Question 1

In the picture we see 3 cables but what are on the other ends of them? The 10-pin block goes to the HD Audio header I'm guessing, the one that looks like a normal USB I assume goes to the 20-pin USB header and then lastly there's a cable with 4 wire (2 red, 2 black). What does that go to and what's the connector type on the other end? Also, the front of the panel shows 2 Type A ports and 1 Type C port. However my motherboard specs indicate the 20-pin USB header only supports 2 USB ports and in fact the pin specs indicate a capacity for only 2 ports so my question is how is this panel supporting 3 ports? Does the panel PCB actually have an active HUB on it?

Accepted Answer

The panel PCB actually has a built-in USB 3.0 Hub Chipset, which allows it to support 3 ports. Therefore, even if your motherboard specs indicate that the 20-pin USB header only supports 2 USB ports, the active hub on the panel enables the support for 3 ports. Additionally, the 10-pin block goes to the HD Audio header.

Question 2

What is the USB 3 connector on the inside board for?

Accepted Answer

That is how it gets USB functionality to the other ports. It then goes to the 20-pin header on your motherboard. If your case has front panel I/O that uses this then those will likely be dead. Google 20-pin USB Header and you'll find examples.

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