Quick USB 3.0 question

[Fatanarexic]

Im planning on purchasing the ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 motherboard. I have already bought my case (HAF 932 advanced)

How can i tell if my motherboard has enough USB support for the case? I've seen some reviews in saying that the board doesnt have too much options for USB and i want to make sure my 3.0 drive bay and front panel will be able to work properly.

The front panel includes USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 4, IEEE1394a x 1, eSATA x 1, Mic x 1, Audio x 1. What should i be looking for in the motherboard to make sure they will work? Please use newegg to help me! THANKS

 

[chesteracorgi]

If you want to access the USB 3.0 you have to connect through the rear panel on the mobo. There is no internal header for USB 3.0 on this mobo.

You can look at the manual for the mobo at the ASRock. com website.

 

[Fatanarexic]

So the USB 3.0 front wont work with this mobo?

If you want to access the USB 3.0 you have to connect through the rear panel on the mobo. There is no internal header for USB 3.0 on this mobo.

You can look at the manual for the mobo at the ASRock. com website.

 

[nordlead]

This motherboard has

Rear Panel: 2xUSB 3.0, 4xUSB 2.0
Internal Headers: 8xUSB 2.0

So, if your case has USB 3.0 ports on the case it'll only work if it can plug into the back panel instead of a header. (well, I think you can run it to the USB 2.0 headers, but then why get a case with USB 3.0 built in)

If you really need USB 3.0 on the front of your case then you'll have to switch to a different motherboard. If you want to stay with ASRock, then the obvious answer would be to step up to the Extreme4 Gen3.

If you want to quickly check what USB headers are on a motherboard, I suggest going to newegg and looking at the Internal I/O connectors details for a potential board.

 

[RetiredChief]

The only support for USB3 is on the back panel.
Ref, Page 13 of the manual: ftp://174.142.97.10/manual/Z68%20Extreme3%20Gen3.pdf

The ONly way your Front panel USB3 ports on the case will work is if you route a connection from inside the case out the back and plug into the Back I/O USB3 Port. This is also a problem as I'm guessing your Front panel ports use a 20 pin USB3 connector which, ofcoarse, will not plug in.

Your USB3 expansion bay - same-same probably.

Bottom Line - Choice a better MB (ie I think the Exterme 4 (what I have)has what you need.

 

[Fatanarexic]

Im going to go with the extreme4 thanks! how do you like it?

The only support for USB3 is on the back panel.
Ref, Page 13 of the manual: ftp://174.142.97.10/manual/Z68%20Extreme3%20Gen3.pdf

The ONly way your Front panel USB3 ports on the case will work is if you route a connection from inside the case out the back and plug into the Back I/O USB3 Port. This is also a problem as I'm guessing your Front panel ports use a 20 pin USB3 connector which, ofcoarse, will not plug in.

Your USB3 expansion bay - same-same probably.

Bottom Line - Choice a better MB (ie I think the Exterme 4 (what I have)has what you need.

 

[RetiredChief]

It's OK, does what it claims and has NOT given me any problems. At the time I bought it it was about the best choice for Cost/Reliability/features. I've heard some have a problem with the "Fast" USB3 preformance. Remember USB3 is not native on any of the Z68 MB, a 3rd party chip provides these function so READ the reviews an verfy your choice is relatively free of complaints - Remember take with a grain of salt. NOTE: mine is a pre Gen 3 MB.

I Tend to lean toward Gigabyte MB, but at that time none of their Z68 MBs provide a HDMI out (On backpanel I/O)