Before connecting the various connectors, we recommend that you do not mount any daughter cards , whether it is a graphics card or any other peripheral. This is for the sake of obvious comfort since you will have more space to work and access the various connectors on the motherboard.
Front panel
While there are no pre-established rules for connecting peripherals, power cables and various input/output ports to the motherboard, we recommend starting with the ” case functions “, namely the buttons and LEDs on the front of the case that are characterized by small connectors marked with inscriptions such as Power LED, Power Button, Reset, Speaker (if present) or HDD Led.
To find out which connector each cable should be connected to, refer to the manufacturer’s manual for your motherboard, which includes a very clear explanatory diagram that even indicates the polarity to be respected. Some motherboard models also have explanatory silkscreen printing on the “front panel” connector. All you have to do is identify the cables and connect them, taking into account the small visual pictogram that indicates the positive terminal.
USB connectors
Most cases have front USB and audio ports that need to be connected to the motherboard in order to use them. Start by locating the USB connectors on the motherboard using the manual (they are usually indicated on the motherboard PCB), then the front USB port socket before connecting them together without forcing. Note that there are USB extension cables if the cables supplied with the case are too short.
Note that the remaining free USB connectors will be used to connect peripherals such as an internal memory card reader or a PCI bracket with additional USB ports.
Be careful with the large USB 3.0 connectors: made up of 20 pins, it is fragile. We can never say it enough, we do not force…
RGB connectivity
RGB backlighting is found on many components and cases. Of course, it must be powered to benefit from it. Be sure to identify the type of connectors of your RGB components so that you can connect them to the correct slots on the motherboard: there are indeed proprietary connectors and some references will require a 12V or 5V power supply.
To facilitate these connections, there are RGB controllers which centralize and allow you to control all or part of your backlighting.
Audio jacks
Let’s continue with the HD audio jack which characterizes the headphone output and microphone input jacks present on the front. Locate the audio connector on the motherboard and connect the HD audio jack which is equipped with a key to avoid any assembly errors.
Note that in addition to the HD audio jack , the cable connecting the audio input/output ports on the front also has a jack stamped AC97 . This name refers to older motherboard models that rely on an audio chip capable of handling Intel’s AC97 codec , which is very rare these days.
Before connecting the various connectors, we recommend that you do not mount any daughter cards , whether it is a graphics card or any other peripheral. This is for the sake of obvious comfort since you will have more space to work and access the various connectors on the motherboard.
Front panel
While there are no pre-established rules for connecting peripherals, power cables and various input/output ports to the motherboard, we recommend starting with the ” case functions “, namely the buttons and LEDs on the front of the case that are characterized by small connectors marked with inscriptions such as Power LED, Power Button, Reset, Speaker (if present) or HDD Led.
Front panel connectors
To find out which connector each cable should be connected to, refer to the manufacturer’s manual for your motherboard, which includes a very clear explanatory diagram that even indicates the polarity to be respected. Some motherboard models also have explanatory silkscreen printing on the “front panel” connector. All you have to do is identify the cables and connect them, taking into account the small isual pictogram that indicates the positive terminal.
Front panel connectors plugged in
Note that to facilitate connections, some manufacturers provide a connection block also called a Smart connector , which is very practical in case of difficult access to the “front panel” connector.