{"id":19659,"date":"2022-09-09T16:04:48","date_gmt":"2022-09-09T14:04:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/g100.us\/?p=19659"},"modified":"2022-11-02T11:59:22","modified_gmt":"2022-11-02T10:59:22","slug":"usb-headers-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/g100.us\/usb-headers-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are USB Headers &#038; How Do You Get More?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_39 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668441f7377d8\" class=\"cssicon\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668441f7377d8\" class=\"cssiconcheckbox\">1<\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668441f7377d8\" checked><nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 \"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/usb-headers-guide\/#What_are_USB_Headers\" title=\"What are USB Headers?\">What are USB Headers?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/usb-headers-guide\/#How_Do_You_Get_More_USB_Headers\" title=\"How Do You Get More USB Headers?\">How Do You Get More USB Headers?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/usb-headers-guide\/#Method_1_DIY_USB_20_Header_Duplication\" title=\"Method 1: DIY USB 2.0 Header Duplication\">Method 1: DIY USB 2.0 Header Duplication<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/usb-headers-guide\/#Method_2_PCIe_USB_Headers_or_USB_30_To_Type-E_Headers\" title=\"Method 2: PCIe USB Headers or USB 3.0 To Type-E Headers\">Method 2: PCIe USB Headers or USB 3.0 To Type-E Headers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/usb-headers-guide\/#Other_Ways_To_Get_More_USB_Ports\" title=\"Other Ways To Get More USB Ports\">Other Ways To Get More USB Ports<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/usb-headers-guide\/#USB_Hubs\" title=\"USB Hubs\">USB Hubs<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/usb-headers-guide\/#PCIe_USB_Expansion_Cards\" title=\"PCIe USB Expansion Cards\">PCIe USB Expansion Cards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/usb-headers-guide\/#Over_to_You\" title=\"Over to You\">Over to You<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Ever asked yourself, \u201cWhat are USB headers?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If so, this is the article for you, especially if you\u2019re seeing the term for the first time and want a quick idea of what USB headers are, how to identify them, and even how to get more of them when needed.<\/p>\n<p>No need to waste time: let\u2019s dive right in!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_USB_Headers\"><\/span>What are USB Headers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>USB headers refer to dedicated USB connectors on your motherboard that are used for USB ports on your PC case, usually front panel USB ports.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Essentially, they are the end-point for connecting your external (Chassis) USB ports to the motherboard inside your PC through an extension cable.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Internal<\/em> USB Headers on your Motherboard don't have the same connectors as your <em>external<\/em> USB Connectors.<\/p>\n<p>Your motherboard\u2019s USB Headers will look something like the below, and the headers may be labeled as \u201cFPANEL USB\u201d, &#8220;F_USB&#8221;, &#8220;USB30&#8221;, &#8220;JUSB1&#8221; or similar. The &#8220;F&#8221; stands for &#8220;Front&#8221; and refers to your PC Case's front access panel, while a &#8220;J&#8221; may indicate &#8220;Jumper,&#8221; which refers to the pins on your motherboard that can be shorted to close a circuit (like jump-starting a car).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_19660\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19660\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19660\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/usb-2-0-and-usb-3-0-headers-on-a-motherboard.png\" alt=\"USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Headers on a motherboard\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/usb-2-0-and-usb-3-0-headers-on-a-motherboard.png 800w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/usb-2-0-and-usb-3-0-headers-on-a-motherboard-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/usb-2-0-and-usb-3-0-headers-on-a-motherboard-768x510.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19660\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19660 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20800%20531%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Headers on a motherboard\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20800%20531%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/usb-2-0-and-usb-3-0-headers-on-a-motherboard.png 800w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/usb-2-0-and-usb-3-0-headers-on-a-motherboard-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/usb-2-0-and-usb-3-0-headers-on-a-motherboard-768x510.png 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/usb-2-0-and-usb-3-0-headers-on-a-motherboard.png\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-19660\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Header_USB2_USB3_onboard_IMGP6408_wp.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wikimedia<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>However they may be labeled, though, there are three basic types of internal USB headers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>USB 2.0 Headers<\/li>\n<li>USB 3.2 Gen 1 Headers (Formerly also known as USB 3.0)<\/li>\n<li>USB 3.2 Gen 2 Headers (Formerly also known as USB 3.1)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19708\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More.jpg\" alt=\"What Are USB Headers How Do You Get More\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19708 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"What Are USB Headers How Do You Get More\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/What-Are-USB-Headers-How-Do-You-Get-More.