Case has front panel USB 3.0 ports, but the Motherboard does not have onboard USB 3.0 headers.

[Omar Ziad]

Gonna be putting together a computer with these parts
The problem is that the motherboard (MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 ) does not have onboard 3.0 USB headers but the case(Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case) does have USB 3.0 ports.
1)What can i do in order to utilize the USB 3.0?
2)How should I install my OS without an optical drive?
3)I'm also considering getting an optical drive, which would you recommend for mainly gaming purposes?
Thanks a lot in advance! and forgive me if these questions are stupid.

 

[Suztera]

You can't use the front panels then.
If it is your first build, i recommend you should get one just for installing windows. You don't have to put it in the case but keep one when you need to use it. It mainly for installing Windows if you do not use the USB method or want to install CD games.

 

[M0j0jojo]

There are USB ports on the motherboard, rear of the Computer Case, just plug the USB into the motherboard USB ports and you should be good to go. thats how I installed Windows 7 on my brother computer since he also does not have USB 3.0 headers on his motherboard.

 

[RookieOfTheYear]

First of all, definitely change that power supply. The CX series are not good. There is an excellent sale on this XFX PSU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 17:18 EDT-0400

 

[M0j0jojo]

You can get a Bluray Drive for like $40 now http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136268

 

[smorizio]

they make a usb 2.0 to 3.0 changer for cases.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?gclid=CjsKDwjwmuafBRCQ7ef6zJXhdRIkAFH2meddFFmN_AOc23_w7UOjHHol-D8vTAE4plcO3jqicoD7GgIeHPD_BwE&Item=N82E16812201039&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-USB+Converters-_-N82E16812201039&ef_id=U-pW1AAABftOQhD4:20140824211916:s

you can use the free microsoft usb to iso tool to install window from a usb stick. you need another pc to read the disk or iso image from. for the money the 14.00 samsung drive are not bad.
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

 

[Karadjgne]

USB 3.0 ports are backwards compatible. They use the exact same port. You can get an adapter from Amazon cheap that will switch the wire from your front ports from USB 3.0 to a USB 2.0 header, which are usually found on the bottom center-right of motherboards.

You can get an image of your OS from Microsoft, save it on a USB card, plug that into pc and boot. Just make sure you set the Bios to recognize USB as a boot device

 

[Omar Ziad]

First of all, definitely change that power supply. The CX series are not good. There is an excellent sale on this XFX PSU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 17:18 EDT-0400

What makes the XFX one better and the Corsair one bad?, Could you please elaborate?(I'm pretty new to this)
I'm considering getting a modular power supply which one would you recommend

 

[Omar Ziad]

USB 3.0 ports are backwards compatible. They use the exact same port. You can get an adapter from Amazon cheap that will switch the wire from your front ports from USB 3.0 to a USB 2.0 header, which are usually found on the bottom center-right of motherboards.

You can get an image of your OS from Microsoft, save it on a USB card, plug that into pc and boot. Just make sure you set the Bios to recognize USB as a boot device

How can i get the image of the OS from Microsoft?

 

[Omar Ziad]

they make a usb 2.0 to 3.0 changer for cases.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?gclid=CjsKDwjwmuafBRCQ7ef6zJXhdRIkAFH2meddFFmN_AOc23_w7UOjHHol-D8vTAE4plcO3jqicoD7GgIeHPD_BwE&Item=N82E16812201039&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-USB+Converters-_-N82E16812201039&ef_id=U-pW1AAABftOQhD4:20140824211916:s

you can use the free microsoft usb to iso tool to install window from a usb stick. you need another pc to read the disk or iso image from. for the money the 14.00 samsung drive are not bad.
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

How can i get the iso image?
I'd still have to buy a copy of the OS for the product key right?

 

[imadirtybirdy]

XFX is a better power supply, but Ive used many CX Corsairs all of them infact, I havent had any trouble with them.. And even if you do have a problem.. Its not like its some no name brand power supply that when it fails it'll take out your components with it.. Thats very unlikely with Corsair.

IF you do have the money though, its not a bad idea.. Just dont feel pressured on doing so.

But if you havent bought the CX yet, then yeah go with the XFX especially at 60 bucks. But if you already have the CX.. I would just use it.

 

[RookieOfTheYear]

First of all, definitely change that power supply. The CX series are not good. There is an excellent sale on this XFX PSU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 17:18 EDT-0400

What makes the XFX one better and the Corsair one bad?, Could you please elaborate?(I'm pretty new to this)
I'm considering getting a modular power supply which one would you recommend

XFX uses better capacitors. They are also arguably the best brand name in power supplies along with seasonic and EVGA.

The main factor to consider when buying a power supply is the amount of amps on the +12 volt rail. The Corsair only has 38 amps, while the XFX has 53. Its an obvious choice to get the better brand with more amps for less money.

Now what is your budget for a modular power supply?

 

[Omar Ziad]

XFX is a better power supply, but Ive used many CX Corsairs all of them infact, I havent had any trouble with them.. And even if you do have a problem.. Its not like its some no name brand power supply that when it fails it'll take out your components with it.. Thats very unlikely with Corsair.

IF you do have the money though, its not a bad idea.. Just dont feel pressured on doing so.

