14 DAY TRIAL // Corsair has just announced the introduction of a USB 3.0 upgrade kit that works with their Obsidian full-tower PC cases and enables users who own USB 3.0 compatible motherboards, or add-in cards, to route two of the available ports to the front of the case.
The upgrade kit is compatible with the Obsidian 800D and 700D full-tower PC cases and consists of a replacement front I/O panel that includes two USB 3.0 ports and a wiring harness that connects to the available SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports on the customer's motherboard or add-in card.
Besides the two USB 3.0 ports, the front panel adapter also includes two regular USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port as well as mic-in and phone-out audio jacks.
Compared to USB 2.0, the third edition of the standard supports improved transfer speeds, as it has a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 6Gbps, and can supply the connected devices with more power than before.
This should prove enough for most external hard disk drives, so plugging in an additional power connector isn't required anymore.
The kit's installation is quite simple and it only requires a Phillips screwdriver and for the user to route the cables inside the system chassis.
“Our Obsidian Series cases are designed and built to last through years of system builds and upgrades, and our customers are on the leading edge of technology and of USB 3.0 adoption,” said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and general manager for Components at Corsair.
“We are pleased to provide an upgrade kit that allows Obsidian Series owners to bring a USB 3.0 port to the front of the case, making it easier to connect USB 3.0 devices,” concludes the company's rep.
The USB 3.0 upgrade kit for the Obsidian Series 800D and 700D is available for purchase from the company's website for $14.99 USD.