Question Single USB 3.0 header to dual USB 2.0 headers?

[Anomaly_76]

I recently decided to consolidate my more everyday hardware into an HTPC / NAS to achieve peak performance from my gaming rig, but have been fighting with a ridiculous problem for the past two weeks.

The 2U case I used can horizontally mount the GPU and capture card I have. The problem is that this will not clear with either USB 2.0 header connected. The capture card is literally resting on the PCIe slot adjacent the header, and the RGB I plan to use for temp monitoring needs a USB 2.0 header.

Several 90-degree adapters and cables failed to solve this problem. A PCIe card is not an option as riser cables are in the way.

I considered an M.2 to USB header adapter, but can't seem to find one that doesn't require an existing USB header. However, I've discovered that the listing for the case states the front USB 3.0 ports ARE 2.0 compatible.

Pinout diagrams suggest that two 4-pins could be plugged into a 9-pin. So is it possible to adapt the 20-pin 3.0 header (which will clear) to dual 4-pin or 9-pin 2.0 headers so that the front USB ports can be retained?

It's not a 100% deal-breaker if I can't, but I'd rather not as I'm using a wireless USB keyboard / mouse, and would rather not use an extension cable from a rear port. A workable pass-through solution is fine too, as long as it will fit. This case is challenging and does not allow much space for cable management.

 

[Lutfij]

So is it possible to adapt the 20-pin 3.0 header (which will clear) to dual 4-pin or 9-pin 2.0 headers so that the front USB ports can be retained?
You might want to stick to one header on your board splitting to 2 physical ports. Anything beyond that and you're running into stability issues or going beyond spec of the header.

You've written up a lot in your thread's body but you've forgotten to mention the specs to your build. Please list them like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:

 

[Anomaly_76]

So is it possible to adapt the 20-pin 3.0 header (which will clear) to dual 4-pin or 9-pin 2.0 headers so that the front USB ports can be retained?
You might want to stick to one header on your board splitting to 2 physical ports. Anything beyond that and you're running into stability issues or going beyond spec of the header.

You've written up a lot in your thread's body but you've forgotten to mention the specs to your build. Please list them like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:

Thanks for the reply, I usually include the specs and started to, but wasn't sure how pertinent it would be to the question.

CPU: R5 3600X
CPU cooler: ID-COOLING IS-55
Motherboard: Gigabyte B550 Aorus Master
RAM: Patriot Viper Blackout 4 PVS432G320C6K (16x2 DDR4-3200)
SSD/HDD: WD Blue SN570 (500GB / 1TB), WD Black HDDs (4TB / 8TB), Crucial MX500 (2TB), Pioneer BDR212-DBK Blu-Ray
GPU: Asus Tuf Gaming GTX1650 Super 4GB OC
Video Capture: ElGato 4K60-Plus MK2 PCIe
PSU: Channel Well Technology GPT500S-A
Chassis: RackChoice 2U (Unknown model number)
RGB / Controller: Corsair LS100 / Lighting Node Pro

I presume you mean something like this. However, I'm looking to connect the Corsair Lighting Node Pro, consolidated with front-panel 3.0 ports. Choking these front ports to 2.0 isn't a big deal, as I only plan to use a keyboard / mouse. But simply adapting to two internal ports would still require adapting one of the USB ports right back to a USB 3.0 20-pin female to connect the front panel USB cable, and there doesn't seem to be any such adapter available.

In the absence of any earlier replies, I ordered these two, hoping it would be a quick fix. I'm hoping to simply re-situate a USB 3.0 cable extender I have doubled over at the motherboard header to clear the GPU fans, so that these can be installed inline. Thoughts?

USB 3.0 20-Pin Female Header to Dual 9-pin Male USB 2.0 Header Port Replicator

USB 2.0 9-Pin Female to 20-pin Male USB 3.0 Adapter

 

[Anomaly_76]

UPDATE: 20-pin female header to dual 9-pin male USB 2.0 adapter arrived today. Machine is up and running after a bit of a fight with a BIOS version issue.

Thermals look decent considering. 3600X idles around 35-40C, GTX1650S idles about 32-34C. Cranked up BeamNG.drive with about 6 total vehicles on high detail, 3600X peaked around 70, GTX1650S peaked around 75C.

Considering this same 3600X peaked around 60C with a Mugen 5S in a Corsair 4000X, VERY not bad for four 80mms in a 2U case. No prior thermals for the GTX1650S though.

Will have to wait for the other adapter to arrive tomorrow to determine whether I can make my front USB ports work.

 

[Anomaly_76]

And after installing the second adapter, I am now using my front USB ports, although they are choked to 2.0. So the two adapters I mentioned are a workable solution for anyone considering a 2U build. Because when it comes to cases with such limited upward height, you're not likely to be able to access at least some of your USB headers directly.