I'm working on modifying my Mac Pro 5,1 front panel to add a couple of USB3.0 ports, but to do so I obviously need a USB3.0 PCIe card within an internal header so that I can run a cable from the card to my modified front panel. I've seen plenty of PCIe cards that have internal headers, as well as plenty of Mac Pro compatible cards, but none yet that fit both requirements. If anyone has recommendations for a suitable one, that would be great.
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Need recommendations for USB3.0 PCIe card with internal header
- Thread starter Marmotta
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Inatek KT-4006 is confirmed to work in OS X. Fresco Logic FL1000 chipset so it uses native drivers. No supplemental power wiring needed. Internal USB header.
Not my personal experience, just relaying the info.
Keep in mind you cannot boot from anything plugged into these ports. So if you change both front ports, you won't be able to boot from a bootable drive or thumbstick plugged into it.
If your project ends up going well, I'd love to see pictures.
Not my personal experience, just relaying the info.
Keep in mind you cannot boot from anything plugged into these ports. So if you change both front ports, you won't be able to boot from a bootable drive or thumbstick plugged into it.
If your project ends up going well, I'd love to see pictures.
Thanks. Thanks also for pointing out about the ports not being bootable - I already removed the USB ports from my front panel and have drawn up a PCB designed for two USB 3.0 ports, but I currently have two Mac Pros and will probably change the design to a sole USB 3.0 port for the second one based on this info.
My plan is to have a PCB placed above the existing board that the USB 3.0 ports essentially hang down from (the USB ports already being the tallest existing component on the board). It will be secured by two standoffs running from the existing board with longer replacement screws that go through both boards, which I'm hoping will be strong enough to hold the new ports in place. It will require cutting part of the case and front fan, but it shouldn't be visible once installed. I'll definitely post pics once I have completed it.
I've given a lot of thought about this in the past. My method (entirely theoretical and not proven) would not require cutting the case.
Basically, just remove the existing two USB 2.0 sockets from the existing board to make space:
Then get one of the following and mount it to the existing board or the bracket connected to the board:
Then connect to the KT-4006.
But I chickened out so I don't know if it will work.
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In theory it'd work, but it would be near impossible to find a lead that will fit perfectly to the front panel, plus securing it would also be very difficult, near impossible.
My PCB's going to be a very simple one that just passes through the signal and is attached to the front two screw mounts, but the tricky part is getting the measurements spot on. This is basically what the layout will be like:
My PCB's going to be a very simple one that just passes through the signal and is attached to the front two screw mounts, but the tricky part is getting the measurements spot on. This is basically what the layout will be like:
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That looks fantastic. I can understand why the fan assembly might have to be cut, to clear the second PCB. But why does the case need to be cut?
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My solution is admittedly much less elegant, but having form so directly follow function may be frowned upon by a Mac purist. 3M VHB tape keeps it from moving when unplugging devices.
TBH, put a nice looking USB hub on the table (or even "merge" that into the table) can be more elegant and easier to achieve. Also, easier to access from day to day use.
This project looks like more for fun, or discover the possibility then anything else.
I used the KT 4006 to make a solution for the lower dvd drive bay. Pictures in this german thread. I dont like to butcher the front usb pcb, also I want the front usb ports bootable.
http://www.macuser.de/threads/usb3-0-mac-pro-erfahrungsbericht-1.685521/page-8#post-8950561
http://www.macuser.de/threads/usb3-0-mac-pro-erfahrungsbericht-1.685521/page-8#post-8950561
Got my PCB from oshpark. Have ordered some standoffs for it and will need to test fit it, but the dimensions seem pretty close so far.
If that works it will be a good idea to sell it via ebay. One USB 2 Port to boot from an one USB 3 would be cooler for my needs...
I didn't work on it for a while (as it's not my main computer, so I'm not in any real rush). It also took a bit of trial and error to find the right spacers and screws for it. I've found something that works now using 15mm spacers and 25mm M3.5 screws, although the spacers are M4, so I'd like to change them and I'm really using the wrong type of screws - it's a bitch to find M3.5 parts though. I'm happy with the fit; could be adjusted by fractions of a millimetre, but there's no resistance when inserting USB drives. Now I need to connect it to a PCIe card and try and fit the CPU tray back into place, which I'm not looking forward to.
So cutting the CPU/fan tray was only a 30 second job with a Dremel. Once I'd filed it down a bit it's hard to tell that any changes were made and it fits around the USB 3.0 board great. It's good that the tray doesn't sit flush against the motherboard, so there's plenty of room to route USB cables anywhere behind it.
I'll try to get a write up done, along with links to all the necessary parts, once I'm 100% happy with the install. I'm currently waiting on some USB 3.0 male-male cables to connect to my USB 3.0 PCIe, as the first set I bought on eBay were only 2.0.
I bought a board on ebay for 10$ and start modifications, but not finished yet
I never got around to doing mine and I'll be selling my Mac Pros. So if anyone wants a front I/O header to mod or practice on, you can have mine for the cost of shipping or for free in the Seattle area if you pick it up.
This picture isn't mine, it's just an example of what I'm talking about. The screws are not included.
This picture isn't mine, it's just an example of what I'm talking about. The screws are not included.
