Originally posted by: TripleAAA
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Power switch, reset switch, HDD activity LED, USB ports, etc...
Do each of these controls have a seperate cable or one universal?
Also I notice in a lot of builds that people don't mention USB ports, Network/Ethernet cards, etc...I know in the past you had to buy these seperately. Is this still the case or are they built into a lot of the cases now? I know there isn't a big difference in performance nowadays with these things, but nobody ever lists them in their builds. Thanks again!
Let me suggest that you read some of the PC building guides that are linked in one of the stickies. I say this not to discourage your questions (because after all, that's how we learn) but so that you can give yourself a base of information to start from. Instead of having to ask one question at a time you can find a number of answers for yourself, and then come back at us with more questions.
Modern motherboards generally come with one Ethernet port. Some have two, but that feature is unnecessary for 99% of users. Motherboards also come with USB ports nowadays - at least two, but more commonly somewhere from four to eight. They still have the older PS/2 ports for the keyboard and mouse, and some have parallel and serial port connectors, but those are disappearing. A integrated sound codec also comes standard on motherboards now, with some being of higher quality than others. That just covers the external jacks.
Internally there are several different optional connections on the motherboard. For example, there are headers where you can connect leads from the front audio jacks on your case in case you want to plug headphones/microphone in from the front. There are also USB headers, and on some motherboards, firewire headers, for the same purpose. In the same general area there are headers for all of your front panel switches and lights. As someone said, the only absolutely mandatory connection is the power switch, but the others are strongly recommended.
Connections where the header must be inserted in a specific orientation are generally keyed so that they can't be inserted the wrong way. (Examples would include fan power connectors and the main power cables from the PSU to the motherboard.) There are a few connections that must be inserted in a specific direction that aren't keyed, most notably the front panel LEDs. It should be clearly labeled on your motherboard, but read your motherboard and case manuals. If the light doesn't come on, just try the connector the other way. (As a rule of thumb, white or black wires are negative/ground, and colored wires are positive, but case makers are free to choose any color scheme they wish.) Switches can be connected without respect to polarity.
Many people would love to see a universal front panel connector, but the industry hasn't stepped up and delivered. Maybe they'll address that the next time they revise the ATX standard or create a new form factor, but I'm not holding my breath.
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