z270 mITX mobo has no USB2.0 Headers - How to make this work with AIO Coolers?

[sstuchfield]

I'm looking to start a new mITX build (my first) which I hope will be a high powered (CAD / VR consumption and creation) but more portable build.

The motherboard which has caught my eye is the recently released Asus ROG Strix z270i - it has a good selection of pretty much everything I need and it looks great. The one issue is that it does not have any internal USB2.0 Headers, which would be required for a digital AIO watercooling solution such as the NZXT Kraken x62.

The motherboard comes equipped with a USB3.0 header and a USB3.1 gen 2 front panel connector. The latter I have never heard of before and cannot find anything which will plug into on the internet...

My question is this: is anybody familiar with this USB3.1 gen 2 front panel connector (image)?

Would I be able to find an adapter to convert the USB3.1 gen 2 header to a USB3.0 header to use for the ports on the front of my case? I could then use an adapter to change the other USB3.0 header to a USB2.0 header for the cooling solution.

I would rather not have a USB 2 male to USB2.0 header (male) cable routed from outside the back of the case to the inside as this will make transport much less convenient and look messy so at this point I may have to start looking at other motherboards...!

Thanks,

Sandy

 

[Suztera]

USB3.1 gen 2 header is a new header right now, there are very few devices/cases that can utilise it. Expect products to be released maybe later this year after computex.
As of now, there are no adapters to use the usb 3.1 gen 2 header.

 

[sstuchfield]

USB3.1 gen 2 header is a new header right now, there are very few devices/cases that can utilise it. Expect products to be released maybe later this year after computex.
As of now, there are no adapters to use the usb 3.1 gen 2 header.

Thanks for the quick reply! Do you think that it would be too much strain on the header to use a USB3.0 header splitter and have one of the resulting headers adapted to USB2.0?

 

[SkyNetRising]

so at this point I may have to start looking at other motherboards...!

Just get another board.
MSI Z270I GAMING PRO CARBON AC - for example has internal USB 2.0 header.
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z270I-GAMING-PRO-CARBON-AC.html#productFeature-section

 

[sstuchfield]

so at this point I may have to start looking at other motherboards...!

Just get another board.
MSI Z270I GAMING PRO CARBON AC - for example has internal USB 2.0 header.
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z270I-GAMING-PRO-CARBON-AC.html#productFeature-section

I'm starting to feel like that might be the way to go!

I had looked at the MSI PRO Carbon before, but I could really use the additional USB2s and bluetooth on the back of the Asus. The Asus also looks a lot nicer in my opinion!

 

[Suztera]

Thanks for the quick reply! Do you think that it would be too much strain on the header to use a USB3.0 header splitter and have one of the resulting headers adapted to USB2.0?

Don't know if that will work until you try it.
All the other mini-tx motherboards that have wifi should also have at least bluetooth 4.0.

 

[tin314159]

You need this one: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/

 

[sstuchfield]

You need this one: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/

Thats the header I'd need, though id want it to go from USB 3.1 gen 2 (as pictured) to USB 3.0 19 pin male rather than USB C female!

Great find though, I hadn't been able to find any cables with the USB 3.1 gen 2 header!!

 

[Suztera]

You can try sending an email to Lian-Li or SilverstoneTek and see if you can get them to make it.

 

[tin314159]

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hope that helps!

 

[sstuchfield]

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hop that helps!

Thanks for the links! I am in fact using the Manta case, and had seen a few people mention having to route a path through the back of the case to plug the Kraken into an external USB 2.0 but your solution through the lighting panel is much more elegant.

At the moment I have set it up so that the USB 3.0 header on the MB to is connected to the NZXT USB 2.0 header expansion hub via an adapter, which the Kraken is connected to. The front USB ports are then also connected to this via a different adapter though they are reduced to USB 2.0 speeds.

Its quite a messy solution but it is hidden inside the case. The reason that I went this way instead of routing the cable out the back of the case was that I have a Corsair digital power supply which I also wanted connected. Once USB 3.1 gen 2 is more common and cables are available I can hopefully find an adapter to get the front panel USB 3.0s running at full speed once more!

 

[tin314159]

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hop that helps!

