Im designing a new multi-function bay for my case, its got on/off fan control for my 4 redundant fans and screw-terminal access to the 0v/5v/12v lines, but, ive got a few mm's free and I want to use them for either USB ports or ethernet ports (repeater from the NIC)... Was hoping for some suggestions... Heres the design (dimensions are accurate): Im either going to buy this USB hub and do some hacking to make it fit and look nice ...Or find a network repeater and install it plugged into my NIC so that I can plug CAT5 cable into the front of the PC... Any ideas on where to get a cheap repeater from, or suggestions for the remaining space?
You can fit both, actually... like the Mobo's with the built in LAN connection above the USB's on the IO board.
I'd go with USB ports as i don't really see the need for plugging your network cable into the front of your pc?
Yeah Plufmingo, but, I dont have a motherboard manufacturing factory The trouble is... The USB hub I mentioned only has a 27cm chord... Which isnt long enough to stretch to the bottom of the case, out of the expansion slot, and into an unused USB port. Can you extend a USB cable with DIY technique?
yeh if u just buy a usb cable for a printer or camera and hack off the connecters, instant usb extension wire.
Yup... You can do the same with your network card too... Just put in a RJ45 in the front and connect to your network port in the back... Or, if you aren't TOO worried about bandwidth, just for gaming/internet Put in the USB hub and use a USB Ethernet adaptor on the front... I have one that works really well, and whenever I upgrade someone with just a modem, I use it to connect to my cable modem and get downloads/updates. If I were to put anything in the front, and only one, I would definately go for the USB.
you can buy USB extension cables. i bought mine at micro center (dont know if they have those where you are). you can get them in different lengths, and you juse it just like and extension chord, only with receptacles for USB connectors. if you have any more questions about them, post away.
To be honest, I don't like USB ports at the front. I can see why some people like them, but i have no use for them at front...
Hmm, how many wires are there inside a USB cable? Is there just one thread, which I would need to solder to the hacked-off extension wire, or is there multiple wires inside the cable? I might just buy the said extension cable if I can find one. Is it easy to make a DIY RJ45 socket then? I suppose there are only seven or so wires inside a CAT5e cable...
4 wires... Send, receive, 5V and Common... all color coordinated Red Black Green and White... most commonly.
After a little research, I found a USB hub which fits most snugly into the bay (with the plastic casing hacked off). Total cost of the parts is about £13.50 including the hub. Heres the final design: As soon as maplin get my damn screw terminals back in stock Ill start drilling it.
Is that a molex connector I see on the end? I'm assuming it's for connecting external moddage for power if it is.
oooh, how creative. look's good, and well thought out. if it looks that good when you actually make it, i'll be proud
