Not enough USB slots !

[Simbo Sim_123]

Hello chaps,quick question for you clever types out there, got a new WartHog HOTAS,Cougar MFD`s and with my TrackIR there are not enough USB slots on my motherboard (Keyboard,mouse,CH pedals, printer etc).

What should I plug into a powered USB hub and what should go into the motherboard ?

Thanks in advance,

Paul

[Fabri91]

You might also want to consider a USB expansion card if you have a free slot. They can be had for about 20€ or thereabouts and add 2 to 4 additional USB ports, possibly also faster USB 3.0 ones which would come in handy for bigger data transfers.

[Simbo Sim_123]

Ok,thanks,a good idea.

 

Paul

[xxJohnxx]

I guess even with a multi-port powered USB Hub there should not be any problem if you connect TrackIR, your joystick, etc. to that. The possible delays should be marginal.

 

However, I have my controll devices like TrackIR, joystick, rudder pedals, directly connected to the mainboard, and run not so important stuff like printers, USB-Headsets, etc. from a Hub.

[MTFDarkEagle]

I've got all my stuff on several powered USB hubs without any issues.

[Simbo Sim_123]

Thanks for the replies guys,most appreciated. I think I will power my Hotas and pedals via the main board and hub the rest.

 

Paul

[SkateZilla]

Im actually having to plan out a HUB upgrade, due to the volume of devices. Having to Swap them all the time is annoying.

 

I have about 4 USB 3.0 Slots left, however, the USB 2.0 Devices I have do not work with them.

 

Basically outside of the USB 3.0 WD Drive and using it for USB Power, the USB 3.0 Ports are useless to me.

 

I already used all my mainboard headers for a total of:

- 9 USB 2.0 (1 of which actually has a 3.0 connector for some reason, 4 ports are addons, 2 to the back AUX Slot, 2 to the front)

- 6 USB 3.0

- About 3 Combo/Special Ports (ASRock Fatality Mouse Port, 2 Combo eSATA / USB, which says they are combo, but USB doesnt fit)

 

Back I/O Plate:

USB2: Keyboard

USB2: Mouse

USB2: TrackIr 4 Pro

USB2: Battery Backup DataLink

USB2: CH Fighter Stick

USB2 Aux: CH Pedals

USB2 Aux: CH Throttle

 

Front of Case:

USB2 Front: Fanatec CSR Wheel

USB2 Front: Fanatec CSR Elite Pedals

USB3 Front: WD Portable Drive

USB3 Front: Power for Headphones

 

My Issue is when I sync and charge devices I have to use USB2.0 as they dont work on USB3.0 for some reason.

Same with the CH and Fanatec Gear, they dont work on my USB3.0 Ports, nor does the TrackIR.

 

So when I want to Sync my ZuneHD or Smart Phone I have to unplug something, if I want to use my Fanatec Shifter I have to unplug something.

 

I'm waiting for ASRock to respond about a driver issue that effects USB 3.0 drivers.

 

But if they dont answer soon, I'll just get a few AC Powered Hubs and group them by devices (KB/Mouse, CH Gear, Fanatec Gear)

 

 

The Best thing to do is get a PCI/PCIe Card with USB 2.0 Ports, or if your Mainboard has extra headers for USB 2.0, buy the i/o bracket.

 

Addon Cards are like $10-$20, just get a reputable brand, with a reputable controller, avoid the cheap ones.

 

(I'm out of Mainboard slots due to Crossfired 7900 GPUs, X-Fi Audio, BlackMagic 10Bit HDMI Recording, and a few other cards that arent public yet).

 

So my only option is a HUB, lol.

Edited April 18, 2014 by SkateZilla

[Simbo Sim_123]

Nice one Skate,and I thought I had problems lol !!

 

Paul

[cichlidfan]

So when I want to Sync my ZuneHD or Smart Phone I have to unplug something, if I want to use my Fanatec Shifter I have to unplug something.

 

There is the root of your problem.

 

My flight machine is basically full, USB port wise, as well. However, there isn't a reason in the world for me to plug a smart phone or similar device into that machine since the machine only 'flies'.

[SkateZilla]

There is the root of your problem.

 

My flight machine is basically full, USB port wise, as well. However, there isn't a reason in the world for me to plug a smart phone or similar device into that machine since the machine only 'flies'.

 

My Machine Flies, Drives, Creates, Debates, Music, Movies, Pew Pew Pews, and so much more... :) :joystick:

 

I think I actually use Wireless Sync now... But Still have to swap stuff when I plugin the wheel, pedals and Shifter.

Edited April 18, 2014 by SkateZilla

[cichlidfan]

My Machine Flies, Drives, Creates, Debates, Music, Movies, Pew Pew Pews, and so much more... :) :joystick:

 

I have other machines for those things. Purpose built machines keep things simple.

[Cali]

Here is what I have and I have zero problems with any of my stuff.

 

Back I/O Plate:

USB Keyboard 1

USB Mouse 1

USB external video card adapter

USB external hard drive

Powered USB HUB 1

Powered USB HUB 2

 

Powered USB HUB 1:

Warthog stick

Warthog throttle

Saitek combat pedals

USB mouse 2

USB TrackIr 5

 

Powered USB HUB 2:

MFD Cougar 1

MFD Cougar 2

USB keyboard 2

Cougar HOTAS

[SkateZilla]

that's prollly how I'd do it too.