8RDA+ Front USB Header

[Clocker]

On page 3-11 of the manual, the pinout of the front USB Header on the m/b is described as this:

1-Vcc
2-Vcc
3-Data0-
4-Data1-
5-Data0+
6-Data1+
7-Ground
8-Ground
9-Key (blank)
10-Over Current

Question: What is this Overcurrent Pin? I haven't seen it on any cases I've looked at with front USB ports. I was also looking at the Antec EasyUSB and they show that they have what looks like an extra ground at pin 10. Problem is, I believe my system would not boot when that pin was connected to the ground on the EasyUSB (I disconnected just that one jumper to test).

Anyway, I won't be able to test again until I get my new board (I'm RMA'ing because the onboard Lan didn't work) which will hopefully be late next week.

Any idea what that Over Current thingy is? THe pin is blank on the Epox provided USB header.

BTW: If I use that Antec EasyUSB to move my ports to the front, will it still be USB2.0 or do you need some special kind of cable?

Thanks,
C

[TrevorS]

Hi, clocker

As long as you have the first four pins of each connector header connected and in the correct orientation (+ to +), I would expect the USB wiring to be correct for either USB 1.1 or 2.0 -- those wires are the same for both.

Trevor

[Aedan]

Clocker,

The basic rule is, if you have a pin with no matching connector, don't connect it! I would *guess* that the overcurrent pin might drive an indicator, so that a front panel USB port could show that it's being overloaded. That is a GUESS however!

In terms of USB1.1 and USB2, the pinout is identical. However, better grade cabling is required to support USB2 reliably. Some cases/USB front ports don't provide the necessary grade cabling for USB2. Many of the front port connectors do use cable of suffient quality. It's a question you'd have to direct at Antec.