Question Does my motherboard’s IO (USB Ports to be exact) need a cable to power all of the ports?

Mar 5, 2019
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I’m a beginner PC builder, and this is my first PC. I have noticed that I have to plug in wires for my Case’s USB 3.0 ports to work. There are also USB 2 ports on my motherboard, do I need to plug in wires for those too?
Motherboard: Asus TUF B450m-Plus Gaming
Case: CoolerMaster mb600l
 

COLGeek

Cybernaut
Moderator
You only need to plug USB 2.0 cables/connectors into those headers, if your case also has front panel connectors for them. Otherwise, you just use the 3.0 header you mentioned and whatever is on your back panel (ATX or I/O plate on back of system).

If you need more ports, you can get an adapter to use those additional headers. Most don't require that many USB ports.