Connect two pins using a USB 3.0 port on the MoBo device.
Connect two pins using a USB 3.0 port on the MoBo device.
I'm really confused about what I was doing. I bent two of the top pins on the internal USB 3.0 connector on MoBo. I'm sure I know how to do it, but I couldn't get them straight. Maybe when I take MoBo out of the case later. Are these parts so fragile they shouldn't be handled? Now I'm left without the front panel USB 3.0 connection because of the RGB strip over the cable. Luckily, none of the pins are touching each other. Can I try straightening them again? It looks like even pin four isn't in good shape. It would be much easier if I could remove the board from the chassis someday. In this situation, I realize you should avoid using force.
It varies based on the bending, but generally you can fix them by aligning the connector with the pins. They're pretty fragile, so handling the connector carefully is important when you're installing or taking it out.
Use a plain chisel screwdriver to twist the pin back. A credit card would also fit, or even a coin... Each horizontal line contains the wires for one USB port... The second pin is P1 D+, which connects to the USB 2.0 data line.
The issue is the connector is resisting, so I can't reinsert it. Can I use a plastic spudger (with a pick)? Doesn't seem too bad, right? Fixable?
I have the plastic sponge you mentioned. I bought a repair kit for fixing cellphones for $8. Yeah, my OCD—things I never need, but now they’re useful. It’s not if it worked or not, but whatever happened, here’s what I think. Probably I applied too much pressure when connecting the cable. As for straightening it, should I shift the pin only at the tip or around the middle? I don’t want to break it, but I’ve fixed CPU sockets before. I hope I can fix a damaged pin on the USB 3.0 connector, though I don’t have a good angle with my elbow.
The pin isn't necessary for the front chassis panel. You have four USB 3.0 ports available.
Just do it, man. It’s not OCD—it’s just your uncontrollable shopping habits. Tip or middle, it doesn’t matter; you need enough to get the connector back on.