USB 3.0 port with a 3.2 front panel header

[jfigo7]

Hi all,

 

Just got the P400a and noticed on the spec sheet it has 3.0 front USB ports but my B550m motherboard has a USB 3.2 front panel connector which im going to connect the ports to. Will these 3.0 ports now run at 3.2 gen 1 speeds or is there a hardware limitation on the port itself?

 

Thankful for any help. 

[BobVonBob]

Maybe? Labeling for USB is truly, unfathomably bad right now.

 

The limits for USB 3.2 gen 1 are in the USB controller and the USB device, not in the port. If the headers are actually USB 3.2 gen 1 then yes it will run at 3.2 gen 1 speeds. The problem is that manufacturers don't seem to be keen to say exactly what each port/header really is, and some (cough Gigabyte cough) have a bunch of stuff out there that directly contradicts itself.

 

[Chiyawa]

Usually, Front USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector at the motherboard is referring to USB-C connector. USB 3.0 type A port uses USB 3.0 header (20 pin, 2 row 10 column, with  no pin at pin 20).

[jfigo7]

On 8/6/2020 at 1:10 AM, BobVonBob said:

Maybe? Labeling for USB is truly, unfathomably bad right now.

 

The limits for USB 3.2 gen 1 are in the USB controller and the USB device, not in the port. If the headers are actually USB 3.2 gen 1 then yes it will run at 3.2 gen 1 speeds. The problem is that manufacturers don't seem to be keen to say exactly what each port/header really is, and some (cough Gigabyte cough) have a bunch of stuff out there that directly contradicts itself.

 

It turns out it works but I think due to that's it's powering 2 ports off one header it's a bit choked for power. I have issues running external hard drives off it and still just rely on the back ports.