must front USB ports be supported by the motherboard?

newbiesforever · 06-02-2008, 03:07 PM

My new chassis has two front USB ports. I'll have to make sure the motherboard has enough headers to control them, won't I? I don't suppose they would work independently of the motherboard, because I at least have the impression that the motherboard controls everything.

SlowCoder · 06-02-2008, 03:19 PM

I haven't seen any late model mainboards that don't have internal USB headers. Most mainboards have USB ports on the rear, so you don't need headers for those unless yours comes with a USB expansion slot cover.

newbiesforever · 06-02-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlowCoder

I haven't seen any late model mainboards that don't have internal USB headers. Most mainboards have USB ports on the rear, so you don't need headers for those unless yours comes with a USB expansion slot cover.

I don't need headers for the rear USB ports? Or does "those" mean the front USB ports?

amani · 06-02-2008, 04:31 PM

It all depends ... but you will certainly have connectors on the chassis and pins on the board for the front USB (see the manual).

Best

A. Mani

SlowCoder · 06-02-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbiesforever

I don't need headers for the rear USB ports? Or does "those" mean the front USB ports?

This would depend on the mainboard. Most boards these days have rear USB ports directly onboard. Some, however, will have USB headers that can be used as you see fit. For instance, those boards may include an expansion slot cover that you can install on one of your case's rear slots, then connect to the USB headers. Usually, those same headers can be used for front instead.