Front USB3 on Antec Three Hundred? Gigabyte H170-3.

[koberulz]

Is this doable? The mobo has a connection for front USB3 as well as for front USB2, and the front panel with the USB ports and audio jacks is removable. But when I search for alternatives, I just find things that insert into a 5.25/3.5" bay rather than replacing the front panel, and seem to merely plug into another USB3 port somewhere rather than connecting to the motherboard.

I'm also curious as to how I might use an SSD; they all seem to be 2.5".

 

[The Paladin]

the USB3 port is a rather large plug, if your case supports USB3 you should have that cable if you don't then you wont. and will need a "slot panel" to plug into your USB3 connection on your motherboard yes.

yes most ssd are Lap[top sizes, and you get to install them by using an.. adaptor bracket for SSD to 3.5" desktop size...

 

[frostedtim]

The Antec Three Hundred has only one set of USB2.0 plugs, which will go to one of the headers on the motherboard. You can get the add in plugs that have mountings for the 5.25 in your case, which should be easy so long as you have not filled all of those bays. Just because you have the headers on the motherboard, doesnt mean they will all be filled by the various case features, but most cases have some modular ability to add extra features. Thats the great thing about the 5.25 bays, plenty of options.

You can add something as simple as this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA57F37U6682&cm_re=usb_3.0_5.25-_-9SIA57F37U6682-_-Product

But you can get others that have more ports and things like card readers and fan controllers, but the more features tent to add to the price.

A SSD can replace your Hard Drive or act as additional storage. Your motherboard has plenty of SATA ports to connect with, but if your case does not have any appropriate size mounts, then again you can buy add in mounts that can fit into the various bays you do have.

 

[koberulz]

Right, but there's no way to replace the current USB ports/audio jacks?

And that one does look like it connects to the motherboard, but I was looking at this last night and it seems to have two USB connections coming out the back, rather than connecting to the motherboard, which I don't quite get.

Is there anything I should look for in a 2.5-3.5 adapter? NewEgg lists a lot of options over quite a price range.

 

[frostedtim]

Right, but there's no way to replace the current USB ports/audio jacks?

And that one does look like it connects to the motherboard, but I was looking at this last night and it seems to have two USB connections coming out the back, rather than connecting to the motherboard, which I don't quite get.

Is there anything I should look for in a 2.5-3.5 adapter? NewEgg lists a lot of options over quite a price range.

As far as replacing the header built into your case, it is possible, but requires a lot of shopping around. Personally, I think its a lot of extra work that you dont need to do, as you have the standard 2.0 headers on your motherboard anyway. But if thats what you want, Im not arguing.

Try sites like Frys.com or microcenter.com or even Amazon.com though prices and availability will be all over the place.

Just adding the add in modules like the one you looked at would be the simplest solution. Again, prices vary, and the more features built in usually add to the price.

 

[frostedtim]

I found these, though dont know if they will help, their prices are not too bad:

Here is a pair of USB 3.0 ports that go out the rear of the case:
http://frys.com/product/8488058?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

This has USB 2.0, 3.0 and audio headers and goes into a 5.25" bay:
https://www.amazon.com/UCEC-5-25-Inch-Front-Panel/dp/B00UBFXMXG/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1484510354&sr=1-5&keywords=front+panel+audio

This is actually a replacement for built in case headers, though it doesnt look like its designed to fit your case, you could mod it if you really want to put the work in. I wasnt able to find a header that matches your case layout, or adds USB 3.0, but I think you were looking for something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Jacks-Earphone-Front-Bracket/dp/B00H8TGLEU/ref=sr_1_8?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1484510354&sr=1-8&keywords=front+panel+audio