Whoops - how to repair USB socket

[#1]

I just had an accident where I caught my foot in the cable attached to the front usb ports on my case and totally wrecked it (the ports that is not the cable)

I haven't found any suitable replacement (the case is end of life from Akasa so no help there) any suggestions

[#2]

There's generally a few USB spare sockets located at the back of the case.

[#3]

It is possible to replace the usb ports on your case if you are handy with a soldering iron and a steady hand. If you have any old motherboards at your disposal you can remove the USB ports from that and replace them on your case. I haven't personally tried it but I did find a video of someone doing this.

[#4]

something like this ? https://www.moddiy.com/products/USB%7B47%7DAC97%7B47%7DHD%252dAudio-Motherboard-Internal-Front-Panel...

Or http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/usb-front-panel

[#5]

already tried ebay but nothing suitable

the soldering route looks interesting as I have a few old motherboards knocking about but that gives a possible option to look at (will check if I can get a female USB fitting somewhere as that may be easier)

[#6]

The second link @rongtw has suggested is the easiest route if you have an spare-slot on the front of your case.

I did the exactly the same thing many years ago and it was a lot cheaper than taking the PC in for repair and a lot quicker.

[#7]

Looks like this may work http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/type-a-usb-connectors/8621576/

but will take the old one out first to check the mounting

[#8]

I like the ideas of having a bay USB replacement, good idea as its an easy fix and no fussing around with soldering.. but if its an Antec case I bet there is a swinging door on the front of the case. I had a P180 until about a year ago.

[#9]

That could work @Oldjim but I think it requires USB 3 connections on the mobo as its a USB3 socket? Unless its backwards compatible which I am not sure about.

[#10]

That is why I picked it I have USB 3 and 2 connectors on the motherboard

Although having said that I can't see why I would want USB 3 on the front panel (it was USB 2 before I broke it) so a USB 2 would be a cheaper option

[#11 · Accepted solution]

Final update

Took the front off the case yesterday and replacing the broken USB socket is not an option

Fortunately the case - An Akasa Eclipse 62 - has three things going for it
The front usb ports are behind an opening cover which hides it
It has two 3.5" front floppy slots
It is black

So I have bought one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142341146615

Problem sorted

[#12]

I fitted one of those to my PC last week as I had run out of USB sockets and I had no USB 3 sockets on the front.

Excellent piece of kit for the price.

I bought mine from Amazon for £7.99 but I'm very happy with it.

[#13]

Far be it from me to be in the unusual position of offering advice but, IF you have another USB port around the back of the case, you could just use a USB hub, and have a number of spare ports as well.

[#14]

Good advice and certainly the way to go if I need more ports although I assume it would have to be a powered one

What I am trying to do is to get rid of as many permanently connected devices via wires as possible so when things are sorted the only wires connecting things to the back of the PC will be the wired keyboard (which I rather like), the wireless mouse, the monitor and the 5.1 speaker system.

In my case the use of the USB ports is minimal as the only USB connectors to it are couple of devices which get attached when used such as the camera (removing pictures) and the GPS (removing and loading tracks). Also now a USB 3.0 Flash Drive

There used to be a scanner but that was transferred to my better half's PC after the rebuild) and an electrical usage monitor (one of those which clips round the main power incomer) but that won't work when I go to Windows 10 as the software is absolutely buggy

I did wonder about surround sound headphones but I have no idea how well they work for gaming

[#15]

I haven't had to use it for some time but, I used to have a Belkin hub (I haven't seen it for a while but I think it was 4 port) that didn't have a power supply, just plugged in a vacant USB port. A strategically placed Velcro pad attached it to the top of the case, easily removed if required.