Modern motherboards support a variety of USB ports, each designed for different speeds, power outputs, and device compatibility. From the basic USB 2.0 ports to high-speed USB 3.2 and USB-C connections, understanding these types is essential for building, upgrading, or troubleshooting a PC. Identifying the right USB port ensures optimal performance whether you’re connecting peripherals, charging devices, or transferring data.

Table of Contents

Types of USB ports on a motherboard

USB 1.1 Port (Legacy)

  • Ancient standard
  • Data transfer speed up to 12 Mbps
  • Rarely found on modern motherboards
  • Mostly replaced by USB 2.0
  • Used for low-speed peripherals like a mouse and keyboard

USB 2.0 Port

  • Introduced in 2000
  • Maximum speed: 480 Mbps
  • Widely used for basic devices.
  • Common black connectors
  • 9-pin internal headers
  • One-way communication
  • Used for mice, keyboards, printers, and fans
  • Low power output (2.5W)
  • Still used in budget systems

 USB 3.0 Port

  • Released in 2008
  • Also known as SuperSpeed USB
  • Transfer speed up to 5 Gbps
  • Blue connectors on the motherboard or I/O
  • 19 or 20 pins in internal headers
  • Dual-row header layout
  • Backward compatible with USB 2.0

USB 3.1 Gen 2 Port

  • Improved version of USB 3.0
  • Speed up to 10 Gbps
  • Commonly teal-colored port
  • Also labelled SS10 (SuperSpeed 10 Gbps)
  • Compatible with USB Type-A and Type-C
  • Internal header with more bandwidth
  • Found on modern gaming or premium boards
  • Backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
  • Suitable for fast data transfers, SSDs 

USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 and Gen 1×2

  • Continuation of the USB 3.1 naming standard
  • Gen 1×1 = 5 Gbps (like USB 3.0)
  • Gen 1×2 = 10 Gbps (using dual-lane)
  • Confusing naming, same connectors as USB 3.1
  • Supported on newer boards
  • Labelled clearly in technical specs

USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 and Gen 2×2

  • Gen 2×1 = 10 Gbps
  • Gen 2×2 = 20 Gbps
  • Uses USB Type-C ports
  • Delivers higher bandwidth
  • Ideal for video, large file transfers
  • Supports charging and video via USB-C
  • Requires compatible devices and cables
  • Ports are usually red or marked SS20

USB Type-C Port

  • Introduced with USB 3.1 and later
  • Reversible connector design
  • Supports data, power, and video
  • Internal header: 24-pin
  • External port: slim oval shape
  • Found on the latest boards and laptops
  • Supports Power Delivery (PD) up to 100W
  • Can replace HDMI, USB, and charging ports
  • Used in MacBooks, Android, and monitors
  • Requires a Type-E internal header on the motherboard
  • May need adapters for older accessories

USB 4.0 Port

  • Based on Thunderbolt 3
  • Speed: Up to 40 Gbps
  • Uses a USB-C connector
  • Supports data, video (8K), and power
  • Full backwards compatibility
  • Requires a high-end motherboard
  • Ideal for professionals and creators
  • Labeled USB4 or TB4
  • Provides PCIe tunnelling
  • Supports daisy-chaining of devices

Thunderbolt Port (TB3 / TB4)

  • Uses a USB-C connector
  • Supports USB, DisplayPort, PCIe
  • Speeds up to 40 Gbps
  • Works with Thunderbolt and USB4 devices
  • Supports high-res displays and eGPUs
  • Premium boards only
  • Labelled with lightning bolt symbol
  • Requires a specific controller on board

USB Headers (Internal Ports)

USB 2.0 Header

  • 9 pins
  • Black plastic tab
  • Found on almost all boards
  • Connects to the front USB 2.0 ports
  • Supports basic peripherals

USB 3.0 Header

  • 19 or 20 pins
  • Blue plastic tab
  • Dual row
  • Connects to the front USB 3.0 ports
  • Higher data rate for modern devices

USB 3.1 / 3.2 Header

  • Similar to 3.0 but higher speed
  • May support USB-C front panel. Teal or turquoise in colour
  • Marked “F_USB3_1” or “USB_E1”
  • USB-C Internal Header (Type-E)
  • 24-pin header
  • Used for front-panel USB-C
  • Requires a matching case connector
  • Smaller and rectangular
  • Usually near PCIe slots

Rear I/O USB Ports

  • Mounted on back of motherboard
  • Pre-attached to I/O shield
  • Varies by model: USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.2, USB-C
  • Color-coded for easy identification
  • Often labeled as SS, SS10, SS20
  • May include charging ports (yellow/red)