Broke USB 3.0 header

nlel1975

nlel1975

nlel1975

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I managed to break the USB 3.0 header on my P8P67 motherboard by trying to force the front USB 3.0 case cable in the wrong way round leaving a couple of bent pins so the cable from my case no longer fits, it is not repairable at least not by me.

So what options do I have now? Should I just buy a new motherboard or is there some way of rectifying this without costing a fortune?
 
If it's just bent pins, then in theory you could bend them back into place again. I've done this in the past with other motherboard headers, though it can be a little tricky to get it done - not done it with an enclosed set of pins like the USB3 header though, so that could be a little tough to get at.

Maybe see if you know someone with a steady hand who knows about computer parts?

I'd be concerned about the pins touching in their current state - if the wrong ones are touching you may short it if you power it up.
 
Steviepunk said:
If it's just bent pins, then in theory you could bend them back into place again. I've done this in the past with other motherboard headers, though it can be a little tricky to get it done - not done it with an enclosed set of pins like the USB3 header though, so that could be a little tough to get at.

Maybe see if you know someone with a steady hand who knows about computer parts?

I'd be concerned about the pins touching in their current state - if the wrong ones are touching you may short it if you power it up.
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Thanks for your help and for not patronising. I feel like such an idiot. Its just I was in a rush and the USB 3 cable from the case became disconnected and then I tried to reconnect it in a hurry and ended up damaging the connector!

Easily done if you are not careful. Don't know anyone who would be able to help out so I guess its new motherboard time.

EDIT: I have powered it up actually as I only noticed the ports weren't working after I powered it up, so it doesn't appear as though any pins are touching.
 
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Very easily done!

Get a paperclip, or very fine jewellers screwdriver (and maybe a magnifying glass) and slowly tease the pins back into position.

Failing that, just buy a USB3 card, its cheaper than a new mobo.
 
PhillyDee said:
Very easily done!

Get a paperclip, or very fine jewellers screwdriver (and maybe a magnifying glass) and slowly tease the pins back into position.

Failing that, just buy a USB3 card, its cheaper than a new mobo.
Click to expand...

Don't think I am going to be able to tease the pin back into position without making things worse I fear.

By USB3 card do you mean like this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-126-SV

That would allow me to connect the USB 3 connector from the case directly onto this card.

However its a little more then I was hoping to pay but it is cheaper then a new board and would save the hassle of rebuilding it with a new motherboard.
 
I would still give a repair a go.
Worst case scenario, totally bugger a pin and snap it off. As long as the pin snaps clean, and there is no touching, then it will be fine. Either way, the socket is unuseable.
 
PhillyDee said:
I would still give a repair a go.
Worst case scenario, totally bugger a pin and snap it off. As long as the pin snaps clean, and there is no touching, then it will be fine. Either way, the socket is unuseable.
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This add in PCIe card is sort of like an upgrade anyway (well that is what I keep telling myself) as the motherboard has 4x USB 3.0 ports (inc front header) and this card will add four ports to the 2 on the backplate giving me six overall with two unusable.

So instead of 4 USB 3.0 ports I will have 6. Not even going to try to fix the bent pins as it is too confined space and I may end up making things worse.
 
Nightglow said:
Just buy a USB3 card, a lot easier than trying to straighten pins & a cheaper option.
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Yeah and I was lucky to source one at a decent price, most of the ones in this price range only have 2 on the back plate and no internal 20pin header.

The Silverstone ones ocUK sell only have the internal header and no ports on the back plate.
 
have you emailed asus and asked for repair? its a tall order being asus but worth a try? should be simple for them to solder a new header on for you
 
wazza300 said:
have you emailed asus and asked for repair? its a tall order being asus but worth a try? should be simple for them to solder a new header on for you
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Things came to a head when the board stopped showing the BIOS screen and Windows loading logo and the monitor only came out of standby at the login screen.

I tried another graphics card from my other machine and it exhibited the same behaviour, so I decided to try a BIOS reset as a last resort and now I can't get anything on screen.

Its obviously because I need to see what is on the screen to get it back into windows but I cannot do that.

Oh well my P8P67 is only worth around £ 30 these days (that is what ocUK sell B grade ones for) and the Z77-D3H I have bought to replace cost me £ 64.75 ex VAT delivered from a competitor.

I am going to use the PCI-e card to run the front USB ports instead of off the new motherboard to prevent me damaging them again although think I learned my lesson.
 
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