Thanks for the links! I am in fact using the Manta case, and had seen a few people mention having to route a path through the back of the case to plug the Kraken into an external USB 2.0 but your solution through the lighting panel is much more elegant.

At the moment I have set it up so that the USB 3.0 header on the MB to is connected to the NZXT USB 2.0 header expansion hub via an adapter, which the Kraken is connected to. The front USB ports are then also connected to this via a different adapter though they are reduced to USB 2.0 speeds.

Its quite a messy solution but it is hidden inside the case. The reason that I went this way instead of routing the cable out the back of the case was that I have a Corsair digital power supply which I also wanted connected. Once USB 3.1 gen 2 is more common and cables are available I can hopefully find an adapter to get the front panel USB 3.0s running at full speed once more!

Sounds great, as long as it works then that's a solution! Hopefully there would be new cables that would support the internal USB 3.1 soon in the future.

The other way around is using USB 3.0 Y-Splitter, then one side you connect to the front panel, and the other side connect it to USB 3.0 to 2.0 adapter, then the Kraken could be plugged into this USB 2.0.

Internal USB 3.0 Y-Splitter: https://goo.gl/HPlCrG

Internal USB 3.0 female to Internal USB 2.0 male Adapter: http://a.co/9CxUqNd


It could throttle the speed of the USB 3.0 if you'd plug so many things in at the same time, but at least it's something if you'd need those.

 

[sstuchfield]

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hop that helps!

Thanks for the links! I am in fact using the Manta case, and had seen a few people mention having to route a path through the back of the case to plug the Kraken into an external USB 2.0 but your solution through the lighting panel is much more elegant.

At the moment I have set it up so that the USB 3.0 header on the MB to is connected to the NZXT USB 2.0 header expansion hub via an adapter, which the Kraken is connected to. The front USB ports are then also connected to this via a different adapter though they are reduced to USB 2.0 speeds.

Its quite a messy solution but it is hidden inside the case. The reason that I went this way instead of routing the cable out the back of the case was that I have a Corsair digital power supply which I also wanted connected. Once USB 3.1 gen 2 is more common and cables are available I can hopefully find an adapter to get the front panel USB 3.0s running at full speed once more!

Sounds great, as long as it works then that's a solution! Hopefully there would be new cables that would support the internal USB 3.1 soon in the future.

The other way around is using USB 3.0 Y-Splitter, then one side you connect to the front panel, and the other side connect it to USB 3.0 to 2.0 adapter, then the Kraken could be plugged into this USB 2.0.

Internal USB 3.0 Y-Splitter: https://goo.gl/HPlCrG

Internal USB 3.0 female to Internal USB 2.0 male Adapter: http://a.co/9CxUqNd


It could throttle the speed of the USB 3.0 if you'd plug so many things in at the same time, but at least it's something if you'd need those.

I tried the ModDIY Y splitter cable, but when I did neither the 2.0 USB hub or the front panel USB 3.0s worked. Perhaps I got a faulty cable!

 

[Flintz]

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hop that helps!

Thanks for the links! I am in fact using the Manta case, and had seen a few people mention having to route a path through the back of the case to plug the Kraken into an external USB 2.0 but your solution through the lighting panel is much more elegant.

At the moment I have set it up so that the USB 3.0 header on the MB to is connected to the NZXT USB 2.0 header expansion hub via an adapter, which the Kraken is connected to. The front USB ports are then also connected to this via a different adapter though they are reduced to USB 2.0 speeds.

Its quite a messy solution but it is hidden inside the case. The reason that I went this way instead of routing the cable out the back of the case was that I have a Corsair digital power supply which I also wanted connected. Once USB 3.1 gen 2 is more common and cables are available I can hopefully find an adapter to get the front panel USB 3.0s running at full speed once more!

@sstuchfield I have the exact same issue as you with not being able to connect the Kraken to the same motherboard. Is it possible for you send links to the components you used to rectify the problem? I looked up the NZXT USB 2.0 Head Expansion Hub, but it says it requires a USB 2.0 header which the ASUS Z270i doesn't have. Where did you connect the case USB 3.0 header that would usually go into the motherboard? Please let me know as any help would be appreciated.

Also, I ordered this pictured parts below, so I'm HOPING they work for me.

