessory/Front_Panel_USB_30_Box/

edit: I would really appreciate a response from ASUS as to whether they are planning to produce a product like this. Thanks!

[davemon50]

Yeah, it's a bit ahead of its time, future proofed, lol not that anything is future proofed in computer tech. I know it's not 3.1, it's 3.0 but I use this one pretty successfully off the 3.0 header on the board. You have to have a case slot for it.

https://www.atechflash.com/pro-77u

All of the 3.1 solutions seem to be external, similar to how all the 3.0 solutions were pretty much external 5 years ago.

[soochinator]

haha It's about as future proof as you can get considering that as of now there's only one company I've found with a cable that uses the header.

If that company releases a cable that splits from one 3.1 header to two Type A or C ends, I may end up buying a 3.5" dual USB 3.0 front panel off Amazon and swapping the cables. If the screw holes don't line up, epoxy will do the job just fine. Attached pics for reference.

[robaczek]

soochinator wrote:
haha It's about as future proof as you can get considering that as of now there's only one company I've found with a cable that uses the header.

If that company releases a cable that splits from one 3.1 header to two Type A or C ends, I may end up buying a 3.5" dual USB 3.0 front panel off Amazon and swapping the cables. If the screw holes don't line up, epoxy will do the job just fine. Attached pics for reference.

I have the exact same thing! Works like a dream 😉

[davemon50]

Do you think this "back of case" solution works for you?

https://www.amazon.com/SEDNA-Metal-Bracket-profile-bracket/dp/B00ZR98Y5M/ref=sr_1_13?s=electronics&i...

[soochinator]

I have the ASUS Maximus IX Code mobo, so I have USB 3.1 (A & C) on the I/O panel. No need for any additional around back.

[JimBob_SF]

@soochinator, perfect question and I've found a similar lack of front-mounted solutions. I found three types of front mounted 3.1 ports. I got a Maximus IX Hero for the 3.1 header, and it looks like i'm going to wait a bit.

1. Built into the case (not many out there yet)
2. Dual port cards like the ones in this thread
3. Full 5.25 solutions and there's only two that I was remotely interested int.
a. Kingwin multi-function: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K0RPTN0/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I280F6DH80L442&colid=3ACQ1U2U2MXLJ
b. Asus kit (just a creative solution to put a full card in a 5.25 bay): https://www.asus.com/Motherboard-Accessory/USB-31-FRONT-PANEL/

Personally, if I'm going to add a front panel solution, I'll look to kill as many birds as I can. The Kingwin-type solution is what I'll wait a bit to see more options pop up. The funny thing is that the Kingwin is kinda vague on how it connects to a 3.1 header like in the latest ROG boards.

[soochinator]

Unfortunately the Kingwin 5.25 unit you linked to connects via USB 3.0 header, so while it has one Type C port, it will only operate at a maximum speed of 5gbps. The ASUS 5.25 unit connects via SATAe, which isn't on the IX Code. I guess we'll all just continue the waiting game for proper solutions.

[davemon50]

It's basically the same as the Atech Flash one I mentioned and use above. 5.25" front panel solution but only 3.0 header connection not 3.1. Kind of what's available today.

[sdmf74]

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