NZXT IU01 USB Expansion Module - Closer Look, Usage and Thoughts

Closer Look:

There really isn't a lot to look at with the NZXT IU01.  It is pretty simple and has three additional USB headers that support six USB ports as well as the two external-type USB ports.  Also on the PCB is a small 5v power connector require to providing power to the connected USB devices.  With the inclusion of a power connector, NZXT has taken the burden off the USB system on the motherboard.  This is a nice touch.

PCB - NZXT

Padded And Velcro

NZXT has finished the IU01 nicely with some padding on the bottom that will help absorb vibrations as well as an adhesive pad that is attached to Velcro for easy installation and removal.  This is a little touch that helps finish the product and make it that much better.

Installation:

Installation is as simple as finding a spare USB header on the motherboard, plugging the device into it and into a power source and you're done.  There is no need for drivers and it was detected very quickly and configured by Windows 7.  Once it is identified by the system you can now start plugging devices into it.  I plugged in a Matrix Orbital display, my CoolIT Freezone Elite as well as a Bluetooth dongle.

 
USB In Use

Final Thoughts:

The NZXT UI01 USB Expansion allows you to quickly and easily add more internal USB devices as well as setup a couple of other "external" USB devices without hogging extra USB ports on the outside of your machine.  A couple of uses could be internal wireless, Bluetooth, ReadyBoost or even a wireless keyboard and mouse dongle.  Having this inside your case and out of the way is a great way to keep things tidy while freeing up external USB ports for other devices.  The internal USB headers also help expand your possibilities.  For example our test motherboard - the ASRock X58 Supercomputer only has a total of three internal USB ports - one double and one single.  There is no room for expansion or adding rear USB ports on a bracket as they are all full.  The IU01 helps increase the "Super" of this motherboard.

Pros:

• Simple and driver-less installation
• Powered USB2.0 ports
• Convenient to mount and move
  

Cons:

• Velcro won't survive the transfer to a new box
  

I'd like to thank NZXT and iBUYPOWER for sending this unit our way for a review.  If you have any questions or comments, please post them in the forum below.