 

[Flintz]

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hop that helps!

Thanks for the links! I am in fact using the Manta case, and had seen a few people mention having to route a path through the back of the case to plug the Kraken into an external USB 2.0 but your solution through the lighting panel is much more elegant.

At the moment I have set it up so that the USB 3.0 header on the MB to is connected to the NZXT USB 2.0 header expansion hub via an adapter, which the Kraken is connected to. The front USB ports are then also connected to this via a different adapter though they are reduced to USB 2.0 speeds.

Its quite a messy solution but it is hidden inside the case. The reason that I went this way instead of routing the cable out the back of the case was that I have a Corsair digital power supply which I also wanted connected. Once USB 3.1 gen 2 is more common and cables are available I can hopefully find an adapter to get the front panel USB 3.0s running at full speed once more!

Sounds great, as long as it works then that's a solution! Hopefully there would be new cables that would support the internal USB 3.1 soon in the future.

The other way around is using USB 3.0 Y-Splitter, then one side you connect to the front panel, and the other side connect it to USB 3.0 to 2.0 adapter, then the Kraken could be plugged into this USB 2.0.

Internal USB 3.0 Y-Splitter: https://goo.gl/HPlCrG

Internal USB 3.0 female to Internal USB 2.0 male Adapter: http://a.co/9CxUqNd


It could throttle the speed of the USB 3.0 if you'd plug so many things in at the same time, but at least it's something if you'd need those.

I tried the ModDIY Y splitter cable, but when I did neither the 2.0 USB hub or the front panel USB 3.0s worked. Perhaps I got a faulty cable!

That sucks because I ordered the same thing. Crap! I may have to do some wiring and soldering in my very near future!

 

[tin314159]

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

 

[Flintz]

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

I'm definitely in! How can I get one?!

 

[Flintz]

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

Also, just let me know the cost with shipping and we can make this happen! I want this cable so badly!! Hahah!

 

[tin314159]

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

Also, just let me know the cost with shipping and we can make this happen! I want this cable so badly!! Hahah!

Wait, I forgot to ask: are you in the USA? Maybe it's better if you guys send him an email asking to buy one from him. His email address is in the link to the screenshot.

He said "$29 include shipping fee" in the email.

 

[Flintz]

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

Also, just let me know the cost with shipping and we can make this happen! I want this cable so badly!! Hahah!

Wait, I forgot to ask: are you in the USA? Maybe it's better if you guys send him an email asking to buy one from him. His email address is in the link to the screenshot.

He said "$29 include shipping fee" in the email.

I'm in Canada. Were you planning on purchasing extra for those who wanted them?

 

[tin314159]

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

Also, just let me know the cost with shipping and we can make this happen! I want this cable so badly!! Hahah!

Wait, I forgot to ask: are you in the USA? Maybe it's better if you guys send him an email asking to buy one from him. His email address is in the link to the screenshot.

He said "$29 include shipping fee" in the email.

I'm in Canada. Were you planning on purchasing extra for those who wanted them?

I think it'd be better if you ask him to buy it from him directly.
It took me a week before he got back to me with that email I showed in the screenshot.
So yea, hit him an email and be patient.

Good luck!

 

[sstuchfield]

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hop that helps!

Thanks for the links! I am in fact using the Manta case, and had seen a few people mention having to route a path through the back of the case to plug the Kraken into an external USB 2.0 but your solution through the lighting panel is much more elegant.

At the moment I have set it up so that the USB 3.0 header on the MB to is connected to the NZXT USB 2.0 header expansion hub via an adapter, which the Kraken is connected to. The front USB ports are then also connected to this via a different adapter though they are reduced to USB 2.0 speeds.

Its quite a messy solution but it is hidden inside the case. The reason that I went this way instead of routing the cable out the back of the case was that I have a Corsair digital power supply which I also wanted connected. Once USB 3.1 gen 2 is more common and cables are available I can hopefully find an adapter to get the front panel USB 3.0s running at full speed once more!

@sstuchfield I have the exact same issue as you with not being able to connect the Kraken to the same motherboard. Is it possible for you send links to the components you used to rectify the problem? I looked up the NZXT USB 2.0 Head Expansion Hub, but it says it requires a USB 2.0 header which the ASUS Z270i doesn't have. Where did you connect the case USB 3.0 header that would usually go into the motherboard? Please let me know as any help would be appreciated.

