Front Panel Header Adapter - Old cable, new socket

nickeverett · 9 May 2012 at 23:11

Building a computer for a friend, using their existing case, but mostly new internal components.

Run into a slight problem. The case has the old style front panel header cable i.e. one plug with power switch, reset, led and speaker cables running from it.
But the mobo has the new style socket i.e. individual pins for power, reset, led, speaker, etc.

I have managed to connect it in such a way that the power button works, but none of the rest do.

Anyone know of any adapters that solve this issue?

bremen1874 · 9 May 2012 at 23:23

There has never been a universal standard for front panel headers which is why most cases have individual wires.

What case is causing the problem?

nickeverett · 9 May 2012 at 23:43

Not sure of the case model number. It was a Packard Bell iStart 2007, but the old mobo, cpu, psu etc have been stripped out for the upgrade.

The front panel cable looks like a front panel usb motherboard cable - black rectangular with 7 holes.

cobbly123 · 9 May 2012 at 23:47

the very old pb's dis have a one off front panel plug. i did my father in laws had to cut the plug off and use some wires i had from an old case.

nickeverett · 9 May 2012 at 23:50

cobbly123 said:
the very old pb's dis have a one off front panel plug. i did my father in laws had to cut the plug off and use some wires i had from an old case.

Hmmm... I do have an old thermaltake monstrosity of a case around somewhere. I knew I was keeping it for a reason!

cobbly123 · 9 May 2012 at 23:54

lol that and a multimeter will sort it

bremen1874 · 10 May 2012 at 00:06

Most, if not all, OEM systems will have single plugs to make their assembly easier. The pin arrangements will be proprietary so there’s no standard adapters available (AFAIK).

In the past I’ve cannibalised connectors from old cases. If the pins are of the same type it’s often possible to pop them out of the single connector and insert them into individual connector shells. It's neater than soldering.

PhillyDee · 10 May 2012 at 00:08

Or buy the headers

and crimp them yourself!

paradigm · 10 May 2012 at 07:03

Or just cut the connector down into multiple little ones

nickeverett · 10 May 2012 at 09:52

Just found NZXT Front Panel connections cable set 30cm sleeved - Black

Quite expensive for what they are. Anyone seen any other brands that do a similar product?

nickeverett · 10 May 2012 at 21:58

Managed to remove the individual cables from the connector and put connectors from an old thermaltake case on them instead. Works perfectly now. Thanks for all the suggestions.