When we reviewed the Fractal Design DEFINE R3 case, one of the comments we had was that the front panel USB ports were only USB 2.0. Fractal then quickly released a USB 3.0 upgrade kit and this is our how to fit it article!
Upgrade kit will change 2x USB 2.0, 1x eSATA into 2x USB 3.0, 1x eSATA and costs 9.99€ incl VAT / 9.99$ excl VAT.
What’s in the Box?
The box contains the USB 3.0 upgrade cable, 2 screws and a brief instruction sheet.
A Closer Look
Fitting the Upgrade Kit
As you can see below, the cat fits at the top of the case.
You need to carefully remove the front panel so that you can get to the top.
Then remove the two screws holding the old connectors in place.
Then carefully lift the old connector out of the case.
Carefully disconnect the old connector from the motherboard – there will be two connections, and then carefully remove the cables and the connector and put them aside, you won’t need them anymore!
Next job is to carefully fit the connector to the motherboard – this time connecting them to the USB 3.0 port on the motherboard instead of a USB 2.0 port.
Then carefully, and I do mean carefully, fit the new connector back into the top of the case and screw it back into place. It is quite a tight fit so do be careful and don’t force it!
Then put the case back together and you will see the fruits of your labour – 2 top mounted USB 3.0 ports and an eSATA port.
And when you switch the computer back on, Windows will find it and get it ready for you to use!
Overall the process took about 15 minutes, primarily because I was being careful as I didn’t want to damage the case.
Have you upgrade yours, if so, let us know how you got on.
