Cases and USB 3.0

[Luddite]

Just wondering if anyone has an educated guess as to when we might start seeing USB 3.0 on the I/O ports of cases.

Also, are front I/O ports (particularly USB ports) something that can be swapped out, or if you need to change or add new ports does one need to buy a whole new case?

Thanks

 

[mpilchfamily]

You'll see USB 3 on cases soon after USB 3 finds its way onto motherboards.

 

[kranky]

Since the connector won't change, I don't know why you would need to change anything on the case.

 

[Luddite]

Because a USB 2.0 connector would only operate at its own speed limit, not at the USB 3.0 speed?

 

[Luddite]

You'll see USB 3 on cases soon after USB 3 finds its way onto motherboards.

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/07/asus-already-shipping-usb-30-equipped-motherboards/

 

[Rifter]

From what i understand the connectors will be differnt so for a case this is a valid question. I would think you could swap them out though at a later date if you can find some bare wire/port pieces to wire into your case.

 

[kranky]

That's what I get for relying on my memory instead of researching!

The connector IS different and so is the cable. My guess is that since everything is defined already, and the connectors are backwards compatible with older USB versions the case manufacturers will be quick to incorporate USB 3.0 hardware when it starts showing up on motherboards like mpilchfamily said. If the connector fits in the same mounting hole there wouldn't be much impact on case makers. If it requires a different hole, that would delay things a little to accommodate some redesign.

From what I saw, the new USB 3.0 cable is as thick as an ethernet cable.

 

[Gautama2]

You'll see USB 3 on cases soon after USB 3 finds its way onto motherboards.

More likely when you find USB 3 integrated into the southbridge, and not supplied by chips from Marvell like they are now.

 

[Yellowbeard]

Speaking of USB 3.0, I heard it was delayed:

http://gizmodo.com/5390483/intel-may-postpone-usb-30-support-on-chipsets-until-2011

Has anyone seen any confirmation of this? Connectors may be a moot point.

 

[Rifter]

as long as AMD still comes out with it ill be happy.

 

[MyLeftNut]

This is why I'm holding off on buying a new case till the next major change in connectors. Getting a $200 case 5 years ago, I think I should make good use of it especially since money spent on a case isn't like spending on technology.