![GRAUGEAR 3.5 Inch Front Panel USB C Hub, SD/microSD Internal Card Reader, 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB3.2 Type-E Key-A 20-Pin Header & USB3.0 Header & 15-Pin SATA Power Connection Required [G-MP01CR]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61hmiqWx4pL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
GRAUGEAR
GRAUGEAR 3.5 Inch Front Panel USB C Hub
Bottom line: The GRAUGEAR 3.5 Inch Front Panel USB C Hub: Upper USB-C port rated for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 speeds up to 20Gbps; main trade-off: full 20Gbps needs a USB 3.2 Type-E Key-A header many older boards lack.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Upper USB-C port rated for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 speeds up to 20Gbps
- ✓ Six front connections: 2 USB-C, 2 USB 3.0, SD and microSD/TF slots
- ✓ Fits a standard 3.5-inch floppy bay, freeing the desk of external dongles
- ✓ Ships with Type-E 20-pin, USB 3.0 19-pin and SATA power cables plus 6 screws
- ✓ Over-current, over-voltage and short-circuit protection built in
Cons
- ✗ Full 20Gbps needs a USB 3.2 Type-E Key-A header many older boards lack
- ✗ Uses three internal connections: two USB headers plus 15-pin SATA power
- ✗ SD cards must be inserted upside down, label facing down
- ✗ Only Windows XP through 11 is listed; macOS and Linux support not stated
Manufacturer description
The GRAUGEAR G-MP01CR is a 3.5-inch front panel USB C hub that turns an unused floppy bay into six front-facing connections: two USB-C ports, two USB 3.0 ports, an SD slot and a microSD/TF slot. The upper USB-C port uses the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 standard for transfers up to 20Gbps. The USB 3.0 ports deliver up to 5Gbps for everyday peripherals. Installation needs three internal connections: a 20-pin USB 3.2 Type-E Key-A header, a 19-pin USB 3.0 header and 15-pin SATA power. All three cables ship in the box, along with six mounting screws. Many older motherboards lack a Type-E header. If yours…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored GRAUGEAR 3.5 Inch Front Panel USB C Hub using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the expansion cards category. GRAUGEAR's expansion cards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for expansion cards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the GRAUGEAR G-MP01CR work if my motherboard has no USB 3.2 Type-E header?
The USB-C side of the hub connects through a 20-pin USB 3.2 Type-E Key-A header. GRAUGEAR notes that some older motherboards don't have this header and suggests installing a PCIe adapter card that provides one. The USB 3.0 ports use a separate 19-pin USB 3.0 header.
How fast are the USB ports on this front panel hub?
The upper USB-C port uses USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and supports up to 20Gbps. The two USB 3.0 ports support up to 5Gbps. Your real speed also depends on your motherboard header and the connected device.
What cables and connections do I need to install it?
The box includes a USB 3.2 Type-E Key-A 20-pin cable, a USB 3.0 19-pin cable, a 15-pin SATA power cable, screws and a manual. You need free matching headers on your motherboard and a free SATA power lead from your power supply. The SATA power feeds the card reader and any external hard drives you connect.
Which way do SD cards go into the card reader?
GRAUGEAR says to insert SD cards upside down, with the label facing down. The front panel also has a separate microSD/TF slot.
What operating systems is the GRAUGEAR front panel USB C hub compatible with?
GRAUGEAR lists Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista and XP. The listing doesn't mention macOS or Linux, so check with the manufacturer if you use another operating system.
Key Features
- 【USB3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C】Upper USB-C port features the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 standard, which supports an extremely fast data transmission rate up to 20Gbps. It is faster enough to transfer of files within a short time. USB 3.0 ports, compliant with the USB 3.0 standard, supports up to 5Gbps of bandwidth, which enables you to connect variety of your USB devices with ease
- 【Wide Compatibility】Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP. Convert your 3.5’’ floppy disk drive space into 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C port, 2 USB 3.0 ports, 1 SD slot and 1 microSD/TF slot. Increase the scalability of desktop computers to meet various needs. Note: please insert SD card upside down(label down)
- 【Convenience】Easy installation and huge expansion for your PC casing. Quickly adds ports through available 19-pin USB3.0 and 20-pin USB3.2 Key-A Type-E headers for connecting a variety of external USB devices. (Note: Some old motherboard do not have USB3.2 Type-E/Key-A 20-pin header, suggest to install with a PCIe adapter card)
- 【Stability and Safety】Sturdy construction ensures a long service life and durability, and package contains 6 screws to make it more stable. Multiple safety protection measures such as over-current protection, over-voltage protection and short circuit protection (Note: Power supply requirement for card reader and external hard drive.)
- 【Package Contents】GRAUGEAR 3.5’’ front panel usb hub with internal card reader, screws, USB3.2 Type-E Key-A 20-Pin header cable, USB 3.0 19-Pin cable, 15-Pin SATA power cable, instruction manual and friendly customer service
Full Specifications
| Brand | GRAUGEAR |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
| Model Number | G-MP01CR |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | 1 package |
| Item Type Name | Front Panel USB Hub with Internal Card Reader |
| Mfr Part Number | G-MP01CR |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 6 |
| Special Feature | Fast Data Transfer, Plug and Play, Powered |
| Total Usb Ports | 4 |
| Compatible Devices | Card Readers, Desktops |
| Data Transfer Rate | 10000 megabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Hardware Interface | MicroSD, USB, USB 3.0, USB Type C |
| Additional Features | Fast Data Transfer, Plug and Play, Powered |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year Limited Warranty |
| Full listing title | GRAUGEAR 3.5 Inch Front Panel USB C Hub, SD/microSD Internal Card Reader, 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB3.2 Type-E Key-A 20-Pin Header & USB3.0 Header & 15-Pin SATA Power Connection Required [G-MP01CR] |
Ready to buy?
GRAUGEAR 3.5 Inch Front Panel USB C Hub, SD/microSD Internal Card Reader, 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB3.2 Type-E Key-A 20-Pin Header & USB3.0 Header & 15-Pin SATA Power Connection Required [G-MP01CR] is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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