Akasa "ABC Easy As 123"
Akasa USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Panel,
Akasa USB 3.1 Gen 2 PCIe Bracket,
and Akasa Internal USB 3.1 Gen2 connector to USB 3.1 Gen1 19 pin adapter
Review by: Jennifer Griffiths
Video & Testing by: Philip Griffiths
Introduction :
So, you got a new case for your PC. It looks great and has all of the things you could hope for EXCEPT a Gen 2 port. So now you have to replace the case, right? WRONG! You might be thinking "OK Capt Genius, please tell how I am going to get around this and have things work right and without it costing me a bomb and all day on my day off"? Well, I'll do you one better. I will tell you how in under 5 minutes you can have it done and working, and not having to pay out the nose for it! Curious? You should be. All will be revealed in this edition of Tech For Techs.
Manufacturer statement:
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AK-ICR-32: 3.5” front panel which features an USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port with dual Gen1 Type-A ports. Enabling you to expand and upgrade your system's real-time connectivity to create computing experience with no limitations.
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AK-CBUB37-50BK: fits into a PCIe bracket at the rear of your PC and converts the new USB 3.1 Gen2 internal header to one Type-C port
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AK-CBUB38-50BK: is an USB 3.1 Gen2 internal header to USB 3.1 Gen1 19-pin adapter cable. Which allows you to convert a USB 3.1 Gen2 motherboard header into a USB 3.1 Gen1 19-pin connector. Ideal for those whom want to use the new header with their USB 3.0 device.
About Akasa:
Established in 1997, Akasa has become a leading global supplier that designs and manufactures small form factor fanless chassis, thermal and hardware peripheral solutions - including coolers, fans, card readers, hubs and cables - for PC and specialist applications. Akasa have an extensive design and development capability worldwide to ensure when new advance technology arrives, Akasa have the products and expertise to make it work for our customers. We never compromise product quality and all our products are manufactured under strict quality control standards.
Packaging:
Akasa USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Panel
This comes in a standard box. It looks pretty friendly from the outside with out a lot of fancy artwork. All relevant information is provided clearly. Both front and back have the information needed in clear font and in obvious placement. There is a hook hole on the box for ease of display in a retail shop.
Akasa USB 3.1 Gen 2 PCIe Bracket,
This comes in a plastic bag with a hook hole. If I am honest, it would look better in a blister pack. If I were in a store and I wanted to see the product prior to purchase, there is very little way of seeing this in the little bag. The relevant information is on a sticker on the front, however the font is small due to the size of the bag. Akasa probably was going for minimal packaging. I still say a blister pack is needed and it would not need to be huge.
Akasa Internal USB 3.1 Gen2 connector to USB 3.1 Gen1 19 pin adapter cable
Another case of the plastic bag with hook hole. I stand by my statements previously " If I were in a store and I wanted to see the product prior to purchase, there is very little way of seeing this in the little bag." The font again is quite small. I don't have glasses...yet and I am struggling to read some of it. So that means I need to either get glasses of Akasa needs to rethink packaging or both. *Probably both*
Unboxing:
Akasa USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Panel
Inside you have the panel and the instruction guide (which seems pretty easy to follow).
Akasa USB 3.1 Gen 2 PCIe Bracket
Inside you have the adapter.
Akasa Internal USB 3.1 Gen2 connector to USB 3.1 Gen1 19 pin adapter cable
Inside you have the adapter.
Installation:
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Akasa USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Panel
On the front panel of the PC you will need an opening the size of a card reader. Slide the unit into the slot and screw into place. Attach the USB 3.0 to the motherboard and the Gen2 to the board in the sockets for each.
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Akasa USB 3.1 Gen 2 PCIe Bracket
Simply plug into your Gen2 socket on the motherboard. If your board does not support it, Then simply screw into position on the back panel like you would a PCI device.
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Akasa Internal USB 3.1 Gen2 connector to USB 3.1 Gen1 19 pin adapter cable
It is a USB 3.1 Gen2 internal header to USB 3.1 Gen1 19-pin adapter cable. Useful if you have the new USB 3.1 Gen header on your mobo but do not have any USB 3.1 Gen2 device to connect to it. Or if you have an additional USB 3.0 19-pin device but do not have any free 19-pin headers left on your mobo. You could use the AK-CBUB38-50BK to convert a USB 3.1 Gen2 mobo header into a USB 3.1 Gen1 19-pin connector.
The USB 2.0 channel on the AK-CBUB38-50BK means it is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0. If this channel on the AK-CBUB38-50BK is not connected to your mobo then the adapter would only work with USB 3.0 devices.
Testing:
This part is really hard to elaborate on. Each product was simple to use, just plug in and away you go. Each did what was promised.
Speed was down to the motherboard controller and we found no difference in speeds compared to other USB 3.1 Connectors.
Pricing:
Conclusion:
Akasa are known for making many useful components. These three are no exception to the rule. As builds grow, the Gen2 will be more sought after and thus we have the answer to upgrades and new builds that the customer wants this function on and at a good price. Once again, Akasa have shown themselves to be ahead of the game. As for the packaging, I'm sure they can get back in the game on that with a few orders of blister packs. --- Jenni
These products are not things you will need every day. The adapter is an ideal item to keep in stock, as you never know when you will get a case that has plenty of USB 3.1 connectors on the front but your motherboard only has one USB3.1 connector/Socket available, The only real issue I had with the items is the packaging. The Panel box was fine and to the point, but the adapters could have done better in a blister pack as they don't look as attractive as other cable products (see above). - Phil
Pros:
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Brought something new and useful to the table that I have not been able to find elsewhere.
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Gives high-speed performance at a realistic price.
Cons:
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The packaging on the internal adapters
