Scott Mueller's Upgrading and Repairing PCs Forum

Hello Scott,

I have one of those old Foxconn cases like the one you feature in your "Build a PC" DVD guide and I'm building a new PC using this case (The full ATX size). The case features 4 USB ports (2 pairs) on the front (not sure if they are USB version 1 or 2). My confusion arises because each pair of USB ports has two distinct wires with a 4 port + ground connector on the end. Each has connectors labeled VCC, USB-, USB+, Gnd but also have another single connector labeled GND. One set has USB- and USB+ numbered 1 and the other labeled 2.

The has two USB connectors JUSB1 and JUSB2 each having 9 pins with the odd pin labeled NC which I assume indicates Not connected.

Based on the motherboard manual diagram It looks like I can just plug both connectors from each front panel pair side by side into the connector making sure that the VCC ends are together.

The loose GND cable I guess just has to be left loose and not connected to anything?.

Do I have this correct? Thanks for confirming or correcting any misunderstanding on my part! Pics attached:


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usb_frontpanel_wires_close.jpg [ 87.27 KiB | Viewed 2638 times ]


usb2_mobo_connectors.PNG [ 37.4 KiB | Viewed 2638 times ]

I think you are correct. Definitely interested in what Scott has to say the purpose of the extra ground wires are though.

OK I found the answer on webpage. There are two types of USB motherboard connector layouts - Intel and Gigabyte.

Gigabyte layouts have the ground offset from the other connectors hence the extra loose ground cable to use in those situations. In my case when connecting to Intel type then the extra ground can simply be ignored and zip tied back to the main cable to get it out of the way.


usb_mobo_connectors.PNG [ 192.63 KiB | Viewed 2628 times ]

That doesn't make any sense Gigabyte obviously makes a lot of motherboards with Intel chipsets.

I checked out a couple of Gigabyte's new motherboards as well as one I purchased 9 years ago and they are all using the Intel standard connectors. Not sure when Gigabyte used their unique layout but my case is over 10 years old.

I only use and support motherboards that have industry standard connections, which normally are defined by Intel. This especially includes power supply, front panel and SATA connections. Avoid the proprietary! Scott.