Motherboard Headers and Connectors

Question 1

Power Connectors

Answer 1

• 24-Pin ATX Connector: Supplies the main power to the motherboard.
• 4/8-Pin CPU Power Connector: Delivers power specifically to the CPU.

Question 2

Fan Headers

Answer 2

• Connects case and CPU fans to provide power and allow for speed control.
• May include a dedicated header for liquid cooling pump.

Question 3

Front Panel Header

Answer 3

• Connects to the case’s front panel buttons and indicators:
  
  • Power button
  • Reset button
  • Power LED
  • HDD activity LED

Question 4

USB Headers

Answer 4

• Connects to front-panel USB ports. Types include:
  
  • USB 2.0 Header
  • USB 3.x Header (for higher-speed USB ports).

Question 5

Audio Header

Answer 5

• Connects the front-panel audio ports (headphone and microphone jacks).

Question 6

RGB/ARGB Headers

Answer 6

• Connects and controls case lighting and RGB components like fans and strips.

Question 7

SATA Connectors

Answer 7

• Links hard drives and SATA-based SSDs to the motherboard for storage access.

Question 8

M.2 Slots

Answer 8

• High-speed interface for NVMe or SATA-based SSDs.

Question 9

Debug Headers

Answer 9

• Found on some motherboards to connect diagnostic tools for troubleshooting.

Question 10

Thunderbolt Header (Optional)

Answer 10

• Allows connection to Thunderbolt add-on cards for high-speed peripherals.