front multimedia port extenders for 3 1/2" bay

[Rordog]

I know that FrontX makes a port extender that will put audio ports plus serial and even usb in front of your computer, but their unit occupies a full 5 1/4" bay. Does anyone know someone or any companies that make port extenders for 3 1/2" bays? I don't really need audio ports because i have a sound blaster live platinum (w/ live drive obviously), but i really would like 2 usb ports + a firewire port on the front of my computer. there is enough room on 3 1/2 bay covers that you could conceivably fit a serial or gameport on there too, but i just haven't seen anything out there other than front x (oh, and an antec unit that has 2 usb and HDD mount, but even it fits only in 5 1/4).

if anyone has any mod or DIY ideas, please post'em, but if anyone knows of a company that makes something similar to what i have said, then please post because i would rather just buy one if they're out there.

ideally, these would be front accessible ports:
2 usb
1 (or 2 firewire)
serial
gameport

you could fit the most number of usb and firewire if the ports were mounted vertically on the front of the bezel/bay cover, but thats just my idea.

 

[Rordog]

yello, anyone out there?

i'm sure someone familiar w/ case moddin has at least a few ideas. i'm sure i'm not the only one thats tired of reaching behind my case all the time for usb and firewire.

 

[crazyjoekuta]

make ur own... it prob. isn't that hard!

 

[nortexoid]

most USB brackets that make use on the front onboard header can screw off of the metal bracket for case mounting...measure it's dimensions, cut holes out in 3.5" bay cover, sand/file them to the proper size, use some sort of plastic material to glue to the back of the bay cover so that the usb ports can be mounted securely to it (i've heard of people using parts of CD jewel cases) and put the thing together...

that's funny cuz i contacted frontx asking them if htey had a 3.5" unit since all my 5.25" bays are loaded...they didn't...surprised they don't even consider making such a unit...modding is such a pain and often ends up less than aesthetically appealing...but if u have a bay door like myself, it's all good (when u don't have it down due to things being plugged into it.)

 

[Rordog]

ya, i've thought about that, and i know at least how i can do the usb part, but firewire is more problamatic. for the usb's, i can just get a slot cover xtender (like the blanks covering pci slots) at some place like best buy and then cut the ports out and glue onto back of my 3 1/2 bay cover w/ epoxy. that way, i will have a machine fabbed port and the cable xtenders to go to the mobo. but i don't know where to find extra fire wire ports (actual fabbed ports that will have the slot machine cut) and i dont want to buy a $50 dollar card and rip it up just for the port.

anyone's .02 is appreciated

 

[Rordog]

bump....anyone else?

 

[Rordog]

bump-a-roni....the san francisco treat

 

[TunaBoo]

Mod it. If you do it right, it will look better than a store bought. Take off your plastic cover on your 3.5" bay, and stick the stuff on there. I would show you a pic of my 7/12V switch if I wasnt lazy, it looks dam good.