Also, is it safe to attach a powered USB 4 port hub off one of the backplate usb ports so I can get more than 2 external usb ports?
on a1k there is a thread with a list of devieces proven to work with deneb. one of them is Digitus DA-70133 internal 3,5inch 4x powered hub. i got it too and have to say this is a perfect roundup for deneb. cannot report any problems up till now. the only thing u have to be cautious about is connecting it to the internal port since its every wire has unfortunatelly a separate plug. but the wires have correct colors themselves so it is not that hard in the end.
edit:
the said thread:
http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11432