But if you havent bought the CX yet, then yeah go with the XFX especially at 60 bucks. But if you already have the CX.. I would just use it.

I haven't bought it yet , I'm just discouraged because it's non modular, would you mind recommending something that's at least semi modular so that It's a bit easier to manage the wires?.
Also I have around 50 more CAD to spend on this computer, which optical drive would you recommend for gaming purposes(The cheaper the better)?Or should I just use the money to get something else? (if so what should that be?)
One last thing, Does buying a copy of windows 8 allow me to use it on a flash disk for installation?
Sorry for being so dense.

 

[Omar Ziad]

First of all, definitely change that power supply. The CX series are not good. There is an excellent sale on this XFX PSU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 17:18 EDT-0400

What makes the XFX one better and the Corsair one bad?, Could you please elaborate?(I'm pretty new to this)
I'm considering getting a modular power supply which one would you recommend

XFX uses better capacitors. They are also arguably the best brand name in power supplies along with seasonic and EVGA.

The main factor to consider when buying a power supply is the amount of amps on the +12 volt rail. The Corsair only has 38 amps, while the XFX has 53. Its an obvious choice to get the better brand with more amps for less money.

Now what is your budget for a modular power supply?

Around 50$ more (110$) although if at all possible i'd rather spend the money on something else, thanks a lot for all your help!

 

[RookieOfTheYear]

First of all, definitely change that power supply. The CX series are not good. There is an excellent sale on this XFX PSU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 17:18 EDT-0400

What makes the XFX one better and the Corsair one bad?, Could you please elaborate?(I'm pretty new to this)
I'm considering getting a modular power supply which one would you recommend

XFX uses better capacitors. They are also arguably the best brand name in power supplies along with seasonic and EVGA.

The main factor to consider when buying a power supply is the amount of amps on the +12 volt rail. The Corsair only has 38 amps, while the XFX has 53. Its an obvious choice to get the better brand with more amps for less money.

Now what is your budget for a modular power supply?

Around 50$ more (110$) although if at all possible i'd rather spend the money on something else, thanks a lot for all your help!

Here is a very nice semi modular one on sale. Now 750 watts is probably a little overkill for your build, but its on sale cheaper than the 650 watt one, and extra power is never a bad thing. I highly recommend this PSU for you. It's a great deal.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: XFX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $74.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 18:53 EDT-0400

 

[M0j0jojo]

Do you already have an HDD or are you going to be buying a new one

 

[M0j0jojo]

Didnt know if you needed HDD so i just added just for the sake.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($56.00 @ Vuugo)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.79 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.97 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($209.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($44.79 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($72.99 @ Canada Computers)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.79 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $829.10
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 18:58 EDT-0400

 

[Omar Ziad]

Do you already have an HDD or are you going to be buying a new one

thnx, but I already have a 1 TB hdd

 

[Omar Ziad]

First of all, definitely change that power supply. The CX series are not good. There is an excellent sale on this XFX PSU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 17:18 EDT-0400

What makes the XFX one better and the Corsair one bad?, Could you please elaborate?(I'm pretty new to this)
I'm considering getting a modular power supply which one would you recommend

XFX uses better capacitors. They are also arguably the best brand name in power supplies along with seasonic and EVGA.

The main factor to consider when buying a power supply is the amount of amps on the +12 volt rail. The Corsair only has 38 amps, while the XFX has 53. Its an obvious choice to get the better brand with more amps for less money.

Now what is your budget for a modular power supply?

Around 50$ more (110$) although if at all possible i'd rather spend the money on something else, thanks a lot for all your help!

Here is a very nice semi modular one on sale. Now 750 watts is probably a little overkill for your build, but its on sale cheaper than the 650 watt one, and extra power is never a bad thing. I highly recommend this PSU for you. It's a great deal.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: XFX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $74.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 18:53 EDT-0400

Alright thnx a lot man

 

[RookieOfTheYear]

Here is another option. I just tweaked your build list slightly. I only changed the power supply and motherboard. And it comes in cheaper than your original build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($75.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($83.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $739.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 19:03 EDT-0400

 

[imadirtybirdy]

Yeah if you havent bought the CX yet, go with the XFX, amps on the rail determine what video cards you'll be able to use. The times ive used the CX It wasnt for High end gamer builds, only midrange or lower. If you get anything above a 270 or 750 you might run into stability issues, or just plain not boot.

 

[RookieOfTheYear]

Yeah if you havent bought the CX yet, go with the XFX, amps on the rail determine what video cards you'll be able to use. The times ive used the CX It wasnt for High end gamer builds, only midrange or lower. If you get anything above a 270 or 750 you might run into stability issues, or just plain not boot.

He has a R9 280 listed in his build.

 

[RookieOfTheYear]

And for $10 more than your original build you can get the better motherboard, PSU, and a 280x over the 280.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($75.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($83.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Club 3D Radeon R9 280X 3GB royalQueen Video Card ($219.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $759.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-24 19:06 EDT-0400

 

[imadirtybirdy]

Yeah I know, was just saying 😛

 

[imadirtybirdy]

Ive never used a ECS motherboard, how are they? Was going to ask but i didnt want to Hijack the thread.