Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How do I remove and replace the front I/O assembly in the 7-bay BTX computer case?

A: The front I/O assembly is made up of two IEEE 1394 port cables, one USB two-port cable, a front audio ports assembly, and the bracket that houses all the ports.

Note: Before disconnecting cables, note each connection location for later use. Creating a diagram of the connections can be helpful.

Remove the front I/O components

  1. Turn off the computer, and then disconnect the power cord and all external cables. Note connection locations for later use.

  2. Remove the right side panel of the case.

  3. Remove the front bezel.

  4. At the front of the case, remove the screw that secures the ports bracket to the case, and then remove the bracket.
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    Note: If the cables pull away from the case with the bracket, pull the port end of each cable out of the bracket. The ports are only held in the bracket by tension.
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  5. Inside the case, the front I/O cables are located at the bottom front of the case. The IEEE-1394 are the top two cables, the USB two-port cable is in the middle, and the front audio ports assembly is at the bottom.
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  6. To remove the two IEEE 1394 cables, follow each cable to its connection on the motherboard. Carefully note these locations, and then disconnect each cable.

  7. Carefully pull each IEEE 1394 cable through the front of the case.

  8. To remove the USB cable, follow the cable to its connection on the motherboard. Note the location, and then disconnect the cable.

  9. Carefully pull the USB cable through the front of the case.

  10. To remove the front audio ports assembly, you must first remove the air duct, and then remove the front fan.

  11. Follow the front audio ports assembly cable to its connection on the motherboard. Note the connection location, and then disconnect the cable.

    Note: In some configurations, the audio cable is connected to an add-in sound card instead of the motherboard. Note this location, and then disconnect the cable.

  12. Remove the cable from any case clips it is routed through, and then pull the audio assembly and cable through the front of the case.

Replace the front I/O components

  1. To install the front audio ports assembly, route its cable through the opening in the front of the case, and then press the ports housing into the guide slots on the front of the case.

  2. Inside the case, route the cable across the front of the case, and then up behind the 3.5-inch drive bays. Ensure that the cable is routed through the case clips to secure it in place.

  3. Connect the loose end of the cable to the motherboard or the add-in sound card.

  4. Replace the front fan, and then replace the air duct.

  5. To replace the USB ports cable. Route the connector end of the cable through the front of the case, and then press the ports housing into the guide slots on the front of the case.

  6. Inside the case, connect the cable to the motherboard.

  7. To replace the two IEEE 1394 cables. Route the connector end of each cable through the front of the case, and then press each of the ports housings into the guide slots on the front of the case.

  8. Inside the case, connect the cables to the motherboard.

  9. At the front of the case, slide the wide tab at the bottom of the I/O bracket into the slot on the case, and then press the bracket into place over the ports. Secure the bracket with one screw.
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  10. Replace the front bezel.

  11. Replace the right side panel.

  12. Connect the power cord and external device cables, and then turn on the computer.