USB Internal Connector
USB 3.0 Internal Header
The USB 3.0 internal header is the keyed motherboard connector used to carry two SuperSpeed USB connections to front-panel ports or internal cable assemblies.
Related: USB 2.0 Front-Panel Header · Key-A 20-Pin Front-Panel Connector · Key-B 20-Pin Front-Panel Connector
Characteristics
Review the USB 3.0 internal header's 2×10 layout, keying, two-port SuperSpeed wiring, front-panel role, specification scope, and continuing PC use.
| Specification | USB 3.0 Internal Connector and Cable Specification Rev. 1.0 |
|---|---|
| Header layout | 2×10 positions at 2.54 mm pitch |
| Active contacts | 19 electrical pins with one keyed, unconnected position |
| Keying | Published Thin Mini-ITX implementation keys position 20 |
| USB ports carried | Two USB 3.0/SuperSpeed ports, including their USB 2.0 signal pairs |
| Typical use | Desktop motherboard to front-panel USB 3.0 ports or an internal daughter card |
| Specification scope | Published internal desktop USB connector/cable interface; separate from the external Standard-A mating connector |
| Current status | Legacy but still common on PC motherboards and cases |
USB 3.0 internal header articles
Browse guides about USB 3.0 internal headers, motherboard connections, front-panel ports, cabling, expansion hardware, and desktop compatibility.
