📦 Vantec HDA-525P 3.5-Inch to 5.25-Inch Front Bay Converter Kit: Enhanced Storage Expansion Solution Review

I repurposed an old Antec Sonata case for a new build. The old case only had USB 2.0 ports on the front, and this Vantec front panel seemed like an easy and inexpensive way to add two USB 3.0 ports on the front. Installing it into an existing and empty 5.25" drive bay was very easy. Space to install a 3.5" drive or pad and I used that space for my existing card reader/USB pad which allowed a slot became free for a 3.5" device. The USB 3.0 cable fits perfectly into my motherboard and now I have…

I have a new MSI motherboard with 2 19 pin USB 3.0 headers. When I tested 2 USB 3.0 cables on this front panel, both cables worked fine in one USB 3.0 header and didn't work in the other USB 3.0 header on my new motherboard - must be a faulty 19-pin USB 3.0 connector on the be motherboard. correct? Revain sent me a new MSI motherboard and she did the same... It didn't make any sense. I also ordered a USB 3.0 19 pin Y cable and a new USB 3.0 card reader with a 19 pin cable. When they arrived I…

Very disappointed with this purchase. The bay converter is made of very brittle plastic with tiny tabs to hold both the larger and smaller faceplates to the base. Packaged in plastic and upon arrival small pieces of plastic fell out after opening the package. These were the protrusions that held the front panel. So I had three choices: (1) return the item broken, (2) epoxy the faceplate to hold it in place, or (3) throw it away. I was looking at how a 3.5" card reader would fit if I glued this…

When I connected it to my (brand new) AM4 motherboard I didn't like the way it installed so I pulled it out and made sure it wasn't damaged by anything in any way. No, the pins are well aligned *but* I only discovered this after unplugging it and the plastic connector from the motherboard. Apparently the connector's retainers/tabs weren't designed to the correct tolerances and now I'm nervously trying to reassemble the connector onto the motherboard without damaging it further, trying to file…

I was looking for a USB 3.0 front panel that could also hold a drive or two. Bracket made of the desired plastic (if available). It's thick, slightly flexible plastic, not flimsy plastic that breaks easily. Two USB work. The USB ports do not point in the same direction. So plugging in a cable or flash drive on one side is one thing, but on the other it's the exact opposite; maybe this is the default? Not a problem for me, just something to note for anyone thinking about buying. Pros: Works…

I needed to install a hard drive in a 5.25 bay and thought I could get more USB3 ports. The USB3 cable was solid and unlike most cables actually connected to the MB and worked great. It comes with all the screws I needed: 4 for the drive and 8 for attaching the tray to the case itself. Although I didn't hear any noise, some rubber washers would be a nice addition. I have a major complaint. The bight screw holes on the sides were unthreaded. I "created" the thread by screwing in the screws, but…

This is for the 5.25 inch plastic normal bay sled. I bought this one from Vantec because it's a little different from the 'others' that have clips/retainers like that on the outside edges that accept USB plugs with some cutouts to hold the cable - and they sell a similar device with one already installed. My goal was to add a 3.5" card reader to this bay and then modify the USB Type-C connector (from the motherboard connector) to one side. It wasn't easy or quick, but I did it well and it…

This is for a regular 5.25 inch plastic sled. I bought this sled from Vantec because it's a little different than the 'other' that is so common. Clips/brackets on the outside edges that can accept USB plugs with some cutouts to hold the cable - and they sell a similar unit with it already installed. My goal was to add a 3.5" card reader to this bay and then modify the USB Type-C connector (from the motherboard socket) to one side. It wasn't easy or quick, but I did it well and it works…

This faceplate with 2 USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5" cutout is perfect for my computer case I built around 2008. My old computer still runs like clockwork, but it didn't have USB 3.0 ports. I've recently started using a USB hard drive and a USB 3.0 capable flash drive, so I bought a PCIe expansion card and this front panel to upgrade my PC. The panel is plastic but feels solid. I also had a 3.5" card reader in my old PC. I put a card reader in this faceplate and it fitted perfectly. The cable and…

I have two of these (2 different computers). The cable is 24 inches long from the back of the metal case. So it's only about 29 inches front-to-back if you include a 5-inch metal chassis. Purchased with "Vantec 4 Port USB 3.0 PCIe with Internal 20-Pin Host Card (UGT-PC345)" http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CBNAP54?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00Updated 10/29/2016 : Bought over 3 years ago. Worked fine for 2 years and then I started hearing random shutdown sounds from…