Is there a USB header splitter?

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chess9

Elite member
Apr 15, 2000
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I'm using both USB motherboard headers as feeds into my front panel, but I want to add a card reader. Should I add a USB pci card? Or can I split one of the USB motherboard headers into two? Or, something else?

Thanks,
Robert
 
PottedMeat

PottedMeat

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
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Each USB signal header consisting of +5V,D+,D-,Ground is for one device only ( unless that device is a hub - which can split off to more devices ). If you're using both on the motherboard you will either have to disconnect one that goes to the front panel or get a USB PCI card as you said.
 
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chess9

Elite member
Apr 15, 2000
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Originally posted by: PottedMeat
Each USB signal header consisting of +5V,D+,D-,Ground is for one device only ( unless that device is a hub - which can split off to more devices ). If you're using both on the motherboard you will either have to disconnect one that goes to the front panel or get a USB PCI card as you said.
Click to expand...


I think I'm going this route. I have 4 empty pci slots anyway.

Thanks,
Robert
 
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tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
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Bumping up an old post.

I'm considering doing the same thing. The thing is -- I'm trying to get FULL functionality for all plugged in USB devices (and I already have a few via my case). Is there a PCI card that actually has "onboard usb" (like this - http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/...8n_diamond_plus/10.jpg )? I'm not merely looking for a PCI card that gives me USB -- I'm actually looking for one that features the pin layout.

If that doesn't exist, how do I get the functionality on case USBs and a 5.25 card reader to work?

Thanks!
 
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tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
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Right, but that's not what I'm looking for (and I have one anyway). I need a card that features the actual PIN ARRANGEMENT, not more USB ports on the back of my computer. Otherwise, what use is a 5.25" USB card reader if there are no onboard USB pins available on my motherboard for those ports to be utilized?
 
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Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
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Originally posted by: tami
Right, but that's not what I'm looking for (and I have one anyway). I need a card that features the actual PIN ARRANGEMENT, not more USB ports on the back of my computer. Otherwise, what use is a 5.25" USB card reader if there are no onboard USB pins available on my motherboard for those ports to be utilized?
Click to expand...
You didn't look at the Koutech card, did you? :p

 
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tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
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Yeah, that won't be fun since this mobo is not even a year old and I don't know how to solder. Are we sure that no such card exists?
 
PottedMeat

PottedMeat

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
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Originally posted by: tami
I did. It does not have what I am looking for, which is this on a PCI card: http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/...8n_diamond_plus/10.jpg based on this USB header: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/imageview.php?image=219

I need THAT pin arrangement, no variation. These "onboard USB" (case and 5.25" card readers) only plug into that specific arrangement.

(Plus, I'd need 3.)
Click to expand...

Pin arrangement shouldn't be a problem - just pry out the female sockets with a needle and rearrange as needed. finding one with 3 though...
 
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tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
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hm, ok, I guess I'll figure that part out. A 9-pin card would be most ideal though.
 
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tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
3
81
How come cards like this don't exist? Seems more logical than the other cards out there :p
 
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tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
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Also - heymrdj - am I wrong to say that this still requires some tinkering on my part since these are 5-pin cables and not 9-pin ones?
 
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SocrPlyr

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: tami
Also - heymrdj - am I wrong to say that this still requires some tinkering on my part since these are 5-pin cables and not 9-pin ones?
Click to expand...

5 pins means it is only providing one USB port.
It depends on what your device needs. I am guessing that the devices is like a 15in1 card reader and has an extra USB port on it as well. This means that yours will need two ports (hence the 9 pin connector). Typically that is done since it is cheaper than putting a hub on the device. If that is the case, then if you hook it up to the 5 pin one (correctly - might have to move a couple of pins in the connector which is easy to do, but prob wouldn't have to do this) and just ignore the extra USB port that wouldn't function. (Might have to find out which pins go to the USB port via trial and error, but sometimes you can just look at the cables.)
I am assuming that you have something like the item in this picture.
http://www.onsale.com/ttsvr/p/3646953?dpno=7050692
Note that you might just want to buy a kit like that one that has the card already with it if that is what you want.
Good Luck
Josh
 
corkyg

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
27,370
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Why not just use a powered USB hub and not worry about the pinouts, etc.? I find them more reliable than internal plugs.
 
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tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
3
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@SocrPlyr: the link you gave me takes me to GPS devices but I assume you know what I'm talking about. It's a 5.25" card reader suitable to place in a desktop chassis in one of the 5.25 drive bays. But as such, it has internal USB connectors. With a case that already has USB connectors onboard, there's little room on the mobo to put these extra USB connectors to actually *get* USB functionality.

@corkyg: I already have a USB hub. But I also want to take advantage of the USB connections on the case and the USB connections on the 5.25" card. It looks stupid and probably is stupid to get this 5.25" card reader if I can't actually *use* it.
 
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tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
3
81
Bump. I'm going to need to make a purchase for this product over the next day or so -- please let me know if I'm missing anything.
 
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tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
3
81
Okay, I think I figured it out by buying a 3.5" enclosure instead - for whatever reason, it has fewer USB connectors. Thanks for your help, all.
 
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