[SOLVED] Motherboard with less USB headers than case offer

[Ev1lbl0w]

I'm getting a B550M DS3H motherboard from Gigabyte (https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B550M-DS3H-rev-1x) and the Aerocool Cylon RGB case (https://aerocool.io/product/cylon/).

The motherboard claims to have:

• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports available through the internal USB head
• 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB header)

The case, however, has 2 x 2.0 USB, and a SD/microSD card reader which, from video reviews I can find, connects to the motherboard USB2.0 header as well. So I assume it works like it has 3 USB2.0 ports.

Since the motherboard only supports 2 ports, how does it work? Does the case come with 2 USB2.0 header cables? Or can a single cable actually support 3 USBs, just not all at the same time (something like if I plug two flashdrives, then the SD port won't work unless I unplug one of them)?

 

[madmatt30]

A single usb header supports 2 front case ports and those ports on the case will run from a single header.

You won't be able to use the card reader unless you buy a USB 3 to usb 2 adapter cable

https://www.amazon.com/SIENOC-Mothe...3+to+usb+2+header+cable&qid=1627389069&sr=8-5

Edit - that case has a usb 3 port too so I'd just forego even trying to connect the sd card reader

 

[drea.drechsler]

I'm getting a B550M DS3H motherboard from Gigabyte (https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B550M-DS3H-rev-1x) and the Aerocool Cylon RGB case (https://aerocool.io/product/cylon/).

The motherboard claims to have:

• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports available through the internal USB head
• 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB header)

The case, however, has 2 x 2.0 USB, and a SD/microSD card reader which, from video reviews I can find, connects to the motherboard USB2.0 header as well. So I assume it works like it has 3 USB2.0 ports.

Since the motherboard only supports 2 ports, how does it work? Does the case come with 2 USB2.0 header cables? Or can a single cable actually support 3 USBs, just not all at the same time (something like if I plug two flashdrives, then the SD port won't work unless I unplug one of them)?

What's wrong with the 6 ports on the back panel?

You can also get USB hub and get more devices on one USB port
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=usb+hub&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

But when you do, be wary of power requirements of the device you're attaching to it. If they all draw power through the USB cable you may need to get a powered hub, which is usually more. Also, should all devices operate simultaneously they share bandwidth of the parent port so don't expect miracles.

 

[Ev1lbl0w]

What's wrong with the 6 ports on the back panel?

Nothing wrong, but the case comes with a built-in card reader, so I'd be a shame not being able to use it due to the motherboard.

Anyways, thanks @madmatt30 and @drea.drechsler, I'll probably look for another case.

 

[drea.drechsler]

Nothing wrong, but the case comes with a built-in card reader, so I'd be a shame not being able to use it due to the motherboard.

Anyways, thanks @madmatt30 and @drea.drechsler, I'll probably look for another case.

Oh yeah...now I understand your concern. There usually are a couple of USB 2.0 headers on motherboards, but some reserve the USB ports for their RGB software to use. That's the case with my B550m TUF Plus board too.

But also...I DL'd the manual for the case and it shows it has only one USB 2 FP connector and one USB 3 FP connector availble. Each header (your MB has two: one USB 2, one USB 3) can support two USB ports and on the panel of the case there are two USB 2 ports, one USB 3 port and the two card readers.

I suspect the card readers are using the second of the USB 3 ports from the header. Either that or some sort of 'hub' circuitry in the panel; which isn't likely since it adds unecessary cost when you have a perfectly useable USB 3 port already wired to the panel.

It's not entirely clear from the web site's documentation but it appears it should work. Memory cards aren't nearly as useful as before since almost all modern devices connect directly to USB if needed. But if you've a use for it I think it would work with your chosen board.

 

[madmatt30]

Oh yeah...now I understand your concern. There usually are a couple of USB 2.0 headers on motherboards, but some reserve the USB ports for their RGB software to use. That's the case with my B550m TUF Plus board too.

But also...I DL'd the manual for the case and it shows it has only one USB 2 FP connector and one USB 3 FP connector availble. Each header (your MB has two: one USB 2, one USB 3) can support two USB ports and on the panel of the case there are two USB 2 ports, one USB 3 port and the two card readers.

I suspect the card readers are using the second of the USB 3 ports from the header. Either that or some sort of 'hub' circuitry in the panel; which isn't likely since it adds unecessary cost when you have a perfectly useable USB 3 port already wired to the panel.

It's not entirely clear from the web site's documentation but it appears it should work. Memory cards aren't nearly as useful as before since almost all modern devices connect directly to USB if needed. But if you've a use for it I think it would work with your chosen board.

I didn't check that far but yes it kind of makes sense for the card reader to utilise the usb3 header.

That said its not that good a case anyway, has really poor airflow by the looks of it.

@ Ev1lbl0w - what county are you in, what's your budget and what components are you going to out in this??

I reckon we can probably find you something better for similar money.

 

[Ev1lbl0w]

I'm from Portugal, and have a budget of around 700€ for the following:

• Ryzen 5600G
• B550 DS3H Motherboard
• 16GB RAM
• 1TB HDD + 250GB SSD
• 650W PSU
• No graphic cards, but will be getting one in a year or two, either an RTX 3060 (Ti) or RX 6600 (XT)

With all these things, I have around ~50€ left for the case, or up to 75€ if it's justifiable.

 

[madmatt30]

I'm from Portugal, and have a budget of around 700€ for the following:

• Ryzen 5600G
• B550 DS3H Motherboard
• 16GB RAM
• 1TB HDD + 250GB SSD
• 650W PSU
• No graphic cards, but will be getting one in a year or two, either an RTX 3060 (Ti) or RX 6600 (XT)

With all these things, I have around ~50€ left for the case, or up to 75€ if it's justifiable.

Kolink citadel, under €50, lovely little case with excellent preinstalled cooling.

https://www.switchtechnology.pt/com...sh-vidro-temperado.html?search=Kolink+citadel

Rgb one is also available but is €63

 

[Ev1lbl0w]

Thanks for the tip, I do like the look of the case, so I'll consider it!