USB 3.0 to the Fractal Design Define C's front ports issue!

[Mercurius360]

I have an ongoing issue with the Crosshair motherboard, regarding the USB 3.0 connection to the front case's ports.

This was when I finished building it, 3-4 weeks ago, on my Fractal Design Define C. The front left USB 3.0 port wouldn't read any USB-hooked devices. Submitted a ticket to Fractal Design HQ for a replacement cable. Today, I replaced the USB 3.0 ports with the new one they sent...and now the front right USB 3.0 port wouldn't work.

So, is the C6H that restrict to only one USB 3.0 front port, or is this there something I'm missing, that needs to be fixed?

I need to get these two USB 3.0 ports in the front working, not just one. 😞

EDIT: After further investigation, I noticed that the motherboard's USB 3.0 plug has a missing piece.


I guess I'll have to RMA this, just for this.

[Adrian1983]

Bumping this thread because i've just got a Fractal define S2 Vision RGB case paired with a Maximus XI Hero Only 1 USB 3.0 port is working for data connection the other just charges devices but does not recognise any devices attached to it, The right port works but the left does not, The pins on the header are fine, Did you manage to resolve this issue?

[Korth]

BaneSilvermoon wrote:
I was under the impression that Mercurius was referring to the bottom left pin. Which I'm not familiar enough with to know if that is normal or not.
I did notice there's only nine pins though, and the USB3 splitter that Korth linked has slots for ten pins.

Actually, the Intel specification (I linked) has only 19 pins. Pin 20 is not present - another keying mechanism designed to prevent users from connecting the thing backwards when the plug lacks a hole for this pin (so it just won't fit when plugged backwards, even when the other physical key mechanism is absent).

But it turns out that some mobo receptacles have 19 pins and some have 20 (even though "Pin 20" has no electrical connection or function on the mobo). So the manufacturers of the USB3 things that plug into these receptacles typically don't block Pin 20 (even though it has no electrical connection or function on the cable) - if they did then their 19-pin device wouldn't be able to plug into mobos with 20 pins. Not many people are willing to physically remove a pin (with end-cutters) from their new $500 motherboard, but lots of people would be willing to buy a compatible USB3 device (or PC chassis) offered by another manufacturer.

Again, this isn't a detail outlined in official USB.ORG standards and specifications. Meaning that manufacturers just do whatever they want to do (or whatever they need to do) to sell a working USB3 interface between their stuff and somebody else's stuff - the physical-keying feature or pin-keying feature (or even both) are often absent to "maximize" compatibility.

[lcbbcl]

my ch6 have just one pin missing,and your have 2 no?
im not 100% sure that is the problem but might be.
in my case also reset bios button its not working but they aproved a rma.and i can say that the support was very good.
i can't say the same about the quality control from asus.i belive that if they see the RGB lights working they approve

[entropic-remnan]

I think you've nailed it. He has a broken pin. I didn't notice that when I looked at his photo before but the pin right above the deleted pin appears to be broken. Well seen!

[Mercurius360]

lcbbcl wrote:
my ch6 have just one pin missing,and your have 2 no?
im not 100% sure that is the problem but might be.
in my case also reset bios button its not working but they aproved a rma.and i can say that the support was very good.
i can't say the same about the quality control from asus.i belive that if they see the RGB lights working they approve

That's what I feared. A broken pin loses one USB 3.0 port...oh well. Maybe I'll get a USB 3.0 hub, instead of removing everything. Sending it for an RMA, while I go back to my old PC, until the new motherboard arrives will be a pain...especially when I have to buy thermal paste, specific kind of alcohol and swabs to remove the old thermal paste, and need a place for the parts to store until the new one arrives...or does ASUS send a new one first, before having me send the other back?