When connecting USB wire to headers on the motherboard..

[Wedge1]

I am transferring the contents of one PC case to another, which means I need to connect a new set of USB cables to the motherboard's USB headers. These cables are a little confusing because the wires are split apart rather than being held together in one small casing (any of you that build PCs know exactly what I'm talking about - when they are housed in a single plastic piece, the job is much easier).

So, basically, getting each wire connected properly is a bit of trial and error for me. This motherboard has no manual. It came from a compaq presario and I am putting it in an HTPC case (not the best choice of hardware for this I know, but for now it must do). Without the manual, I'm a little blind and need to test USB functionality without constantly rebooting the PC for changing wires. Is this safe to do?

 

[Davegod]

no.

and you don't really need the manual. the connectors on the cable will be marked and they also will be printed very small on the motherboard. If you can't read the miniscule print on the board, no worry It's a standard header - the layout has a missing pin which makes orienting it easy, while the usb cable wires are coloured. I did have a great image for this but can't find it, sure you'll find one on google.

 

[Wedge1]

Can i screw the USB headers/motherboard permanently if I get it wrong?

 

[Wedge1]

I have googled images of this...what I find is that there is an image of EVERY possible combination and I am getting no where via experimentation.

 

[Wedge1]

NM, i think it's a proprietary thing with compaq.

 

[Davegod]

yeah I had a usb connector that shorted against the computer case and the board wont boot if I attach connectors to that header now. Thats why you shouldnt be plugging in the connectors with the board powered up. If you simply get some of the connectors on the wrong pins, then power up and plug something in, I assume some devices will be smart enough .

Is it some weird proprietary header on the motherboard? Googling Presario they look like the standard 9 pin header but I suppose they could have changed it for some models. Usually it's just this 9 pin header which agrees to the wire labels. If you have some other layout then you're going to have to either read the labels printed on the board or try and google it.

BTW, in case you didnt realise, the 9 pin header is actually for TWO sets of usb connectors. so you see how the wires have labels 1's & 2's, or maybe 0's & 1's, this is just to identify which pins belong to which connector. it does not matter if you plug all the "2" wires into the "0" headers. As long as all 4 wires with the same number are plugged in a row.

 

[Wedge1]

Yes i noticed that it is for two set of USB connectors, and I have been treating it as such. The problem is indeed the proprietary way in which the headers of the motherboard do not match that of the USB ports of your average build-it-yourself PC case. Even using the proprietary cable that comes with the compaq motherboard will not allow you to connect to the ports of the case due to this arrangement. I've spent close to 3 hours on this only to figure that much out. My advice to anyone who thinks they can slap hardware from a manufacturer's case to one that is a do-it-yourself, just buy new hardware instead. It will save lot of time and sanity.

edit: by the way, i followed that diagram before you posted it. It simply a no-go, buts thank for helping.