What to do with all these extra USB 2.0 headers

[ThatsMyFavourite]

Hi all,

I've been using my PC for a couple months now, and have already found myself running out of USB ports in the back. Now when I was building this PC to begin with, I had noticed what look like 4 extra USB 2.0 headers. So my question is, what should i do with these extras ? My motherboard is an ASUS P8Z77-V PRO.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[tito]

you have to plug an usb bracket, then you will have more usb ports available

[Wats]

That MoBo can support 18 USB 2.0's, if you include the 2 internal USB 3.0 headers, 4 internal USB 2.0 headers and the 4 3.0 + 2 2.0 on the back. How could you possibly run out??

FYI, USB is backwards and forwards compatible. So a 3.0 will work in a 2.0 and a 2.0 will work in a 3.0

[mgsstar]

You can buy a USB bracket like tito said and plug in the header of the usb bracket onto your motherboard. Heres a usb 2.0 bracket from NCIX: http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=16306 you can use USB 3.0 on the 2.0 ports since its backwards compatible.

[ThatsMyFavourite]

Anyone know of front panel solutions that would go in the 5.25" bay? Not really about the whole expansion slot affair.

[obsidian1200]

Silverstone makes a 3.5" solution, so if you have the bracket or don't mind buying one, that should work. http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=43&area=en

Also, depending on what you're currently using your USB ports for (bluetooth, wireless mice, etc), you may want to look at this gadget from NZXT: http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/case_accessories/iu01_usb_expansion It mounts inside your case, but that'll free up some space and hide some small dongles.

Here's another solution from Rosewill, which has a decent reputation for these kind of expansion devices: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820223108

[ThatsMyFavourite]

Thanks for all the links - I'm quite surprised myself that I ran out of USB ports at the back already. When I was building it I was telling myself there was no way I would end up using them all, but nope.