Front Panel system block connects to motherboard computer to operate buttons, indicators and all connectors. Developers place on the front panel only those connectors that can be turned on and off hot, without turning off the computer. These are all USB connectors, as well as headphones with a microphone. It is not necessary to connect all these connectors, but button outputs and indicators are always needed. Otherwise, the computer will not work. Here we will look at how to connect the front panel to the motherboard on various models.
Connectors on the outside of the system unit are marked and have special keys that do not allow you to put the wrong cable into the connector. Inside, there is no such protection at all. Any wire can be connected to any pin. There, the same pin connectors are used everywhere with a pitch between the contacts of 2.5 mm. Therefore, all connections must be verified according to the inscriptions on the wires and on the motherboard itself. In order not to designate each wire, manufacturers adhere to several standard connection schemes. It turns out a rectangular array of contacts in two or three rows. To find the reference angle, manufacturers leave a key - an unused contact.
Connecting all buttons and status indicators
Connection of all buttons and indicators is mandatory. Connecting additional connectors is carried out as needed, for example, there is simply no audio jack on many motherboards. Also, they often do not connect a microphone, since they do not use it. It is unacceptable to do this with buttons and indicators. They must all be connected.
The motherboard has three groups of contacts for connecting the front panel: a group of indicators and buttons (about 15 pins), F-audio (Front Audio) and USB, which are usually several on modern models. All of them are connected by wires with the corresponding inscriptions. Color marking is also popular, but it is optional.
The first stage of connection - we identify these three groups on the motherboard and on the wires in the system unit. You need to focus on the inscriptions on the connectors and on the board. All this is quite simple, if you understand. Additionally, you need to clarify: does the motherboard have a built-in BIOS speaker. If it is, then there are no connectors for its connection.
The group of contacts of indicators and buttons has 3 standard versions. Modern motherboards use a circuit with a built-in speaker. Exactly 8 contacts are active in it. 2x2 for LEDs and 2x2 for the "Power" "Reset" button.
The motherboard with an external speaker has 10 pins required for connection. In this case, the contact pad has 17. Of these, 3 remain empty at the top (key), and the BIOS speaker is connected to 4 contacts at the edges with a gap of 2 contacts. The platform for 4 contacts for the speaker can be made separately and not included in the general group. It also uses only two contacts in the same way. Contacts are identified by inscriptions on the board.
The exact location of the pins on the motherboard can always be clarified in its specification. The technical manual is easy to find on the Internet. The main thing is to accurately enter the brand of the motherboard.
The following connectors must be connected to the front panel (in brackets - the inscription on the board for identification):
- "Power" button (denoted as PW, PWR, MSG, LD);
- "Reset" button (labeled as "SW" or simply Reset);
- power indicator LED (LED);
- LED activity indicator hard drive(LED HD);
- BOIS speaker (if available, referred to as SP or Speaker).
After connecting the mandatory group of contacts, we proceed to connect the hot-plug front panel connectors. These are USB and audio connectors.
The process of connecting the front panel of the system unit case
USB connectors on motherboards are always the same. This is a group of 9 contacts. Of these, only 8 are active, and the 9th is used as a key. Across USB port large currents are transferred. It's not 10 milliamps like the front panel LEDs. The port does not tolerate improper connection and immediately burns out. When connecting it, you need to be very careful. It is necessary to strictly observe the general rules:the purpose of the contacts in the upper and lower rows is strictly the same, they simply belong to different ports and should not be mixed up;
from the empty contact (key) side, the upper and lower contacts are ground;
on the opposite side, the “power” contacts (marked as “+ 5V”);
two middle contacts - data bus. The wires are usually green and white. For them, too, the correct sequence is very important.
All groups of 9 USB contacts are marked as "USB1", "USB2" and further by numbers. There are a significant number of them on modern motherboards. Ports operate at the same speed regardless of their number. Architecturally they are all the same. The numbering is included only as a designation of contact groups on the board.
Sometimes the USB connector is made as a single cable without splitting into separate pins. In this case, you just need to connect the four-pin plug so that the black wire (ground) is on the side of the key.
Connecting the Front Soundbar to the Main Board
The audio connector has 4 pins, and their actual number may be more. This was done for noise immunity. The ground bus is connected many times. These are analog connectors, so the length of the wires (longer wires - more noise and interference), especially for a microphone, is critical there. Usually the contact group is located near the sound chip. It is labeled as F-Audio. If there are no jumpers on it, then the chip supports operation on many channels.To connect an audio connector, you need its wiring diagram (pinout), which is guided by an empty contact (key).
