Does a front panel USB C port need its own header?

[Michael McChesney]

I am considering upgrading my case to the Fractal Design Define R6.  I've noticed that most of these cases on sale at New Egg are the USB C variant.  While I don't currently have any need for a type C port on my PC, if I am going to have a case with a Type C front port, I might as well have it work.  Type C seems to be the future.  I have a Gigabyte Z390 UD ATX LGA1151 Motherboard which has 1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0 header.  The Define R6 has 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0 and 1 USB C port.  Does anyone know if the Type C port is going to need its own header or if Fractal designed it such that the Type C port is part of the USB 3.0 connection?  I suppose they could have it part of the 2.0 connection, but I can't imagine why they would do that.  If it does need its own header, can anyone recommend an appropriate expansion card?  I've seen expansion card that offer Type C ports, but they are for the rear of the case.  I'm not against adding a rear Type C port, but it's the front port I am concerned about.  Thanks in advance.

[Eigenvektor]

The port seems to be USB 3.1 Gen 2, which has a different header from USB 3.0 (aka 3.1 Gen 1).

 

[Falkentyne]

Type C is its own connector.  Aorus Master has an onboard type C for cases like that.

[Eigenvektor]

25 minutes ago, Michael McChesney said:

If it does need its own header, can anyone recommend an appropriate expansion card?

Something like this? (First hit on Google for "expansion card usb 3.1 gen 2 header", not sure if it's any good)

https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Technology-Internal-Connector-Type-C/dp/B07R2MH4KV

[Kilrah]

You can use an adapter like this if you can fit it, which is often an issue in SFF (although that case isn't SFF, you should have ample room):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y488L11/ref=emc_b_5_i

[Eigenvektor]

5 minutes ago, Kilrah said:

You can use an adapter like this if you can fit it, which is often an issue in SFF (although that case isn't SFF, you should have ample room):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y488L11/ref=emc_b_5_i

You'd lose that header for front side USB 3.0 and be limited to 3.0 speeds though, wouldn't you? As far as I can see the R6 uses both ports, the 3.1 header for USB-C and the 3.0 header for the other front side ports.

[bames13]

Ok so i got the R6 with USB C front panel.  The issue is i don't see any separated wire or connector coming from the front panel specific to the USB.  I have everything else PW, HD, etc. headers hooked up properly and USB C doesn't seem to be functioning.  I have traced all the cables coming from the front panel and there are no additional headers that i have not already connected. 

 

What am i missing?

[Michael McChesney]

I just transferred the PC I built last summer into the Fractal R6 and I noticed the same thing, or more accurately didn't notice a cable to connect the USB C port to the MOBO.  I was wondering if by plugging the USB 3 header into the MOBO I was also connecting the USB C port.  But I don't have any USB C peripherals with which to test the port.  Honestly, I would have bought a Fractal R6  without the USB C port, but I didn't see any for sale.  So I don't care very much, but it is curious that neither of our cases seems to have a wire to connect it.

[Kilrah]

Case USB-C comes with a new connector that the mobo needs to have a header for.

 

 

 

There are adapters if you don't have one but have a free USB3 header: https://www.ebay.com/itm/173846098864

[samphire]

I just bought this case, and I also cannot see any cable to connect the usb-c front panel port. Did anyone figure out what's going on? Have Fractal Design messed up?

[schwellmo92]

13 minutes ago, samphire said:

I just bought this case, and I also cannot see any cable to connect the usb-c front panel port. Did anyone figure out what's going on? Have Fractal Design messed up?

It definitely requires a seperate cable as it supports fast charging and 10Gbps. I just checked the case manual and it shows a seperate cable.