x52 and Windows 7

[icepac]

Most new motherboards have 4 usb ports on the rear of the computer so I plug any game controller direct into the computer.

I also like the mouse and keyboard direct as well so there go all your rear ports.

If your total ports is more than 4, plug a hub into a remaining port for anything else you might connect.

[Skuzzy]

The number of USB ports is irrelevant.

The number of USB hubs on the motherboard is the important factor.  Many OEM computer manufacturers will cut costs by using only one USB hub on the motherboard and connect 4 ports to it.  It is pretty easy to overload the USB bus with that configuration.

Most aftermarket motherboards have two USB hubs on the motherboard so you can split the load between the two, providing you can figure out which ports go to which hub.