Case USB Ports

kona786 · 26 Mar 2014 at 09:51

I have a Antec Titan 650 case back from my 2008 build, now it has USB 2 ports on the front.

I'm upgrading to a USB 3 capable Mobo, can I hook the front USB 2 ports up to the USB 3 Mobo headers? or do I need actual USB 3 ports?

BattFink · 26 Mar 2014 at 10:10

The USB3 headers on the motherboard are different to the USB2 headers

Just having a quick google around and I haven't been able to track down an adapter to allow USB3 internal -> USB 2 internal

TheyCallMeAndy · 26 Mar 2014 at 13:01

Don't believe it is possible unfortuanetly you may have to buy a new case if you want to take advantage of the USB ports on the front of the case, and on the back of the mobo!

kona786 · 26 Mar 2014 at 15:24

Ok thanks.

The back is not a problem though.

cypto · 27 Mar 2014 at 02:13

You might even find there is a USB 2.0 header on the new motherboard, most come with a single USB 3.0 header and 1 or 2 USB 2.0 headers towards the bottom.

kona786 · 27 Mar 2014 at 17:53

cypto said:
You might even find there is a USB 2.0 header on the new motherboard, most come with a single USB 3.0 header and 1 or 2 USB 2.0 headers towards the bottom.

I wanted USB 3 on the front you see - I now thinking I'll just sell my old rig as a whole and buy a new case and psu.

rustys_mk1 · 29 Mar 2014 at 10:41

could get 3.5 inch bay usb 3.0 hub. Thats all I've done with mine gives me 2x 3.0 and the 4 2.0 on the case....

cypto · 30 Mar 2014 at 00:58

Physically impossible, your only option is to get a USB 3.0 hub or something to place ontop of your case of live with the front 2.0 ports. Or of course upgrade your case.

The problem is USB 3.0 actually achieves the higher speeds by using more data lines, contacts seen towards the back of the port.

USB 2.0 only has the four contacts at the bottom. Ground, data+, data-, 5v

kona786 · 30 Mar 2014 at 08:36

Cheers I realised this after digging a little deeper.

I went for the Fractual Design Define R4 case in the end.

MatsyLR · 30 Mar 2014 at 19:15

Don't know if I'm confused abit but...
You want to connect your USB 2.0 ports on the front of your case, to the USB 3.0 on your mobo? Yes you can do that no problem. You will only get usb 2.0 speeds though.

Just google usb 2.0 to usb 3.0 header

Front usb 2.0 cable into the converter, other end of converter into the usb 3.0 port. Will act as 2.0.
USB 3.0 ready cases come with this built into the cable with a USB 2.0 header connected to the USB cable.

kona786 · 30 Mar 2014 at 21:48

I wanted USB 3 speeds from the USB 2 port by changing the cables. After reading into it, it was clear this wasn't possible.

Also these newer cases have great cable management which made it an easy decision just to buy a new case.