When assembling a computer, you definitely need to know how to connect wires to the motherboard, because without this knowledge nothing will work at all. This stage is carried out when all components are already installed in the case. That is, the motherboard itself, the power supply, the hard drive are in their places. It is also desirable to install the motherboard in the PCI-E slot and screw it to the case. Only now you need to connect the wires to the motherboard. How to do it? We will talk about this now.
How to connect wires to Asus, ASRock, MIS and other motherboards?
It is important to immediately note the fact that the method described below is highly generalized. Different motherboards will connect a little differently. That is, there may be some differences, but the principle remains the same. Let's start by explaining and connecting the body connectors: power button, reset, USB ports.
Connecting connectors
Before from the power supply, you need to connect connectors to it. It is important to understand here that they all have protection against incorrect connection, so you need to insert them very carefully, without any effort.
Please note that each connector has a label that describes its purpose. There is also a marking on the motherboard, but it is missing on some models. The description of the terminals can only be found in the instructions for the motherboard.
We connect the first connector marked M / B SW. He is responsible for the power button on the case. It may also be called POWER SW. Take a close look at the motherboard (bottom right), if there are a couple of contacts marked POWER. If there is, then it is on them that you need to fasten this connector. If there is no such inscription, then open the instructions for the board and look for the diagram there.
The second connector marked RESET SW is responsible for the reset button. By analogy with POWER, we connect the RESET SW connector. If there is no indication on the board, then we look in the instructions for the motherboard, which contacts need to be closed.
There are also wires marked POWER LED + and POWER LED-, thanks to which the light bulbs on the system unit case glow. Here it is important to connect them correctly and not confuse plus and minus in places. Be sure to check the instructions.
Do not forget about the USB connectors on the case. If you want to be able to insert flash drives into the sockets on the case, and not directly into the motherboard, then you need to connect the USB connectors. They are marked as USB. The Audi wire is responsible for the 3.5 mm Jack, which is used for headphones or speakers.
Let us remind you once again that it is important to know how to connect the power-on wires to the motherboard correctly. And if you have to forcefully stick the connector, then most likely you are doing something wrong. After the connector wires are connected to the motherboard, you can proceed to the power supply.
Processor power connection
The central processor is placed on the socket allotted for it, and a radiator with a cooler is put on it. No wire is connected to the processor itself. Its power is supplied from the motherboard, and the wire is connected directly to it. The power socket is located next to the processor. See if there is a 4-pin socket nearby. The instructions for the motherboard must indicate its location, but it can be seen even with a cursory examination of the board.
A 4-wire wire is connected to the processor power socket. Usually it is the only one here, so you are unlikely to make a mistake.
Connecting the Motherboard Main Power Cable
This is the largest cable. It consists of twenty connectors (pins), and in addition to it, 4 more separate connectors are attached. It turns out that the motherboard is connected through 24 connectors. And since the only wire with so many pins comes out of the power supply, you can’t make a mistake in its definition. In addition, there is a special latch at the end of the connector that prevents the cable from being inserted incorrectly into the connector.
When connecting, make sure that this design fits into the socket and snaps into place.
Connecting a video card
If you are using a processor with an integrated graphics card, then there will be no video card connection. But most often, users prefer to use powerful graphics platforms that connect via a PCI-E connector and require additional power.
The video card is powered by a 4-pin connector. The place for food, depending on it, can be somewhere on the side, but most often it is located at the back. If the video card is very powerful and demanding on power, then it can also be powered from a 6-pin connector. Therefore, when choosing a power supply, pay attention to which ones and how many wires it has for power. When connecting the card, the connector should click into place - pay attention to this.
Connecting a hard drive
The hard drive is connected to the motherboard via a SATA cable. On the motherboard (somewhere on the right side) there are usually 4 SATA connectors, where it says: Choose the first one and connect a hard drive to it.
A SATA cable has identical connectors on both ends. But this is not enough. The hard drive also requires power and is usually connected to the unit via a 4-pin connector. Therefore, connect a cable with four cores to it. By analogy, an optical drive for discs is also connected, but they are now extremely rarely used.
Connecting RAM
We figured out where to connect the wires on the motherboard, and that the RAM is simply inserted into the connectors and does not require connection through wires. Your board has 2-4 RAM slots. Insert the memory there (note that there is protection against incorrect insertion) and press down a little. The click sound will indicate that the memory has fallen into place.
