How Do I Hook Up a USB to a VCC Motherboard Header?
Although it takes a little patience, replacing a motherboard is not that difficult. However, once you install the board and are ready to hook up everything, connecting the USB wiring for the front panel header might seem a bit daunting because of the many pins on the motherboard with many, often confusing, labels. Sometimes referred to as VCC headers, the pins-out labels on motherboard often vary, which makes figuring out the connections somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, if have a basic idea of what the pin labels mean, you can connect your front-panel headers within a couple of minutes.
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Things You'll Need
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Computer case with front USB ports
- Phillips screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Place the computer on a flat work surface. Loosen and remove the screws that secure the access panel or case cover with the Phillips screwdriver. Remove the cover or panel and set it aside.
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2
Remove the cable or twist tie that binds the USB wiring leading to the front panel on the computer case. Pull the wiring out of the bundle and separate the individual pin connectors so that you can view the labels on the end caps.
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3
Locate the USB connector headers on the motherboard. On most motherboards, the headers are on the bottom edge of the board below the last PCI slot. Many motherboards have two or more headers labeled consecutively “USB 0,” “USB 1” and so on.
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4
Identify the power connector pin for the USB header on the motherboard as well as the pin cap from the front panel. The label used for the power connector pin varies considerably by manufacturer. However, commonly used power connector labels are “P,” “Power,” “PUSB,” “VCC” and “USB Power,” There are actually two power connector pins on each USB header and two pin caps that lead to the front panel USB ports. The labels for each have different numbers. For instance, the motherboard might have labels “VCC1” and “VCC2,” while the front-panel connector caps use labels “PUSB1” and “PUSB2.” Check the labels closely to ensure that you match pins “1” and “2” accordingly. Note that the wiring for the power connector caps from the case front panel is usually black in color.
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5
Match the ground pins on the motherboard USB header and the case front panel wiring caps. For ground connectors, look for labels on the motherboard and front-panel connector caps such as “G,” “GND” and “GUSB.” Connect the connector caps front case front panel to a pin on the header with one of these labels. Ground wiring from the front-panel wiring is usually green in color.
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6
Match the ground pins on the motherboard USB header and the case front panel wiring caps. For ground connectors, look for labels on the motherboard and front-panel connector caps such as “G,” “GND” and “GUSB.” Connect the connector caps front case front panel to a pin on the header with one of these labels. Ground wiring from the front-panel wiring is usually green in color.
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Connect the data pins from the USB header on the motherboard to the front-case panel wiring. Labels used for data pins on USB headers and front-panel wiring include “D- and D+,” “USB- and USB+” and “USBP- and USBP+.” Ensure that you match the “-” and “+” symbols accordingly. Note that wiring for data pins might be any color.
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Replace the panel or cover on the computer. Connect the power cord and other cables. Power on the PC and use the front-panel USB ports with your external devices.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear an anti-static wrist strap before touching components inside your computer. The motherboard is especially sensitive to damage that might occur because of electrostatic discharge.
