Can I shorten a usb3.0 cable??

[btgulledge]

I just got a htpc case and the usb3.0 cable (20 pin for mobo) is twice the length of the case. I'm trying to keep cables nice and tidy and wondering if there is a way of shortening this cable. I'd like to cut it to lenghth and put on a new connector, but can I even buy a connector. Any ideas?

Thanks, Bryan

 

[Red Squirrel]

You'd have to splice/solder, probably wont be pretty but if you make the shield(s) work you should be ok. I would try to avoid it though... maybe loop it somewhere or something.

I've done it with USB 2.0 external cables before in order to inject more power into a hard drive enclosure that had no external power connector and it worked fine, but I'd imagine USB 3.0 is more sensitive to splicing, and since it's an internal connector if there's any issue it will affect everything not just one device that an external cable would be used for.

 

[JackMDS]

Neatly lopped and taped long cable would do much less harm than Cut and Spliced specialty cables like the USB.

 

[corkyg]

Just remove a section of the cable and splice each wire to its mate, You then use the same connector.

 

[mfenn]

You can certainly cut and splice, but you run the risk of the cable losing its ability to reliably transmit at USB 3.0 speeds. Thinks like number of twists per unit length impedance really matter at high signalling rates. A hand-done job might work just fine, or it might cause weird flakiness on USB 3.0 devices.

 

[btgulledge]

Thanks you all for your replies! I was mostly concerned about the shielding was hoping there was aftermarket connector that I could of striped back the insulation, saved the shielding, and connected it to a ground, then soldering the 18 or so wires to it. But it looks like it doesn't exists......yet. So I think I may just delete it, as its easily removed , and I already use a usb hub.

 

[corkyg]

You can also buy short USB cables - just plug n' play -.

http://www.startech.com/Cables/USB-3.0/