Well, that's all, now you know how to properly connect the wires to the motherboard, and you can do it yourself. We add that the developers are trying to make their hardware as convenient as possible for connection. Therefore, you will definitely be able to assemble this "constructor", because even if you wish, you will not be able to connect the wrong wires to the wrong sockets. From this there is reliable protection.
It happens that the connectors and indicators on the front of the computer stop working. Or they need to be connected when assembling a new device. For new users who have never done this before, the connection can cause problems, since it is not always obvious and clear at first glance which wire is intended for what.
Power button and power indicator
You don't have to connect them very often. As a rule, the need for this arises only when building a new computer or, after the old one has been disassembled for deep cleaning from dust and dirt.
There should not be any special problems, the wires at all modern devices signed, as are the footprints for on the motherboard. power- responsible for the power button, i.e. directly for turning on the computer, resetSW- emergency reset button powerLED- power indicator, H.D.Dled work indicator hard drives, speaker responsible for the speaker. All of them are connected, as a rule, at the bottom of the motherboard. The connection block is called “ F_Panel” or similar, a sign is drawn next to it, which is designed to show which connector to stick where. 
Connecting the USB ports on the front panel
Here the algorithm of actions is similar to the previous paragraph. You need to find the wires coming from the front and their corresponding sockets on the motherboard. As a rule, there are several such "seats" and they are signed, in addition, the plug is made in such a way that it can be plugged in just the right slot, therefore, if it does not stick or you have to make an effort, then it is worth checking everything again. 
As a rule, there is no difference in which port you plug into which socket, but on some types of motherboards, the sockets may differ. supported versionsUSB so please read the manual.
We connect audio connectors
Connection should be made after studying the mat. board, finding sockets on it, the inscriptions of which correspond to the inscriptions on the wires extending from the front of the case. Typically, they are located near the audio chip and finding them is not difficult. Also, modern PCs have "foolproof", so most of the ports and connectors only correspond to each other and sticking something extraneous into them will only work with great difficulty. 
If after that the headphones and microphone plugged into the front panel did not work, then it is worth checking for drivers and sound settings in the system. It is also worth noting that some models of motherboards may not have such connectors.
It can be difficult for an inexperienced user to connect the motherboard. The abundance of wires, connectors, incomprehensible symbols - all this raises a number of questions. This article will discuss in detail the issue of connecting all other devices to the "motherboard", starting with the power supply and ending with USB plugs from the front panel.
Connecting the front panel to the motherboard
On any case (system unit) there is a front panel. Naturally, it is also necessary, otherwise the computer will not even be able to turn on. In addition, on the front panel there are such (or similar in purpose) devices for managing a computer:- computer power supply (start/shutdown) button (POWER SW) (see );
- computer restart button (RESTART SW);
- indicators of access to the hard drive (hard disk; H.D.D.LED or HD LED);
- sound indicators (SPEAKER);
- flashing light on the buttons to restart and turn on the computer (POWER LED +/-);
- USB ports.
To properly connect all wires and cables, you need to carefully study and translate the names in order to avoid erroneous actions. Well, or just use the documentation for assembling a computer. There everything is explained quite legibly and to the smallest detail. Moreover, the specified information will relate specifically to a specific case and device, and not generalized.
The place on the motherboard where you need to connect these plugs looks something like this:
In addition to the scheme with names, there are also color codes that are identical to the colors on the plugs. This procedure should not cause problems. The black crosses in the figure are the "keys". They are located both on the connector and on the cables, but they can have different shapes (depending on the manufacturer). It is worth connecting the key to the key, so there will be no mistake when connecting devices. If there are no signs or it is difficult to see them, you can try to connect the wires with the inscriptions “on yourself”. Also, the connectors sometimes have side latches. They can also act as a guide when connecting.
All plugs are connected as far as they will go, but without the use of force. Pay attention to the guide elements for the correct connection of devices (cuts, blocking parts, clamps, etc.).
Cables from USB ports are connected to the corresponding connectors. They may be named F_USB1, USB1, or simply USB. The number of such connectors may vary by model. system board but often there are at least 2 of them.
