why do the front usb plugs on cases suck so much?

[JeffMD]

every single case I have owned, even my newest highish end corsair 350d, the usb sockets on the front are shiat. they will either allow the plug go to far in and lose contact, or if they do make contact the plug is so lose that if you fart near it, it will lose connection.

 

[XavierMace]

You sure it's not your device? I don't recall ever having this problem with any of the cases I've bought over the years.

 

[ClockHound]

Could be both.

Maybe it's the combo of many case mfg cutting a few cents off the BOM and lotsa USB devices, like $5 thumbdrives that have sorta-in-spec connectors.

I've had these problems with many CM/BitFenix/Antec/Corsair/FD cases over the years - all were sub $100 cases. The same cheapass USB devices suffer fewer issues when plugged into the rear panel MB USB sockets.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Get a USB (2.0, 3.0) hub.

 

[Charlie98]

I agree with the OP... the center 2.0 plug on my Fractal case is worn out (vs the first plug that always has my Apple charger in it.) It's seen the most use and I can hardly get it to hook up anymore. The same actually goes with the 3.0 mobo ports in the back, they are the ones I use for my backup drives and see a fair amount of use. I wish the builders would make the USB plugs in a 'panel' that could be easily replaced as a module...

Get a USB (2.0, 3.0) hub.

I have additional USB ports in my card reader, but the door on my Define make it difficult to use. I also have a 4-port hub mounted under the desk, but that means additional wires and hardware... and slow transfer rates.

 

[cholley]

never had any problem with front USB, the only problem i had seen in the past, is that the front ports were not always powered

 

[chubbyfatazn]

I agree with the OP... the center 2.0 plug on my Fractal case is worn out (vs the first plug that always has my Apple charger in it.) It's seen the most use and I can hardly get it to hook up anymore. The same actually goes with the 3.0 mobo ports in the back, they are the ones I use for my backup drives and see a fair amount of use. I wish the builders would make the USB plugs in a 'panel' that could be easily replaced as a module...

Have you tried shooting Fractal a response?

The front audio port on my case died and I emailed them asking where I could buy a replacement (it wasn't on their parts site). One email and 12 hours (!) later they shipped out a new audio/mic panel free of charge. Mind you I was well over a year out of warranty.

I've never had same-day customer service like that. Their parts warehouse is also in Dallas (hey again fellow Dallasite) so I got the part the next day.

Definitely shortlisting Fractal cases for all future builds now.

 

[Charlie98]

Have you tried shooting Fractal a response?

Definitely shortlisting Fractal cases for all future builds now.

I haven't yet, but I probably will... it's kind of irritating. Good to know.

Unless I just need something different, Fractal gets all my case business... they build very good cases.

 

[Dahak]

For my fractal case, the front usb seems fine for me. I have used it with usb3.0 ext hdd, usb keys, usb headphones and all seem solid and working fine

Mine is a Define F4

But I will agree, I have seen some terrible front usb on some cases

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Is it possible it's not the case?

I've noticed that, depending on which keyboard I use and which USB ports (plugged directly into the back of the computer, not into the case or a hub) I use, the KB doesn't always register fast enough for me to press the BIOS/boot menu shortcut keys.

On my machine with my current keyboard, it only worked right plugged into the USB3 ports on the back of the motherboard, but not the hub plugged into the same port. It doesn't work on the USB2 ports at all. The last build I did for somebody else, it was the opposite - the USB2 ports were the "reliable" ones.

I've chalked it up to voodoo.

 

[Corsair Joseph]

every single case I have owned, even my newest highish end corsair 350d, the usb sockets on the front are shiat. they will either allow the plug go to far in and lose contact, or if they do make contact the plug is so lose that if you fart near it, it will lose connection.

If you really think those USB ports are already worn out or faulty at times, then submit an RMA request for that I/O panel. We'll get that sorted out for you and send you a replacement.

You can submit your request at Corsair.force.com