What is the Purpose of an Internal USB Port?

[Hip_Granny]

I noticed that on the motherboard of my new computer there is a 9-pin internal USB 2.0 port. What is this port typically used for? I was told that it might be used to support a memory card reader, which seems logical, except that I don't have any frontward facing I/O bays to support something like that. What else would this port be useful for?

 

[clutchc]

If it looks like these: http://www.pcper.com/images/reviews/1066/14.png
...it is used to feed external USB 2.0 ports on your computer case. The front panel USB 2.0 ports, for instance. Or add-on ports installed in one of the expansion slots. Each header you see can handle 2 ports.

 

[Hip_Granny]

Thank you. Yes, that pic is exactly what my port looks like and your answer makes sense although I always thought additional USB ports could be added through a PCI to USB card without the need for connecting to this header?

 

[clutchc]

There are those as well. Ex: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815166002
And there are the kind that just use an empty expansion port's opening; don't plug into a slot. Just plug into the already present headers.Ex: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200523

The first is useful for systems that don't have USB headers or don't have enough. The latter is useful if you have unused headers and need more USB ports.

(Hip Granny. I like that.)