FrontX

FrontX

Manufacturer: FrontX CPX

Price: $25.90 as shown (US)

additional ports $6-8.50 each

Review date: 5/13/01

The only thing mass-production computer makers such as HP and Compaq offer that I am envious of are the front access ports. Because their system boards are often custom made they can put the ports anywhere they like. My sisters E-Machine is slow, was expensive and can't be upgraded- still it has the USB and gameport on the front of the box where you can easily get to it. To make my life as a hardware tester easier I have invested in a good USB hub and was using the JoyNet Gameport Hub with my system until recently.

I now have a FrontX panel on my system with the optional USB connection. This brings the USB, gameport, earphone, audio-in and microphone lines to the front of my computer case. A 9 pin serial connection is also offered and the serial and USB connections can be of the internal or external type depending on your motherboard. Future plans include video, firewire, USB 2.0 and parallel ports.

Features:

• CPX088 FRONTX CASING

Contains 1 large and 3 small port holding bays

Can hold a maximum of 8 computer ports

• CPX100 MULTIMEDIA PORTS

The package includes Casing, Earphone, Microphone, Audio-In and Game ports

System Requirements:

1 free 5.25" drive-bay and PCI/ISA opening

Installation:

The installation of the FrontX unit is accomplished in a few relatively easy steps. You will need to open your computer case- if you do not know your way around the inside of a machine have someone help you out and save the frustration. The FrontX installs into a free 5 1/4 inch bay of the computer case. The first step you should take before ordering the FrontX is assuring not only do you have an open bay panel on the front of your machine but one that is not occupied by anything inside of the case. I have come across some systems where the hard drive is mounted so it occupies a full drive bay.

Once you are sure you have the space to mount the bay also make sure the distance between the back of the sound card and where you plan to mount the FrontX is less than 30". In most cases (pun intended) this is fine but in a full tower case you will need to make sure you are not trying to use one of the top bay housings while having your soundcard in the motherboards lower PCI or ISA slots. Its also recommended that the slot above or below your soundcard be empty so you can pass the necessary cables through it with the enclosed cover. Then its a matter of assembling the ports into the FrontX casing, placing the casing into a drive bay, mounting it, and running the plugs out the back of the machine. The cables should be passed through an open slot cover above or below your soundcard. The enclosed plate can then be used on the slot to allow the cables to pass through without allowing for much dust entry or airflow disturbance.

Each cable has a stamped graphic on it to tell you what it is to. Simply plug it into the corresponding symbol on the soundcard or consult you soundcards manual for details on what each port is. The Headphone plug doubles back to the special slot cover and allows you to connect your speakers to a 1/4" jack there. This way you can connect the FrontX extension plug to the soundcard speaker out for headphone connection on the front of the case or use your system speakers plugged into the back of the system.

The 4 easy steps to

install the FrontX unit.

(click image to enlarge)

The FrontX installed.

(click on image to enlarge)

Performance:

The FrontX is not completely a unique idea. It is however, the first customizable front-panel extension kit for various ports. The unit I tested had the standard ports plus the addition of a USB port. Each of the cables used are well shielded. I expected possible signal degradation with some of the extension cables because the cables run on the inside of the computer case. None was experienced.

I did label the 1/8" jack ports with a P-Touch Labeler. The symbols on the ports do not stand out well and unless they are used often you could forget which is for what connection. Having the headphone jack conveniently located on the front of the PC made it easier for me to be courteous to my wife and neighbors during those late night gaming sessions. The mic and line in ports were also very handy for connecting the Game Commander 2 headset and Mic. Of course the game and USB sweetened the deal making switching game controllers a breeze.

When not in use (which is rare) the front panel of the FrontX folds up covering the ports making the PC case look less cluttered. The true geek can also remove the front door on the unit and have all of the connections displayed to make your friends envious.

Overall:

The FrontX is a near perfect addition for any system. The only minor issue could be the length of the extension cables (30 inches) may not make it from the extremes of some full tower cases. Even in this situation, a little bit of rearrangement will be worth the effort. The few minutes needed to install the FrontX will easily be made up for all of those times you crawled behind your system to change a connection.

The price, versatility and convenience of the FrontX make it easy to add to the highly recommended list.