Main devices when connected to the motherboard
1. Attaching the motherboard to the case. Usually there are 4 racks (sometimes more, but 4 will be enough) to which you need to bolt the motherboard. There can be no problems with this procedure, because the main and only condition is to be able to use a screwdriver. Tighten the bolts tightly, but without applying excessive force, so as not to break the motherboard. If the device stays stably in the case and does not “ride”, this is more than enough.Racks are needed to separate the motherboard from the case: they protect it from short circuits, provide additional cooling, etc.
2. Nutrition. First of all, regarding devices, you should connect the power supply. Its installation on the body does not cause problems. Since many of the remaining cables will connect to other devices besides the motherboard itself. This will provide unhindered access to the connection of other devices.
Connect the power supply with a 24-pin connector (sometimes 20). It will not work to confuse it with other trains (he is the only one). This connector looks like this:
The power supply socket is usually located on the edge of the motherboard. It is impossible to confuse it - this is the only connector of this width in two rows. No other device can be connected there. When connecting, do it carefully, pressing lightly - until it clicks, so that the latch on the connector and the cable match. In the same way, the remaining loops with latches are fixed.
All other cables from the power supply are completely different from each other, so there will be no questions about which cable is intended for which device. When in doubt, look for guides and symbols. Or use the documentation for the purchased power supply / motherboard.
Never connect a 20-pin cable to a 24-pin connector and vice versa. This will cause irreversible damage, which will be very expensive to repair. Rule number one - always check if a particular power supply will fit the motherboard model you are using before buying. This applies to any device other than USB 3.0.
3. Winchester. The cable from the hard drive is wide and not very wide. It all depends on the plug. There are two types: IDE and SATA.
The IDE loop looks like this:
The black connector (left) plugs into HDD, and blue (right) to the motherboard. This is how the place on the motherboard looks like, where you need to insert the IDE plug from the cable (blue connector, between two black ones at the top and bottom).
Regarding the SATA cable, it is much smaller in size and is inserted into the connector marked "SATA1", "SATA3", etc. The designations can be anything, but always contain keyword SATA. It all depends on the motherboard model.
Drive, by the way, is installed in the board in a completely identical way. But its IDE cable is connected to a shorter connector (in the previous picture it is black, located just above the blue one). In all other respects, including the SATA connector, connecting a drive to the motherboard is identical to connecting a hard drive.
SATA connector on the "motherboard" looks like this:
This is just an example, since such connectors can be of different shapes (vertical, horizontal) and located in different parts of motherboards.
You also need to connect the connector from the power supply, taking into account the guide elements. There are usually no problems with this. This completes the connection of the hard drive to the motherboard.
4. . Connecting a video card to the motherboard is not at all a complicated process, but with specific tricks that you need to know so as not to break the latches. Most motherboards have clips like these:
They are completely identical to the latches on random access memory. But sometimes there are not quite obvious fixators, which every user needs to know about the existence and principles of operation. Before connecting a video card, carefully study the operation of the clamps. If you need to disconnect (or connect, if the clamps are of a mechanical type) the device can be problematic.
The video card connector itself is shown under the number 8:
The blue vertical connector is the place where the video card is inserted. A piece protruding from below is a standard retainer. It is impossible to make a mistake, since inserting the video card with the wrong side will not work due to the guide cut on the connector.
Next, it connects to the video card (for the vast majority modern models) an additional power source in the form of a cable from the power supply. Often, this is a connector with 4 pins, but there are also 2 wires with 2 pins each or 1 wire, but with 8 pins. It all depends on the model and manufacturer of both the video card and the power supply. At the end, a cable from the monitor is connected from the outside of the system unit - the video card is completely ready for use.
5. Case fans (coolers). To connect these devices, it is enough to fix them with bolts in the appropriate places (selected individually or following the documentation) and connect them to the motherboard:
The connection of the card reader to the motherboard looks like this:
Video instruction on how to connect the motherboard
In the following video, the connection of the motherboard is considered in great detail, the meaning of the cables is explained and a lot of additional information is analyzed.The main thing in connecting the motherboard is understanding the designations, a guideline for the guide elements (tips; lack of contact, a cut in the socket, a false “pin” in the plug, etc.) and careful connection. If you follow these rules, then next time you won’t need any help in connecting the “motherboard” - everything is so easy and simple.
One of the important steps in assembling a computer involves connecting wires to the motherboard. Given that there are enough different connections, some points should be clarified. And although power supplies try to make all connectors intuitive for the user, problems sometimes arise.
Motherboard wiring instructions (MSI, ASUS, ASRock, etc.)
