USB Type C 3.1 Gen 2 front-mounted device compatible
USB Type C 3.1 Gen 2 front-mounted device compatible
I recently purchased a new computer and spent around $4000 on it. Usually with that amount you assume everything will function properly and work well together, but unfortunately it didn’t. The Coolermaster Cosmos c700p and the MSI x570 Gaming Pro Carbon Wi-Fi motherboard came with a 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type C port on the front. This specific USB version requires a special internal header known as an A-Key 20 Pin Female Header. It wasn’t until I searched for this header that I discovered my board didn’t have it, meaning I’d need to upgrade to one of MSI’s premium boards—either the x570 Godlike or the x570 Creation. Front-mounted Type C (or any compatible speed) can feel like a premium feature reserved for the most expensive models. For a motherboard costing $500–$650, adding this port might seem extravagant. I found a refurbished Creation board for $400, but even then, it’s unclear if it’s truly worth the investment just for that port. Any advice on this situation?