How to Use USB Headers on Your Motherboard

Every computer peripheral used to have a a different, bulky plug, and you had to root around in the dust behind your computer to plug something in. The Universal Serial Bus, or USB, attachment has solved the first problem, but many computers still have their USB ports on the back of the case, so plugging things in can still be a dirty and annoying endeavor. However, many new computer cases have several USB ports on the front, to let you plug in smartphones, music players and other devices without reaching around behind the case.

Things You'll Need

• Computer chassis with built-in USB ports

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer, unplug it and open the case. Usually this is done by unscrewing 1 to 6 screws or thumbscrews near the edge of the back panel. If you have trouble determining which screws to remove, consult the documentation that came with your chassis.

2. Locate the USB header wires coming from the chassis's built-in USB ports. You can do this by locating the USB ports on the outside of the case, finding the back of them on the inside of the case and following the wire that emerges from them.

3. Locate the USB headers on your motherboard. Each header is a series of 4 pins that protrude about a quarter inch from the surface of the board. On many motherboards, these are clearly marked as USB headers, usually in white paint, but some motherboard manufacturers include this information only in the motherboard manual.

4. Plug the USB header wire into the header pins. You will need to make sure it's inserted in the proper orientation; if a pin is marked "Ground," "GND," or "0V," that pin should be connected to a black wire; if it is labeled "Power," "PWR," or "+5V," it should be connected to the red wire. If the motherboard is not labeled, consult the motherboard's manual; it will indicate the proper orientation.

5. Close your computer's case and boot the computer. Test the USB connection. If it doesn't work, try reversing the orientation of the header wire.

Tips & Warnings

• Never touch the inside of any electronics that are plugged in.

• Always touch a metal part of your computer's chassis before touching any of the components inside. This will eliminate any static charge present on your skin and reduce the risk of damaging the computer.

References

• Directron: Installing Front USB Ports