Computer Case & front USB 3.0

[gas_man]

Have been reviewing computer hardware on this site today, looking at building a new PC this spring/summer. About the only thing I have settled on is the Intel Sandybridge 2500K CPU with a compatible Asus MB. My question is do the USB 3.0 headers on the MB have to be connected to USB ports on the front of the case that are USB 3.0 compatible or just any front USB port? Is the USB 3.0 technology on the MB or the case ports or both?
Hope this question makes sense.

[glc]

USB 3.0 uses additional wires, so you will need specific USB 3.0 ports on the front of the case. If you have a case that doesn't support it, you can get a USB 3.0 panel for one of the external drive bays.

[gas_man]

Thanks for the reply. Any suggestions on good mid tower cases with front USB 3,0 in the $100 or less range??

[glc]

Newegg.com - Rosewill BLACKHAWK Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, come with Five Fans, window side panel, top HDD dock

Newegg.com - Thermaltake V9 BlacX Edition Gaming Chassis Mid Tower Steel Computer Case BlacX Top Mounted Dual HDD Docking Stations VM400M1W2Z

Newegg.com - LIAN LI Lancool PC-K59 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Note that each one only has one front USB 3.0 port. I just looked at all the available front panel addon USB 3.0 hubs, and none of them are designed to connect to a motherboard header, they all need to be connected to a rear port.

I'd wait till it's closer to the time to order and build, I'm sure there will be a much better choice then.

[birddog_61]

I have the thermaltake that he posted, its a great case and the only complaint I have with it is the pci tabs on the back of the case are not replaceable, so once you pull one there is no putting it back. The usb 3.0 port on the front is supplied by a usb extension that is routed through a grommet in the back of the case because early boards did not have internal usb 3.0 connections. I would assume that there will be an adapter for usb 3 header to usb 3 cable, but I have not looked, if the wire out the back bothers you then that would be your best bet for now. If you wait there should be support for internal connections of usb 3 shortly.