I recently bought all the components for my build, including an MSI X870E-P WiFi motherboard that features 3 USB 2.0 headers, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 header. While checking compatibility on PC Part Picker, it informed me that I'd need a USB 3.2 Gen 1 to USB 2.0 header adapter. I'm also using a Galahad Trinity II LCD AIO and have swapped in 3 reverse-bladed SL-INF UNI wireless fans, with an additional 3 more on the bottom, plus the wired SL-INF UNI fans from the AIO set to exhaust in the rear. If I don't get the adapter, will I face any issues during the build or with performance? How significant is the performance impact really?
2 Answers
Just a heads up, USB 2.0 headers actually allow for 2 ports each, not just one as PC Part Picker might suggest. You could get a USB 2.0 header splitter or hub if needed. Ideally, if your fans are well designed, they may use a 4-5 pin header so you can connect two of them to one header without requiring additional adapters.
If you don’t get the adapter, you might have to leave one of your USB 2.0 devices unconnected. That could limit your options for what you can plug in internally. It's also worth checking if your fans need direct USB connections or if they can be daisy-chained. Either way, it sounds like the adapter would be a good idea to avoid any issues during your build!
Here's the PC Part Picker link for your build if this works: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/GqQMkf. Just in case! You might want to check your connections there too.