Also, I ordered this pictured parts below, so I'm HOPING they work for me.

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

Also, just let me know the cost with shipping and we can make this happen! I want this cable so badly!! Hahah!

Wait, I forgot to ask: are you in the USA? Maybe it's better if you guys send him an email asking to buy one from him. His email address is in the link to the screenshot.

He said "$29 include shipping fee" in the email.

I'm in Canada. Were you planning on purchasing extra for those who wanted them?

I think it'd be better if you ask him to buy it from him directly.
It took me a week before he got back to me with that email I showed in the screenshot.
So yea, hit him an email and be patient.

Good luck!

Cheers for the offer, I'm in the UK but its good to know that if i need one I can email him! I haven't been able to find any cables to convert a USB type C to either a usb 3.0 header or usb 2.0 header but I will have a look over the weekend to see if i can find one - without this I wouldn't have much use for the cable.

@flintz - I used a USB 3.0 19 pin header to USB 2.0 9 pin header to connect the expansion hub to the motherboard USB 3 header:

http://cpc.farnell.com/akasa/ak-cbub19-10bk/lead-usb3-0-19pin-to-usb2-0-9pin/dp/CS25133?CMP=CPC-PLA

then a 2 x USB 2 type A to USB 3 header to connect the front panel USB 3.0s back to the expansion hub (but they only get USB 2.0 speeds):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/231771370824?lpid=122&chn=ps&adgroupid=39613511478&rlsatarget=aud-104347686287%3Apla-279121896401&adtype=pla&poi=&googleloc=9045107&device=c&campaignid=737386489&crdt=0

You may only be able to purchase from these links to the UK but I'm sure you'll be able to find similar cables on amazon.ca!

S

 

[Flintz]

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

Also, just let me know the cost with shipping and we can make this happen! I want this cable so badly!! Hahah!

Wait, I forgot to ask: are you in the USA? Maybe it's better if you guys send him an email asking to buy one from him. His email address is in the link to the screenshot.

He said "$29 include shipping fee" in the email.

I'm in Canada. Were you planning on purchasing extra for those who wanted them?

I think it'd be better if you ask him to buy it from him directly.
It took me a week before he got back to me with that email I showed in the screenshot.
So yea, hit him an email and be patient.

Good luck!

I sent them an email last night and got a reply within hours. They just have to send me a link to pay for the cable via PayPal and I'll be good to go!

Thanks so much for showing us the email. That was super helpful!

 

[tin314159]

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hop that helps!

Thanks for the links! I am in fact using the Manta case, and had seen a few people mention having to route a path through the back of the case to plug the Kraken into an external USB 2.0 but your solution through the lighting panel is much more elegant.

At the moment I have set it up so that the USB 3.0 header on the MB to is connected to the NZXT USB 2.0 header expansion hub via an adapter, which the Kraken is connected to. The front USB ports are then also connected to this via a different adapter though they are reduced to USB 2.0 speeds.

Its quite a messy solution but it is hidden inside the case. The reason that I went this way instead of routing the cable out the back of the case was that I have a Corsair digital power supply which I also wanted connected. Once USB 3.1 gen 2 is more common and cables are available I can hopefully find an adapter to get the front panel USB 3.0s running at full speed once more!

@sstuchfield I have the exact same issue as you with not being able to connect the Kraken to the same motherboard. Is it possible for you send links to the components you used to rectify the problem? I looked up the NZXT USB 2.0 Head Expansion Hub, but it says it requires a USB 2.0 header which the ASUS Z270i doesn't have. Where did you connect the case USB 3.0 header that would usually go into the motherboard? Please let me know as any help would be appreciated.

Also, I ordered this pictured parts below, so I'm HOPING they work for me.

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

Also, just let me know the cost with shipping and we can make this happen! I want this cable so badly!! Hahah!

Wait, I forgot to ask: are you in the USA? Maybe it's better if you guys send him an email asking to buy one from him. His email address is in the link to the screenshot.

He said "$29 include shipping fee" in the email.