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Each header type corresponds to the USB version &amp; generation being used, though USB 3.2 Gen 2 Headers are used specifically for USB Type-C connections on your chassis.<\/p>\n<p>USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) Headers look the most similar of the three, having a similar pin-based design.<\/p>\n<p>USB 2.0 Headers are usually located at the bottom side of your Motherboard:<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19705\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header.jpg\" alt=\"USB 2.0 Header\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19705 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"USB 2.0 Header\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-2.0-Header.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>While USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) Headers are often either placed at the bottom as well or at the right side of your Motherboard:<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19706\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header.jpg\" alt=\"USB 3.2 Gen 1 header\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19706 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"USB 3.2 Gen 1 header\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-1-header.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>USB 3.2 Gen 2 Headers don\u2019t have visible pins but are more similar to USB Type-A in appearance<\/strong>. <strong>This is<\/strong> <strong>also called a USB Type-E Header, pictured below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>They are mostly located on the right side of your Motherboard, right next to the ATX Power Connector:<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19707\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header.jpg\" alt=\"USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Header\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19707 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Header\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.2-Gen-2x2-Header.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>So, these are the basic USB Headers you can expect to see on your motherboard.<\/p>\n<p>But maybe your case has Type-C support, and your motherboard doesn\u2019t, or you have more USB ports but nowhere to plug in the Header cable.<\/p>\n<p><em>How do you get more USB Headers?<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Get_More_USB_Headers\"><\/span>How Do You Get More USB Headers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_1_DIY_USB_20_Header_Duplication\"><\/span>Method 1: DIY USB 2.0 Header Duplication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For USB 2.0 Headers specifically, it turns out you can very easily turn a single header on your motherboard into a port for 2 cables.<\/p>\n<p>USB 2.0 headers support this functionality without a problem, but you need to do a small amount of manual wiring to make it happen.<\/p>\n<p>First, you need to use a pair of tweezers or a similar precision instrument to flip up the plastic tabs at the edges of your second USB header cable.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll basically be extracting the wires\/pins from your second cable before placing them inside the ones for your first, directly beside the matching colors. This uses the otherwise-empty pins on the USB 2.0 header and allows both devices to work seamlessly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Check this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/shorts\/yU7CXY-gPiA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YouTube Short<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/adamantcomputers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adamant IT<\/a> that showcases this process.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, this duplication method <strong>only works for USB 2.0 Headers<\/strong>! For more USB 3.0 Headers or more USB Type-E Headers, you\u2019ll need to buy some separate hardware:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_2_PCIe_USB_Headers_or_USB_30_To_Type-E_Headers\"><\/span>Method 2: PCIe USB Headers or USB 3.0 To Type-E Headers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Another way to get more USB headers is to use <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/types-of-pcie-slots\/\">PCI Express<\/a>, another ubiquitous feature of modern motherboards (though you get fewer slots as you descend in size)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_19673\" style=\"width: 1757px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19673\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19673 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header.jpg\" alt=\"PCIe to USB 3.0 Header\" width=\"1757\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header.jpg 1757w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header-1024x629.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header-768x472.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header-1536x944.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1757px) 100vw, 1757px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19673\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19673 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201757%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"PCIe to USB 3.0 Header\" width=\"1757\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201757%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1757w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1757px) 100vw, 1757px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header.jpg 1757w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header-1024x629.