USB plugs and sockets advice please

Fiesta Red

Is it possible to somehow split a USB socket from the back of my PC?

I've run out of sockets on my PC and would like to split one of them to take a mouse and a Wacom tablet simply to save me crawling around on the floor unplugging one and plugging the other in its place.

I've found splitter cables on the internet but they seem to say one of the ports is for charging only. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Member 830298

Do you have a link for the ones you have previously found?

Fiesta Red

Sorry, just had a quick look but I can't find the link now. When I find it again, I'll add it to the page.

Member 830298

No worries, have you tried looking at any splitters that have more than two USB ports? There are loads on the internet that will give you more than two USB ports, then you wouldn't have the issue of one of them only being able to charge

Peeej

Yoiu just need a USB hub by the sounds of it. YOu plug one end in the back of your PC and then it has several USB ports that can be used at the same time. Link below is for powered ones that allow for addtional things to be plugged in that may need to be powered by the USB

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=powered usb hub&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

John7

If your PC motherboard has any USB header ports unused, you could add one of these (or similar).....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Port-Female-Plate-Adapter-Grey/dp/B00015Y0FK/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=usb connector plate&qid=1563373638&s=gateway&sr=8-9

If you don't have any spare header ports (and don't want to use an external port expander) and still want to add extra USB sockets to your PC, you could add one of these (or similar, if you have a spare PCI Express slot available on your motherboard)…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/FebSmart-Self-Powered-Technology-No-Additional-FS-U4-Pro/dp/B07MZ3Q5KQ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=USB PCI adapter&qid=1563374003&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

dodge586

Just get a Startech USB hub. Splitting cables will cause voltage/power issues...

EndlessWaves

USB splitters are weird non-standard things. The normal way to do this and part of the USB spec is a hub.

Fiesta Red

Thanks everyone for all the help, really appreciated.

Short term I've ordered one of the UGREEN hubs from Amazon then I think I'll go for one of the StarTech adapters should make things tidier.