I'm in Canada. Were you planning on purchasing extra for those who wanted them?

I think it'd be better if you ask him to buy it from him directly.
It took me a week before he got back to me with that email I showed in the screenshot.
So yea, hit him an email and be patient.

Good luck!

Cheers for the offer, I'm in the UK but its good to know that if i need one I can email him! I haven't been able to find any cables to convert a USB type C to either a usb 3.0 header or usb 2.0 header but I will have a look over the weekend to see if i can find one - without this I wouldn't have much use for the cable.

@flintz - I used a USB 3.0 19 pin header to USB 2.0 9 pin header to connect the expansion hub to the motherboard USB 3 header:

http://cpc.farnell.com/akasa/ak-cbub19-10bk/lead-usb3-0-19pin-to-usb2-0-9pin/dp/CS25133?CMP=CPC-PLA

then a 2 x USB 2 type A to USB 3 header to connect the front panel USB 3.0s back to the expansion hub (but they only get USB 2.0 speeds):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/231771370824?lpid=122&chn=ps&adgroupid=39613511478&rlsatarget=aud-104347686287%3Apla-279121896401&adtype=pla&poi=&googleloc=9045107&device=c&campaignid=737386489&crdt=0

You may only be able to purchase from these links to the UK but I'm sure you'll be able to find similar cables on amazon.ca!

S

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hop that helps!

Thanks for the links! I am in fact using the Manta case, and had seen a few people mention having to route a path through the back of the case to plug the Kraken into an external USB 2.0 but your solution through the lighting panel is much more elegant.

At the moment I have set it up so that the USB 3.0 header on the MB to is connected to the NZXT USB 2.0 header expansion hub via an adapter, which the Kraken is connected to. The front USB ports are then also connected to this via a different adapter though they are reduced to USB 2.0 speeds.

Its quite a messy solution but it is hidden inside the case. The reason that I went this way instead of routing the cable out the back of the case was that I have a Corsair digital power supply which I also wanted connected. Once USB 3.1 gen 2 is more common and cables are available I can hopefully find an adapter to get the front panel USB 3.0s running at full speed once more!

@sstuchfield I have the exact same issue as you with not being able to connect the Kraken to the same motherboard. Is it possible for you send links to the components you used to rectify the problem? I looked up the NZXT USB 2.0 Head Expansion Hub, but it says it requires a USB 2.0 header which the ASUS Z270i doesn't have. Where did you connect the case USB 3.0 header that would usually go into the motherboard? Please let me know as any help would be appreciated.

Also, I ordered this pictured parts below, so I'm HOPING they work for me.

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

Also, just let me know the cost with shipping and we can make this happen! I want this cable so badly!! Hahah!

Wait, I forgot to ask: are you in the USA? Maybe it's better if you guys send him an email asking to buy one from him. His email address is in the link to the screenshot.

He said "$29 include shipping fee" in the email.

I'm in Canada. Were you planning on purchasing extra for those who wanted them?

I think it'd be better if you ask him to buy it from him directly.
It took me a week before he got back to me with that email I showed in the screenshot.
So yea, hit him an email and be patient.

Good luck!

Cheers for the offer, I'm in the UK but its good to know that if i need one I can email him! I haven't been able to find any cables to convert a USB type C to either a usb 3.0 header or usb 2.0 header but I will have a look over the weekend to see if i can find one - without this I wouldn't have much use for the cable.

@flintz - I used a USB 3.0 19 pin header to USB 2.0 9 pin header to connect the expansion hub to the motherboard USB 3 header:

http://cpc.farnell.com/akasa/ak-cbub19-10bk/lead-usb3-0-19pin-to-usb2-0-9pin/dp/CS25133?CMP=CPC-PLA

then a 2 x USB 2 type A to USB 3 header to connect the front panel USB 3.0s back to the expansion hub (but they only get USB 2.0 speeds):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/231771370824?lpid=122&chn=ps&adgroupid=39613511478&rlsatarget=aud-104347686287%3Apla-279121896401&adtype=pla&poi=&googleloc=9045107&device=c&campaignid=737386489&crdt=0

You may only be able to purchase from these links to the UK but I'm sure you'll be able to find similar cables on amazon.ca!

