How do I add USB 2.0 to my computer?

[Quick Fix]

I have got a K7SEM V3.0a Motherboard which has 2 x USB 1.1 slots , I bought myself an Iriver Mp3 player but have found that the slow USB is doing my head in! I want to upgrade to USB2.0 but do not have any spare PCI slots on my motherboard to be able to add a USB PCI card.

I understand that I can add more ports on by connecting directly to the motherboard but I have no idea how to do this and cant seem to find anything through google. Does anyone have any ideas that can help?

[CTSNKY]

If you have a drive bay available, you can purchase something like this (of which there are many different options/configurations):

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...0888&CatId=962

You can get your motherboard's manual here:

http://www.ecsusa.com/downloads/manual_k7s.html

It has all the instructions you'll need for connecting any front panel/drive bay USB headers to the MB.

Good Luck!

[Quick Fix]

that looks ideal mate - do you know if you can get a similair sort of thing but instead of having the card reader , you could just have like 2 USB ports?

Thanks for your help

[johnwill]

There are many places that sell USB expansion cables that use a lot cover and have 2/4 USB connectors. I've had several around for years, but I haven't ordered any lately. Cruise over to PriceWatch and enter the search string usb motherboard cable, and you'll be greeted with a bunch of options.

[Quick Fix]

Nice one thanks

Does it matter that my current USB is only 1.1? I.e. will the new one not be restricted by my current setup or is it not really linked?

[psi]

I would say your best option would be to purchase a PCI USB 2.0 expansion card.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...104-202&depa=0

For 25 bucks including shipping you have 4 instant USB 2.0 ports.

[psi]

Originally Posted by johnwill

There are many places that sell USB expansion cables that use a lot cover and have 2/4 USB connectors. I've had several around for years, but I haven't ordered any lately. Cruise over to PriceWatch and enter the search string usb motherboard cable, and you'll be greeted with a bunch of options.

If the motherboard only supports usb 1.1, installing additional ports off the usb headers does not add USB 2.0 support, it just adds additional 1.1 ports.

In order to get USB 2.0 you need to either put in a mother board that supports 2.0 or a PCI expansion card.

[V0lt]

What cards are currently occupying your PCI slots? If one of them is a modem, and you'd rather not replace your motherboard, you could get a USB or serial modem and that would work just as well.