What Are USB Headers On A Motherboard and Its Types?

The motherboard has connectors called USB headers that let you add more USB ports to your computer. They can be pretty helpful if you need to connect many USB devices to your computer. They are also good if you want to add extra USB ports if your needs change.

Things are not so straightforward because there are numerous USB headers with various speed capacities. It is necessary to understand the differences between USB kinds and versions and how they affect the connectors and cables you use. I will explain the fully comprehended USB headers, like what are USB headers? And their types.

What Are USB Ports?

After knowing what are USB headers? You might want to know about USB ports. An industry-standard cable connection interface for laptops and other consumer electronics is a USB port. The industry standard for digital data exchanges over short distances is USB or Universal Serial Bus. USB ports enable digital data transfer over USB cables between USB-connected devices.

They can also provide devices that require electricity across a cable. The USB standard is available in wired and wireless forms. However, only the wired form uses USB ports and cables. Most USB ports on desktop computers exist on the case’s back. The front USB ports should be left open so they may use for digital cameras and other devices, and you should usually attach your mouse and keyboard to these ports.

What Is A USB Header Splitter?

A USB splitter is a tool for linking extraneous hardware to a computer. It expands a computer’s built-in USB slot capacity and gives users more options by adding operational printers, scanners, cameras, and other devices.

Additionally, there is a miniature splitter called a micro USB splitter. It functions similarly to a USB splitter but is smaller. You can carry it more conveniently and simply thanks to this function. When purchasing a device, you should exercise caution on the product’s brand and type.

For instance, by looking at the port size, you must determine whether the USB splitter is appropriate for USB 3.0 or USB 2.0. The USB hub has the same features as the USB splitter. In truth, there are certain similarities in the usage and capabilities of a USB splitter and a USB hub. You may experience Xbox One not reading disc due to this element.

You must know the basics about what are USB headers? So before learning the types of headers, you must be familiar with the various USB versions. You may already be aware that several different versions of the USB standard exist. However, remember that whoever chose the names for the multiple versions has caused confusion for consumers, especially with how version 3.0 divide into many subversions.

At the same time, you need to learn various versions because doing so will help you gain insight into their speeds and the various header types. There are 8 different USB versions/names that you could encounter. The table below shows you the details of speed and versions:

You can see how confusing the USB’s names can be. Here, I will explain the key points of these versions in detail:

I can examine USB headers now that you have a general understanding of the USB versions. What are USB headers on a motherboard? There are four types: 2.0, 3.0, Gen 2, and Gen 2×2. One of these motherboard headers will correspond to the ports on your computer case. If the case has a USB 3.0 port, it will plug into the USB 3.0 header. Let’s examine each kind in more detail.

1) USB Header 2.0

They are small and have a 5 by 2 grid of pins. The 9-pin USB 2.0 header motherboard has. The key to properly aligning the plug is the array’s tenth missing pin. For additional identification, the text F USB2 may print behind the header, depending on your motherboard.

2) USB Header 3.0

A USB 3.0 header motherboard is significantly more extensive and has 19 pins in a 2×10 arrangement. Various names refer to the header, just like the USB version, including

• USB 3.1
• 3.1 Gen 1 USB
• 3.2 Gen 1 USB

Your motherboard’s name is entirely dependent on when the manufacturer built it. It prints beneath the header. You should see the USB 3.2 Gen1 written on your recently bought newer board.

3) 3.1 Gen 2 Header for USB

The most distinctive is probably the USB 3.1 Gen 2 header. There aren’t any pins that protrude like the others. The 19 pins of a USB 3.0 header are suitable in a 2 x 10 array. These are the following:

• USB 3.0
• USB 3.1
• 3.1 Gen 1 USB
• 3.2 Gen 1 USB

The USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 x1 ports that support Superspeed+ and have transfer mode use this header. Don’t be shocked if your motherboard is branded as a USB 3.2 Gen 2 header if it is newer.

The designation of this header on a motherboard specification sheet depends on the time of design when the motherboard. This header is a USB 3.2 Gen 1 header on the newest motherboards. The additional names could find on the earlier motherboards. In essence, motherboard manufacturers modify their terminology at the same rate as the USB standard.

4) 3.2 Gen 2×2 Header for USB

Finally, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 headers have dual channels yet appear very similar to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 headers. However, the specs refer to them as USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and feature twin channels. These are relatively uncommon, and only a small number of the best motherboards currently have them.

How Can I Tell Where My Motherboard’s USB Headers Are?

Now that you know the various USB versions and headers, I’ll show you where they exist on your motherboard. There are two ways to do this: first, by looking at your motherboard; second, by looking at the motherboard handbook.

Physical Inspection

Although a little more challenging, this is still manageable. It’s not too tricky to locate USB headers if you can navigate the motherboard. Simply look at your motherboard and find the header that is labeled suitably. The labeling will include the word USB and its version, although it may vary based on the type of header and motherboard you have.