Today we will be taking a look at the latest case accessory from NZXT, the IU01 internal USB expansion card. Essentially this device is designed to provide expansion for 6 internal USB ports as well as 2 external USB ports. This is done by utilizing only a single USB port header on your motherboard, and the IU01 is also powered directly from the computer’s power supply. In today’s marketplace USB devices are becoming increasingly popular and additional hardware like the IU01 allow more devices to interface with your computer system. The NZXT IU01 sells for a suggested retail price of around 20USD, and with that said and done, let’s move on and take a look at the NZXT IU01 internal USB expansion card.
Specifications
Let’s take a quick look at the features listed for the IU01 and then take a moment to clarify some of the terminology used in this review to avoid confusion.
- 6 Internal USB expansion
- 2 External USB expansion
- Dedicated power from power supply
- Plug and use, no drivers needed
The terms Internal and External used in this review and by
NZXT in the specifications need some clarification before we proceed. The 6 internal USB expansion ports listed are actually 3 USB headers similar to those on the motherboard which support 2 USB ports each. These can be used for external top, side or front panel USB ports, as well as internal devices with the appropriate adapter cable. The 2 external USB expansion ports listed are actually ports physically located on the IU01 itself. Since the IU01 is intended to be located inside the case the terms internal and external become almost irrelevant. We thought this was a bit confusing and that’s why we decided to clarify these terms before continuing. Let’s move on and take our first look at the IU01!
Packaging
The IU01 comes packaged in a simple cardboard box with a cutaway plastic window to show the IU01 card. Printed on the box itself are the features and product name, as well as the NZXT logos.
Within the outer packaging we find the main IU01 card and its included accessories. These include the User’s manual, power connector cable and USB interface cable for the motherboard. At this point we noted the quality of both cables which are both sheathed in a flexible black plastic mesh.
A Closer Look
The first thing we noticed is the physical size of the IU01. It is quite small and compact and the component count is low. As can be seen below it contains the 2 USB sockets and 3 USB headers previously mentioned. At the left hand edge we find the power connector socket and a right angled connector for the main USB interface cable. Also we noted the inclusion of a very heavy set of Velcro strips made by the company
3M to secure the IU01 securely inside the case.
Hybrid Mode
