Tech Reaction

Every once in a while you come across an idea in computer hardware technology that makes you wonder why nobody has thought of it before. Usually they are simple but have very practical applications that make computer assembly much easier for the enthusiast. Modular power cables for example, were introduced by Ultra and currently hold the patent for its use. ASUS with their Q-connectors, etc. Today we look at NZXT’s USB Expansion module, a simple device that does exactly what its name implies: it adds USB connections to your system. Is this product the only USB expansion module in the market currently because it is a bold creative innovation or because it is unnecessary? Let’s find out…

The USB U01 module comes in a very simple box without any bells and whistles or any packaging extras. It is a plain printed cardboard box that has a clear plastic front that lets you see the PCB itself in all its glory even before unboxing.

The box also contains two cables: One power cable with a 4-pin molex connection on one end and a smaller 2-pin that attaches to the PCB itself on the other end, as well a single internal USB cable.

The unit also comes with a fold out manual in 5 languages. The print is very small and is quite difficult to read however, best to look up help online if you really need it.

Thankfully, installation is very simple and straightforward. You simply attach the 4-pin female molex into a 4-pin male molex (or vice versa, the molex connector NZXT included is passive) and attach the other end to the 2-pin female socket on the PCB. Then you take the bundled internal USB data cable, plug it in to one of your available USB Motherboard headers, then attach the other end to the PCB’s USB header beside the power socket and voila! You now have a working USB Expansion module. Now, not only do you have extra USBs to use for your front panel ports, you also have them fully powered thanks to the dedicated 12v coming in via the molex connection. Now to make things a little more permanent inside the case, just remove the tape behind the velcro to reveal the glue and attach it anywhere inside your case. Simple as that!

For $20, I cannot think of a more reasonably priced piece of hardware. Then again, NZXT is known for their price/performance products so this isn’t much of a surprise. As far as I know, this is still the only product in the market that offers this kind of solution and thankfully for us consumers, NZXT didn’t find that enough reason to price the expansion module a little bit higher.

Pros:

• Small
• Internal Mounting via 3M Velcro
• Driver Free Installation
• Comes with molex power adapter
• Bundled Cables are completely sleeved
• Passive Molex power connector

Cons:

• Power cable is only 2-inches long
• Only one internal USB data cable included
• Tiny print on the manual, making it difficult to read