Front USB 3.0 Header Question

ibiza21

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Feb 27, 2012
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I'm a first-time builder, and I successfully put everything together earlier this month, except for the front usb 3.0 set up, which didn't make sense to me and I didn't want to deal with at the time. I want to address that now, but I'm still confused.

My case is the Antec 1200 v3, and my motherboard is the Asus P8-Z68 pro gen3. After reading up on what others wrote about the case and the front usb 3.0, It seems like everyone was saying that the cables that came with their case were just an extension that you have to route outside the case and plug into the rear usb port. The cable that I got is different though... I'm not sure if Antec updated this and I got the new version, but my cable bundle from the front ports has TWO usb 3.0 20-pin header cables. Why are there two, is this normal? Do I need to connect both of them to my motherboard? I read somewhere else that 1 header should power two usb ports. Any help appreciated.
 
Solution
Those look like (2) 20-pin USB 3.0 headers, problem your MOBO only has (1) connector; each 20-pin is typically spilt into 2xUSB 3.0 ports. Case specs = "3 x USB3.0".

ref - http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=Njkz&lan=us

Therefore, you're going to have to chose one of those to be 'dead' or to purchase a 20-pin female to USB 2.0 header adapter as the best options. Going the adapter/pass-though is IMO quasi hodgepodge. IMO unless you need to have more than (2) USB 3.0 connected in the front of the case is to simply leave one 'dead'.

For 2xUSB 3.0 + 1xUSB 2.0 solution:
$5 from Corsair, this is a female USB 3.0 -> USB 2.0 header adapter - http://www.corsair.com/parts/case-parts/corsair-carbide-granite-accessory-box.html...
Are you sure you have 2-USB 3.0 headers, and not 1 USB3.0, 1 USB 2.0, and Front panel audio?

The USB 3.0 header is HUGE, which I think you got. The others are much smaller.

For your case, the header plugs directly into your motherboard. No back routing.
 

ibiza21

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Feb 27, 2012
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So here's a picture of the cables, they both say 3.0 on them. My case says it has 1 front usb 3.0 port and 2 usb 2.0 ports, so this doesn't make any sense. Is this a manufacturing flaw or am I missing something? I'm not sure what to do.
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Those look like (2) 20-pin USB 3.0 headers, problem your MOBO only has (1) connector; each 20-pin is typically spilt into 2xUSB 3.0 ports. Case specs = "3 x USB3.0".

ref - http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=Njkz&lan=us

Therefore, you're going to have to chose one of those to be 'dead' or to purchase a 20-pin female to USB 2.0 header adapter as the best options. Going the adapter/pass-though is IMO quasi hodgepodge. IMO unless you need to have more than (2) USB 3.0 connected in the front of the case is to simply leave one 'dead'.

For 2xUSB 3.0 + 1xUSB 2.0 solution:
$5 from Corsair, this is a female USB 3.0 -> USB 2.0 header adapter - http://www.corsair.com/parts/case-parts/corsair-carbide-granite-accessory-box.html

Alternative (1), you could get a USB 3.0 cable that converts the rear USB 3.0 'plug(s)' into a USB 3.0 20-pin using a 'pass through' i.e. through a PCIe slot into the interior of the case.
2 x USB 3.0 F to 20-Pin Y Cable - http://www.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=226358049
2 x USB 3.0 M to M extensions - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812816140

Alternative (2), you can get a PCIe USB 3.0 card with an internal 20-pin female, most all I've see require 4-pin Molex power.
PCIe Card example - http://usb.brando.com/2-port-usb-3-0-pci-express-card-with-20-pin-header_p02412c046d015.html

USB 3.0 connection on ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 ; ref - http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8Z68V_PROGEN3/#specifications
Note the 'blue' rectangle just to the top-left of the 24-pin main power (above the mounting screw hole), that's where (1) of those black USB 3.0 male connectors go.
C2Uqblp9iP7AyCsl_500.jpg
 
Solution

ibiza21

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Feb 27, 2012
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You are the best.