Our ‘Motherboards Explained’ series is back with another informative article all about your PC’s motherboard.
This time, we’re taking a closer look at the I/O panel, detailing what it is and what it does.
What is the I/O Panel?
The I/O panel is connected to your motherboard and houses various input/output connectors. It is typically located on the back of your PC case.
What Does the I/O Panel Do?
A typical I/O panel features several different connectors to allow you to utilise a variety of peripherals or external devices. This includes USB ports, audio jacks, ethernet ports, and HDMI or DisplayPort connectors. What’s included on your I/O panel can vary depending on your motherboard or computer set-up, therefore we do recommend you check your motherboard manual or manufacturer website for a more definitive list.
However, our handy infographic below showcases some of the most common ports found on an I/O panel.
How to Tell the Difference Between the USB Ports
On the I/O panel, you’ll often see multiple USB ports, each one highlighted in a different colour. This colour denotation isn’t just for style, it actually serves a very specific purpose.
The colour of the port represents the type of USB port. This includes:
- White – USB 1.0
- Black – USB 2.0
- Blue – USB 3.2 (Gen 1×1)
- Teal – USB 3.2 (Gen 1×2)
- Yellow or Red/Orange – Charge & Sleep or High Current
We covered more about USB ports and how to tell the difference between them in our dedicated blog post.
In Need of a Motherboard Upgrade?
Are you in need of a motherboard upgrade to boost your performance or creative workflows? At Overclockers UK, we stock a huge range of premium-quality motherboards compatible with both the latest Intel and AMD processors.
We’ve showcased our top faves below, but you can also shop the full range of motherboards by clicking the relevant buttons.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DDR5 ATX Motherboard
- ATX form factor
- LGA 1700 socket
- Compatible with Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen
- PCIe 5.0
- DDR5 RAM support
Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master DDR5 ATX Motherboard
- ATX form factor
- Socket AM5
- Compatible with AMD Ryzen 7000 Series
- PCIe 5.0
- Support for DDR5 RAM
Learn More About Your PC Motherboard
Are you looking to level up your PC hardware knowledge? Be sure to check out some of our other helpful articles about your PC’s motherboard.
- 3 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
Read More >>