We note right away that the example below is not valid for all models and types of boards. It describes the general picture of connecting wires to the motherboard, but all sorts of small differences can always be present. We'll start by connecting the connectors. It is assumed that the motherboard is already screwed to the case and ready for connection. Also, the power supply is already installed and screwed.
Connecting connectors
The very first step is to connect Power buttons, Reset on the body panel. We will also connect the power for the LEDs, which perform the function of indicating the operation of the computer. These wires are routed away from the front of the case and they come in different colors (yellow, red, etc.). At their end are connectors. Each of them has a special abbreviated marking. They need to be connected to the motherboard in the slots reserved specifically for them.
It is worth noting that all connectors have protection against incorrect connection, so you are unlikely to be able to insert a connector into the wrong connector. It is important that the connection occurs smoothly, without any effort.
The connector that comes from the power button on the case is labeled M/B SW. Open the instructions for your specific motherboard and see where you need to insert it. It has no plus or minus, so it can be inserted in either direction.
The second connector is responsible for the reset button, it is labeled RESET SW.
There are also two more small single connectors with plus and minus indication and POWER LED + and "-" markings. They are responsible for indicating the operation of the computer. It is important not to confuse "plus" and "minus" in places, so be sure to check the instructions.
A hard disk LED without a plus or minus indication is labeled as H.D.D LED. However, it must be installed with a white wire to minus.
To be able to connect headphones to the case and not to the motherboard, you need to connect the AUDIO connectors. The sockets on the motherboard are also marked as AUDIO, but check the instructions before connecting.
The same is true for USB connectors. They need to be inserted into the slots on the board marked USB. Recall that if the wires are connected to the motherboard Asus motherboard(or other manufacturers) is carried out with great effort, that is, it is likely that you made a mistake with a socket or connector. The latter have protection against incorrect connection, and you simply cannot physically insert them into inappropriate sockets.
Most often, connector sockets are located in the lower right corner - look for them there.
processor power supply
Now it's about connecting the wires to the motherboard that come out of the power supply. First of all, we connect the processor. The socket for its power is always located next to the processor itself, but we will not indicate the exact location, since it is individual for different models.
So, a 4-wire wire comes out of the power supply, which is connected to the processor socket. Most likely, it will be the only one on the motherboard, so it is unlikely that you will be able to insert the connector into any other socket. And yes, it also has a special key from incorrect inclusion.
Main cable connection
The main power cable for the motherboard is the largest. In addition to it comes a separate 4-wire connector. Take them together and connect to the motherboard in the only existing connector. Connectors have special latches. Therefore, when connecting, make sure that this entire massive structure snaps into place on a special ledge in the connector itself.
RAM
The RAM sticks connect wirelessly. Used here contact method. For RAM, there are special slots with latches. They need to be pushed aside and the slots (or slot, if there is one) inserted in the only correct way due to the cut in the slot and on the bar itself. You need to insert the bar carefully, slightly pressing down from above. The clamps should gradually converge and snap into place as a result.
Be careful not to push too hard, otherwise the motherboard will bend. Thus, it is necessary to insert all the strips.
Connecting SATA and IDE Devices
The hard drive is connected to the motherboard using a special SATA cable. It usually has a red color. Both ends of the SATA cable have the same connectors. Connect one to the hard drive (there is also a key to prevent incorrect connection), and the second to the connector on the motherboard marked SATA 1. Usually there are 2-4 such connectors on motherboards. You can choose any. After connecting the SATA cable, connect the power. In the rightmost hole (usually it is the rightmost one), turn on the connector, to which 4 wires from the power supply are connected.
An optical drive is connected via an IDE cable. But today modern computers are not equipped with disk drives due to their uselessness.
Connecting a video card
The final stage of connecting the wires to the motherboard is the installation of a video card. It is installed in the PCI-E slot, which is marked accordingly. In fact, you won't be able to plug the graphics chip into any other socket. Depending on the model of the motherboard, the video card is fixed or not fixed with a special clip, but it is always attached to the case with a screw.
Powerful video cards need additional power from the block. If there is a power connector at the very end of the video card, be sure to use it. After connecting, we do not have free wires from the power supply. However, they may remain if you do not have an optical drive installed. On this, the instructions for connecting the wires of the motherboard can be considered complete.
Close the case cover and turn on the computer. Everything should work. But even if, when connecting wires to (or another brand), you forgot to supply power to any component, then there is nothing to worry about. It just won't start the computer, but that won't hurt anything.