USB socket 7 motherboard connectors win98se \ VOGONS

USB socket 7 motherboard connectors win98se

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First post, by Hamby

Posted on 2019-07-18, 14:18

Hamby Offline

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On my super socket 7 motherboard, I have a usb header. It consists of six pins in two rows, then a gap, then two more pins. So a 10 pin connector with pins 7 and 8 missing (or 3 and 4 depending on how it's connected, I guess).

Is there a standard or generic USB cable I can connect to this header?
If so, does Windows 98se support USB (since I plan on running Win98 on it)?
My interest is in possibly connecting USB mice, keyboards or USB MIDI devices to the computer, as well as flash drives.

Would it be worthwhile to try digging up or making such a cable, or should I just forget about it?

Reply 1 of 3, by HanJammer

Posted on 2019-07-18, 14:29

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No, it wasn't standarized back then (just like PS/2 port connectors or even serial port connectors). You will need to look for the motherboard manual and the header pinout, then you can use any USB bracket and simply repin the connector accordingly.

Win98SE has 'good enough' USB support. If you want support for your modern pendrives without need to install drivers from time to time, then download and install this: http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/kb/usbmsd98.php

USB midi devices - depends on the drivers for these devices. If you have drivers for Win98 then they will work.

USB mice and keyboards should work out of the box.

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Reply 2 of 3, by GigAHerZ

Posted on 2019-07-18, 16:13

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Actually, i have seen many socket 7 boards all with today's standard pinout for USB. Though, they usually don't have one missing pin for a key.
You can use multimeter to find the ground and +5V on USB pins to make sure you are good.

Those extra pins you have after gap might be for activity leds. During some period of time, USB ports had also LEDs that showed the activity on the port. (I even have one of such USB rear brackets)

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