There are kits for adding USB 3.0 front ports connected to the mobo thru a PCIe card, like this specimen:

 

 

I wonder if there exists something similar, but connecting instead to a standard SATA-III header on mobo?

 

First of all, does your board have BIOS settings to enable hot-plug on the SATA ports?

^ Affirmative.

I am not sure to understand, if you have one (or more) Sata connectors free on the motherboard what you need is an eSata front panel, something *like* this one:

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/unitek-y-6113-3-5-esata-and-hdd-power-front-panel-.html

 

jaclaz

I want to add USB 3.0 front ports and all the PCIe slots in the mobo are already occupied.

 

But there are still a couple SATA connectors free, so I was just wondering.

I want to add USB 3.0 front ports and all the PCIe slots in the mobo are already occupied.

 

But there are still a couple SATA connectors free, so I was just wondering.

Now I see.

 

No , I don't think that such an adapter/converter exists .

The SATA port on the motherboard expect a storage device connected to it.

 

And you have also all motherboard USB (3.x) ports on the motherboard taken?

(on some motheboards there are USB ports that are not connected "by default", sometimes they may need an adapter)

Or does the motherboard only have USB 2.0 ports?

 

jaclaz

Sadly only USB 2.0 OEM onboard this aging mobo, otherwise I'd already ghetto-modded some DIY solution    . Guess I'll have to either free some PCIe slot or endure the fulgurant USB 2.0 speeds.

 

Anyway thanks for the help gentlemen.