Will this work (i.e drivers) on Vista x64?

[MarcLister]

I've run out of spare USB ports on my PC. All 4 on the back are in use for mouse, keyboard, webcam and external HDD. My Akasa case has two USB ports on the side near the front where my iPod and my Readyboost USB drive are taking up residence. So 6 ports in use meaning anything else I need to plug in, something has to come out.

I recently ditched the idea of getting an external USB hub as I just don't fancy that. So I was thinking of using the USB backplate I would have got packaged with my Asus P5Q-E mobo and connect them to the motherboard headers. Unfortunately that box is in the loft and the ladder we used to get into the loft was a borrow from a neighbour and the ladder has been returned. This means it is near impossible for me to get into the loft. So I looked around for USB PCI cards and found http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Scan-...rd-ALi-Chipset.

It is a VIA card and having checked out their site they don't have any drivers, that I can find, for Vista/Windows 7 32/64. So if I got that card could I trust Vista x64, and soon W7 x64, to be able to find generic/Microsoft drivers for the card?

[GoNz0]

99% sure it will plug and pray

[MarcLister]

Haha. Plug and pray with what chance of working? 99%?

In other words, take a chance?

[GoNz0]

i have not seen usb drivers for years m8, if it has no cd it needs no additional drivers. since windows xp usb drivers have been built in

[MarcLister]

That's half my thinking. Both Vista and Windows 7 should be capable of finding some USB drivers buried within the installs somewhere.

Might take the plunge and order one then. Thanks.

[GoNz0]

you could always post in the wanted section for a usb backplate ?

[Flibb]

maplins sell the backplates, quick and easy pickup if you have a local shop. They have 2 wiring options so check the number of pins on the mobo headers.

[MarcLister]

I had a quick look on the Maplin site. They do a 4 port USB backplate, which is nice, but the Scan one I linked to has an internal USB port!! This means I could hide my Readyboost drive INSIDE my PC. Something I don't need but it would be cool I suppose.

[Zak33]

USB headers from a motherboard won't need any more drivers than the ones you already use.

But to make life a little more helpful... do you have a spare Floppy Drive or Optical Drive bay?

If so....
http://forums.hexus.net/scan-care-he...e-bay-use.html

I found this and Lee from Scan got my some details. Don't forget to get the internal USB header convertor

[MarcLister]

That does look good Zak33. However my case is black. That isn't. I have got a spare floppy drive so I could do that in the long run for USB stuff I want to use at the front of the computer. Still would like something at the back to hide long term stuff.

[bigben1021]

Using the motherboard headers would be the best option - and possibly the cheapest.

Can't you just get a friend to help you up into the loft? Or in the long run, a ladder may be just as good an investment as buying a new USB back plate?!

[MarcLister]

Using the motherboard headers would be the best option - and possibly the cheapest.

Ta. Will look into this. Just want to massively upgrade the number of USB 2.0 sockets I has.

Can't you just get a friend to help you up into the loft? Or in the long run, a ladder may be just as good an investment as buying a new USB back plate?!

Nah I'm too heavy. And the loft entrance is kind of over the stairs and not the landing. Have told my Mum a proper ladder would be helpful. Especially as she reckons that next week (half-term) we'll be insulating the loft.

[Sir Digby]

It should work.

I'm pretty sure this is the card that I've got with Vista x64, and it works fine.

[MarcLister]

Cheers Sir Digby. Going to take a plunge when I get paid on Friday. It is Windows 7 x64 now mind.