S

I just ordered this USB C to Mini-USB lastnight, to connect between Lian-Li cable and Kraken.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2ZDAJI/

Will give update when both items arrive.

 

[Flintz]

I faced this problem before, and the solution was that you need to plug the kraken into the external USB 2.0 in the back panel.

Extra: if you have NZXT Manta case, you can wire the cable through the lighting panel like how I do here https://i.imgur.com/O2FFsgp.jpg

By the way, we discussed a few issues in Norkay's Agata Build here: https://pcpartpicker.com/b/GGfH99

Hop that helps!

Thanks for the links! I am in fact using the Manta case, and had seen a few people mention having to route a path through the back of the case to plug the Kraken into an external USB 2.0 but your solution through the lighting panel is much more elegant.

At the moment I have set it up so that the USB 3.0 header on the MB to is connected to the NZXT USB 2.0 header expansion hub via an adapter, which the Kraken is connected to. The front USB ports are then also connected to this via a different adapter though they are reduced to USB 2.0 speeds.

Its quite a messy solution but it is hidden inside the case. The reason that I went this way instead of routing the cable out the back of the case was that I have a Corsair digital power supply which I also wanted connected. Once USB 3.1 gen 2 is more common and cables are available I can hopefully find an adapter to get the front panel USB 3.0s running at full speed once more!

@sstuchfield I have the exact same issue as you with not being able to connect the Kraken to the same motherboard. Is it possible for you send links to the components you used to rectify the problem? I looked up the NZXT USB 2.0 Head Expansion Hub, but it says it requires a USB 2.0 header which the ASUS Z270i doesn't have. Where did you connect the case USB 3.0 header that would usually go into the motherboard? Please let me know as any help would be appreciated.

Also, I ordered this pictured parts below, so I'm HOPING they work for me.

hey sstuchfield and Flintz,

About this cable: http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pw-ic01nh45/ Lian-Li got back to me saying that I could order the cable directly from him and I'm about to do so. If you want one please let me know before Sunday March 2, 2017 or I'll just go ahead and order one for myself.

Screenshot from the email: http://i.imgur.com/54ZakxI.png


** Please note that it's internal USB 3.1 male to USB 3.0 Type-C female. You will still need another adapter (USB 3.0 Type-C male to internal USB 2.0 male) to plug the Kraken with. **

Also, just let me know the cost with shipping and we can make this happen! I want this cable so badly!! Hahah!

Wait, I forgot to ask: are you in the USA? Maybe it's better if you guys send him an email asking to buy one from him. His email address is in the link to the screenshot.

He said "$29 include shipping fee" in the email.

I'm in Canada. Were you planning on purchasing extra for those who wanted them?

I think it'd be better if you ask him to buy it from him directly.
It took me a week before he got back to me with that email I showed in the screenshot.
So yea, hit him an email and be patient.

Good luck!

Cheers for the offer, I'm in the UK but its good to know that if i need one I can email him! I haven't been able to find any cables to convert a USB type C to either a usb 3.0 header or usb 2.0 header but I will have a look over the weekend to see if i can find one - without this I wouldn't have much use for the cable.

@flintz - I used a USB 3.0 19 pin header to USB 2.0 9 pin header to connect the expansion hub to the motherboard USB 3 header:

http://cpc.farnell.com/akasa/ak-cbub19-10bk/lead-usb3-0-19pin-to-usb2-0-9pin/dp/CS25133?CMP=CPC-PLA

then a 2 x USB 2 type A to USB 3 header to connect the front panel USB 3.0s back to the expansion hub (but they only get USB 2.0 speeds):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/231771370824?lpid=122&chn=ps&adgroupid=39613511478&rlsatarget=aud-104347686287%3Apla-279121896401&adtype=pla&poi=&googleloc=9045107&device=c&campaignid=737386489&crdt=0

You may only be able to purchase from these links to the UK but I'm sure you'll be able to find similar cables on amazon.ca!

S

How did you use the first link item to connect it to the hub? From what it looks like, the hub doesn't that a 19-pin connector or male USB 2.0 header. How did you connect the case header? Sorry, I'm trying to picture the setup in my head but I don't quite understand it based on the links you sent.