Help Me Understand USB Headers on a Mobo

voxdan · Apr 25, 2016

I'm interested in building in the Phanteks Evolv ATX. I want to be able to use a wireless mouse and possibly even a wireless keyboard if the mood takes me. I have read all over the place that they work best with USB 2 vs USB 3. The Evolv has two USB 3 on the front, but no USB 2. One of the motherboards I am considering (the Asus Maximus VIII Formula) doesn't have any USB 2.0 on the back, but I read this on a PC Part Picker build commentary (he was using the same case and mobo and had the same concerns):

"I would have preferred a couple of USB 2.0 ports on the back of the motherboard for better compatibility with my wireless mouse and keyboard (they have issues when plugged into USB 3.0 ports). The board does have two USB 2.0 headers, so I was able to get everything to work."

Question 1: Can you explain what USB headers are and how they work/are used?

Question 2: If you had to guess, how do you believe he got it to work? What would I do to make it work?

Thanks for your time!

techgeek · Apr 25, 2016

USB headers are a couple of rows of pins that look like this for USB 2.0:

They are the 3 little blue boxes. Each one of those supports 2 USB ports. If the motherboad doesn't come with a way to break these out (make them externally available), then you can buy one or more of these:

The IO plate would just get mounted to one of the slots on the back of the computer.

I hope that makes it clear.

techgeek · Apr 25, 2016

I had a look at that motherboard, that amazes me, not a single USB 2.0 port on the rear IO shield. It looks like there are two headers on that motherboard. The second image I linked to, you can find ones with 4 ports with two connectors if you would like to breakout all 4 possible ports. Like this:

voxdan · Apr 25, 2016

techgeek :

It's weird if I say, "I love you," isn't it?

Excellent answer (both of them!). Thank you so much.

techgeek · Apr 25, 2016

Well it would be if you are a dude. But I appreciate the thought. Glad I could help.

Just a note of caution. In most cases these ports are on by default, but if you find that they don't work when you try to use them, go into the BIOS and make sure they are turned on.

rancer4 · Apr 25, 2016

i want to say on usb 2.0 plugins, im only sure on this, that you see the 2x5 plugin of the usb header? if you get one with a 4 pin, a 1x4 plugin, plug the power and they usually have each wire labelled, plug the power to the left. ground goes right, according to the picture of a motherbord up there

voxdan · Apr 25, 2016

techgeek :

Brotherly love. Haha! Thanks again. I will keep this in mind and keep this thread for reference.

techgeek · Apr 25, 2016

Sounds good.

One thing to notice, and you'd probably figure it out when you went to assemble your system. There is a pin missing in the corner of the header. Usually the socket that matches that missing pin (actually used to key the connector so it can't be plugged in backwards) is plugged off or not there to begin with. This will make it obvious which way it needs to be plugged in.

rancer4 · Apr 25, 2016

techgeek :

yea and the 2x5 plugin of the header will be solid on that one pin instead of having a hole in it, so you cant plug it in.. backwards. yaaaa.

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Help Me Understand USB Headers on a Mobo

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