Can you "split" an internal USB header?

[MichaelD]

I'm just full of questions this week. :Q

I am considering the purchase of two devices. Both have the capability of plugging in to an external USB port or to an internal USB header. I want to use both devices with the internal USB header; don't want wires poking out of the back of my case if I can help it.

The problem is that my 8RDA+ only has one set of header pins. Is it possible to "split" the connection? Like a dual-pigtail or something?

Thank you, AT.

 

[Mday]

the header, 9 or 10 pins, is for 2 ports.

 

[beatle]

What devices are you talking about? Unless one of them is a port replicator that brings 2 usb ports to the front of the case, you should be able to use both in that one header. As Mday mentioned, each header has 2 effective ports on it. The connector on each device will likely be a 5 (or 4, since only 4 wires are used) pin female plug.

 

[MichaelD]

So my 8RDA+s' USB header is actually for TWO devices? Oh sh1t...that's RIGHT; it did come with those two extra USB ports on the PCI cover,
as shown here.

It looks to me though like the TWO sets of wires for the two USB ports are condensed into ONE connector though.

I don't have my board in front of me, right now; does it INDEED have two sets of pins, or just one set? Thanks very much!

 

[mechBgon]

8RDA+'s do have two rows of pins, yep. Now, one of the devices you're considering is the Lian-Li card reader, unless I'm mistaken, and I'll check the internal cable on mine tomorrow but I do believe it can be split up and the rear-USB plate can just be left off it.

Since your new case is going to be a Lian-Li with front-USB ports, though, you would actually have:

Lian-Li front USB ports 1 & 2
Lian-Li front USB ports 3 & 4
Lian-Li card reader
Other USB device

and each of these four needs one row of pins on your board. So you'd really need another internal USB header, to have it all work without using the external USB jacks

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
8RDA+'s do have two rows of pins, yep. Now, one of the devices you're considering is the Lian-Li card reader, unless I'm mistaken, and I'll check the internal cable on mine tomorrow but I do believe it can be split up and the rear-USB plate can just be left off it.

Since your new case is going to be a Lian-Li with front-USB ports, though, you would actually have:

Lian-Li front USB ports 1 & 2
Lian-Li front USB ports 3 & 4
Lian-Li card reader
Other USB device

and each of these four needs one row of pins on your board. So you'd really need another internal USB header, to have it all work without using the external USB jacks

Yeah, that occured to me too. :disgust: I will have the following front mounted components:

CF reader (needs one set of pins)
Front USB Ports (need two sets of pins)
"Other USB device" (big secret!) (one set of pins)

Unless I'm mistaken (I don't think I am), my LianLi, the PC65B only comes with TWO front USB ports. At least that is what
the pictures show.

That still leaves me short two headers. I guess something is going to have to get routed thru the back. :disgust: Drat. Probably BOTH the front mounted devices; the front panel USB ports really should be plugged in directly thru the motherboard.

[rationalizaton] I guess it won't be that bad. Afterall, there's already PLENTY of wires coming out the back of the system, right? Riiiiiiiiight. [/rationalization]

 

[optimistic]

I'd like to know too, if you could split an internal USB header.

My case came with 4 front mounted USB which translates to two sets of USB wires, while my motherboard only has space to plug in one set

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: optimistic
I'd like to know too, if you could split an internal USB header.

My case came with 4 front mounted USB which translates to two sets of USB wires, while my motherboard only has space to plug in one set

optomistic, does each of the two case cables require a full 8-pin or 10-pin header, is that what you're seeing?

 

[optimistic]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: optimistic
I'd like to know too, if you could split an internal USB header.

My case came with 4 front mounted USB which translates to two sets of USB wires, while my motherboard only has space to plug in one set

optomistic, does each of the two case cables require a full 8-pin or 10-pin header, is that what you're seeing?

Yes. Each USB port requires 4pins. USB x4 (16pins) only 8 pins avail on motherboard.

So

CASE_______________MOTHERBOARD
USB > 4pin
USB > 4pin

USB > 4pin --------------------- 4 pin (Header 1)
USB > 4pin --------------------- 4 pin (Header 1)

No more headers Thanks for your interest though.

 

[Mday]

usb is actually 5 pins, if you talk about the headers. +data, -data, ground, +v, shield. however ,many mix the shield with the ground, which should not be done immediately. the shield should go to ground at the header level, not the cable level.

you can make use of the usb header and dongle without the use of the slot cover, just make sure the 2 ports are fixed to some part of the case as to not jar loose at the header connector. you can remove those hex nut\spacers with a socket wrench or something.

--

oh, as an answer to the post, you cannot simply split the internal header. you must use a usb hub if you want one connector to multiple. even if it's just 2. the data+ and data- lines are what prevents you from doing so.

 

[kevinpray]

Hi,

I'm running into a similar issue with my GA-8inxp. :frown: I want to add an internal 6-in-1 reader using the internal header, but I've plugged the 4-port USB card that came with mobo in the header already. I'd also like to get a 6-in-1 reader for my P3BF rig.

Can I use a PCI USB card that has an internal header? Can you recommend one?

TIA,

Kevin