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header-768x472.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header-1536x944.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/PCIe-to-USB-3.0-Header.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-19673\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.delock.com\/produkt\/90387\/merkmale.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Delock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>Specifically, you\u2019ll be looking for PCI Express expansion cards that come with onboard USB headers for your needs. Whether that\u2019s just more USB 2.0 headers or adding a USB header (like Type-E) that your motherboard doesn\u2019t have, PCI Express should be able to help.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Besides PCI Express cards, you\u2019ll also occasionally come across smaller devices that go right into the ports you\u2019re trying to convert.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are plentiful USB 3.0 to USB Type-E Headers (for Type-C ports) that just go on top of the original header, for example.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_19674\" style=\"width: 982px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19674\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19674 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.jpg\" alt=\"USB 3\" width=\"982\" height=\"704\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.jpg 982w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3-768x551.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 982px) 100vw, 982px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19674\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19674 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20982%20704%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"USB 3\" width=\"982\" height=\"704\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20982%20704%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 982w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 982px) 100vw, 982px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.jpg 982w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3-768x551.jpg 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/09\/USB-3.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-19674\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aliexpress.com\/item\/32845276572.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aliexpress<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Before buying niche devices like these, I feel like it\u2019s worth taking the time to talk about their market niche status.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t expect to see PCIe USB Headers from particularly big-name brands, as this is a niche better addressed by smaller tech companies. At least, that seems to be the case judging by the hours of Amazon listing searches I\u2019ve done on these devices.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For my recommendations, I\u2019m going to narrow down the products I found during those long searches to those with a solidly good reputation. Those are as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"Phoneix PCI Express to Dual 20 Pin USB 3.0 PCI-e X1 to 2 ports 19pin USB3.0 Header Support Low Profile Bracket\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/recommends\/phoneix-pci-express-to-dual-20-pin-usb-3-0-pci-e-x1-to-2-ports-19pin-usb3-0-header-support-low-profile-bracket\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Phoenix PCI Express x1 To Dual 20 Pin USB 3.0 Header Card<\/strong><\/a> - Takes a standard PCI Express x1 slot and converts it into two 20 Pin USB 3.0 Headers.<br>\nThis is useful when you want more USB 3.0 Type-A ports to be available for use on your chassis.<\/li>\n<li><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"cablecc USB 3.1 Front Panel Socket &amp; USB 2.0 to PCI-E Express Card Adapter for Motherboard\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/recommends\/cablecc-usb-3-1-front-panel-socket-usb-2-0-to-pci-e-express-card-adapter-for-motherboard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"><strong>cablecc PCI Express x4 To USB 3.1 Type-E Card<\/strong><\/a> - A PCI Express x4 card with both an internal USB 3.1 Type-E Header (for a Type-C port on the case) and an internal USB 3.0 port. The Header is the show's star and can add Type-C compatibility to a motherboard that otherwise wouldn\u2019t have it.<\/li>\n<li><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"USB Front Panel Adapter, JoyReken Vertical USB C Header Adapter, USB 3.1 Type-E Key-A to USB 3.0 20Pin Header Converter for Type C Motherboard\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/recommends\/usb-front-panel-adapter-joyreken-vertical-usb-c-header-adapter-usb-3-1-type-e-key-a-to-usb-3-0-20pin-header-converter-for-type-c-motherboard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"><strong>JoyReken USB 3.0 20 Pin Header to USB 3.1 Type-E Adapter<\/strong><\/a> - Allows Type-C headers to be used with regular USB 3.0 ports. Isn\u2019t a PCI Express card, and instead is a small attachment placed over the original USB 3.0 Header on the motherboard.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Ways_To_Get_More_USB_Ports\"><\/span>Other Ways To Get More USB Ports<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So, besides expanding on your motherboard\u2019s USB headers, what other ways are there to get more USB ports on your PC setup?<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"USB_Hubs\"><\/span>USB Hubs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>A common and inexpensive solution for many users is just getting a USB hub.