Member Avatar for Member #23858

I have purchased a mitsumi floppy and 7/1 reader combo. It takes the normal floppy cable but it also requires an internal usb connection which my board has two but I need one for two front usbs and two back usbs besides the built in ones I have. I hate to give up any usb ports if possible. Are there any internal y connectors that would solve this problem?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by HawkeVIPER

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Short answer: hardware "Y" cables that simply duplicate an internal motherboard USB header do exist, but they are not a proper solution. As suggested, adding another USB host (PCI/PCIe card) or an active internal hub is the safer, more reliable fix.

Why a passive splitter is risky: the motherboard header supplies VBUS, D+ and D- and GND for each port, but USB is a host/hub protocol — you cannot reliably put two devices in parallel on the same data pair. A passive 1-to-2 cable just ties the lines together: if both devices are connected at once you get bus contention, enumeration failures and possible current overload on the VBUS rail. In short: passive splitters may "work" only if you guarantee one device is attached at a time, but they are not USB-spec compliant.

Practical, safe options:

  • Install a PCI/PCIe USB host controller card that provides an internal header. This gives a real extra controller and more available power per port.
  • Use an internal powered USB hub (Molex/SATA-powered). This is an active hub inside the case and allows multiple internal devices to run concurrently without starving the motherboard VBUS.
  • Use an external powered hub or a bracket that converts an internal header to external ports if rearranging cabling is acceptable.

Quick checklist before buying:

  • Confirm whether your reader is USB 2.0 or requires USB 3.0 (USB3 uses a different 19-pin header).
  • Check the reader manual for its power draw; use a powered hub if it draws significant current.
  • When installing a controller card, choose one that specifically advertises an internal header for front-panel or card-reader use and install drivers if needed.
  • Avoid passive Y-splitters for simultaneous device use; treat them only as a short-term hack.

For the cleanest long-term fixes are either a PCI/PCIe card with an internal header or an internal powered hub; both keep the reader on a proper USB hub/controller and avoid power/data conflicts.

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Member Avatar for HawkeVIPER

Not that I've ever heard of... why not just get a USB card and use the internal take-off from that?

-HV

Member Avatar for Member #23858

Lead me to one that you mean would you please. Thanks so much.

Member Avatar for Member #23858

I am requiring a motherboard pin style jack. Sorry. Sometimes I don't quite explain myself good enough.

Member Avatar for HawkeVIPER

okie dokie... you will be wanting - after EXTENSIVE googling - this then:

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