Z170 Pro4 USB Headers power drain
Printed From: ASRock.com
Category: Technical Support
Forum Name: Intel Motherboards
Forum Description: Question about ASRock Intel Motherboards
URL: https://forum.asrock.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3709
Printed Date: 21 Jul 2025 at 2:30am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Z170 Pro4 USB Headers power drain
Posted By: Nimbus
Subject: Z170 Pro4 USB Headers power drain
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2016 at 3:25am
|
Dear, Asrock. Thank you for that motherboard, it is very good (overclocked my 6600k to 4.5 and RAM to 3200Mhz). But for nowI have a question about USB 2.0 headers on that motherboard. There are 6 USB ports on the back of Z170 Pro4 and all of them occupied: 2 USB ports - mouse + keyboard 2 USB ports - Logitech Extreme 3D Pro + Gametrix Engine Control System (both are joysticks) 1 USB - Web-cam 1 USB - Flash drive So, all ports on the back side are occupied  And I need to connect two USB gadgets more:1. Saitek Rudder Pedals (joystick) 2. Custom made 3 LED FreeTrack clip (it takes 5v 500mA from a USB) There are two USB headers on Z170 Pro4. One of them is already connected to Front Panel and used for USB flash drives sometimes. Other USB header I want to connect to this:  I know that joysticks may consume a lot of current (500mA each). So my question is it safe to connect two USB devices (2x500mA or 1A in total) to one USB 2.0 header on Z170 Pro4? Is USB 2.0 headers have overcurrent protection on Z170 Pro4 motherboard? Is it safe to connect devices that consume more than 500mA each via USB to that USB 2.0 headers? |
Replies:
Posted By: parsec
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2016 at 11:00am
If you check the manual for your board, the USB 2.0 header on the mother board has separate power connections for each of the two USB 2.0 ports that the header provides. You can see the USB_PWR pins for each of the USB 2.0 ports. So each port will be able to provide the rated power of 500ma to a connected device. If they did not supply that power to each port, the ports would not meet the USB 2.0 specification. But you can also increase the power capacity of those USB ports by downloading and installing the ASRock App Charger program. You must install the ASRock APP Shop program first, run it, and it will have the App Charger program available. The APP Shop program is available on your board's download page. When you select the App Charger program by clicking on the red "Free" button, that program will automatically download and install. Another option would be to use USB 3.0 ports for the device you are using that needs a lot of power. ------------- http://valid.x86.fr/48rujh" rel="nofollow"> 
|
Posted By: wardog
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2016 at 1:22pm
|
Just a followup on parsecs comments. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#USB_Power_Delivery_.28UPD.29" rel="nofollow - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#USB_Power_Delivery_.28UPD.29 |
Posted By: Nimbus
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2016 at 1:00am
|
Thank you. Just want to make it clear. Have read that some motherboards gives less power on that ports. For example, some HDDs cannot work with front panel USB and can be used with USB on the back of motherboard only. |