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>USB hubs take a single USB port and effectively turn it into multiple ports. This won\u2019t magically add more bandwidth to that particular port but is fairly useful in the majority of scenarios where you simply need more ports to plug your devices into.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Depending on your needs, you can opt for a powered or unpowered USB hub.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I recommend powered USB hubs for the best results: <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/add-usb-ports-pc-laptop\/\">more on this distinction in the dedicated article.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14340\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC.jpg\" alt=\"How to add more USB ports to your PC\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14340 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"How to add more USB ports to your PC\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/How-to-add-more-USB-ports-to-your-PC.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PCIe_USB_Expansion_Cards\"><\/span>PCIe USB Expansion Cards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Besides USB hubs, you may also want to take a different route, especially as a desktop user.<\/p>\n<p>Desktop users get the unique boon of access to PCI Express expansions, and this includes PCI Express-based USB Expansion cards.<\/p>\n<p>You can pretty much slap a PCI Express card with additional USB ports into a modern PC without issue, as long as you have a free PCI Express x4 slot.<\/p>\n<p>At the time of writing, my top two recommendations for PCIe USB Expansion are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"PCIe to USB 3.2 Gen 2 Adapter Card with 20 Gbps Bandwidth 5-Port (3X USB C -2X USB A) PCI Express Expansion Card Internal USB Hub PCI-E Add-on Cards Riser for Windows 10\/8\/7 and MAC OS 10.8.2 Above\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/recommends\/pcie-to-usb-3-2-gen-2-adapter-card-with-20-gbps-bandwidth-5-port-3x-usb-c-2x-usb-a-pci-express-expansion-card-internal-usb-hub-pci-e-add-on-cards-riser-for-windows-10-8-7-and-mac-os-10-8-2-above\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"><strong>YEELIYA\u2019s PCIe To USB 3.2 Adapter Card<\/strong><\/a> - Boasts 2 USB Type-A and 3 USB Type-C ports for under $40. Despite USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 20 Gigabits being an advertised feature, is not capable of full 20 Gigabit bandwidth off of a single port, only combined ports. So this is really more of a 3.1\/3.2 Gen 1, as are most USB PCIe cards.<br>\n<strong>20 Gigabits per port is a USB 3.2 Gen 2&#215;2 thing and doesn\u2019t seem to be supported by PCIe cards yet<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"FebSmart 2X USB-C &amp; 3X USB-A 10Gbps Ports PCIE USB 3.2 Gen 2 Card for Windows Server,7.8,8.1,10, MAC OS 10.9.x,10.10.x,10.12.x, 10.13.x, 10.14.x, 10.15.x-Build in Self-Powered Technology (FS-A3C2-Pro)\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/recommends\/febsmart-2x-usb-c-3x-usb-a-10gbps-ports-pcie-usb-3-2-gen-2-card-for-windows-server7-88-110-mac-os-10-9-x10-10-x10-12-x-10-13-x-10-14-x-10-15-x-build-in-self-powered-technology-fs-a3c2-pro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"><strong>FebSmart\u2019s Powered PCIe To USB 3.2 Adapter Card<\/strong><\/a> - Boasts 3 USB Type-A and 2 USB Type-C ports for just under $50. Besides solid USB 3.2 speeds for each port (up to 10 Gigabits per port, same as the above card), this card also has great power delivery, making it appropriate for fast-charging and very high-power USB devices, like VR headsets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Over_to_You\"><\/span>Over to You<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>And that\u2019s all, at least for now! I hope this article answers any questions you might have had about USB Headers, including how to get more of them or how to get around not having enough of them.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Feel free to sound off in the <a href=\"#comments\">comments<\/a> below if you have any more questions, especially about USB headers or PC hardware in general. You can also head to the <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/forum\/?__cf_chl_tk=qXxoCoFQIdjai7ejNW3qNjio4iJkrHc0XIY5i_EcEfE-1661039620-0-gaNycGzNC9E\">G100 Forums<\/a> to interact with the rest of the CGD Team and Community! <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Until then or until next time, have a good one! And remember: every USB 2.0 header on your motherboard is 2 headers if you\u2019re willing to do a little DIY.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever asked yourself, \u201cWhat are USB headers?\u201d If so, this is the article for you, especially if you\u2019re seeing the term for the first time and want a quick idea of what USB headers are, how to identify them, and even how to get more of them when needed. No need to waste time: let\u2019s...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2339,"featured_media":19664,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[74],"tags":[119],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19659"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2339"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19659"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19659\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19710,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19659\/revisions\/19710"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19659"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19659"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19659"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}