thinQmaster Virtual testing partner Adaptive practice exams that find your weak spots and drill them. Every answer explained. From $69
Enroll

thinQmaster

Find your exam

Five questions free, before you decide.

Step 1 · choose a vendor

In one of our camps? Your practice exams come with the tuition — they are on your study page already.

IT Support & Hardware · Foundational

Front Panel Connectors

Small motherboard header pins that connect the case power button, reset button, LEDs, USB, and audio jacks.

Definition

Front panel headers carry signals from case buttons and LEDs to the motherboard, typically labeled PWR_SW, RESET_SW, HDD_LED, and PLED. Separate headers handle front USB 2.0, USB 3.x, USB-C, and HD Audio. Incorrect wiring prevents the power button from working.

Example

Connect the two-pin PWR_SW lead to the matching pins shown in the motherboard manual.

Exam tip

A new build that does nothing when the power button is pressed may have the front panel switch on the wrong pins.

Related terms