USB adapters and converters change one USB connection into another, from internal motherboard header adapters to cables that link a case or accessory to a spare port. This category suits PC builders and upgraders who need to solve one specific connection problem. Our range here is small and comes from Noctua.
How to choose a USB adapter or converter
Connectors on both ends. Check exactly what sits on the source side and on the destination side. Inside a PC these are usually a 9-pin USB 2.0 header, a 19-pin USB 3.0 header or a USB-C front panel connector, while outside they are USB-A or USB-C ports. An adapter must match both ends, and a connector that physically fits is not proof that it will work.
USB speed standard. USB 2.0 tops out at 480 Mbit/s, while USB 3.x starts at 5 Gbit/s. An adapter cannot make a slow port faster, because the slowest link in the chain sets the speed. If you plan to connect an external drive, pick an adapter that supports the same standard as the drive.
Power requirements. Low-power devices such as a keyboard or a receiver rarely cause problems. Devices that draw more current, such as external drives, need a port and an adapter that can deliver enough power, so read the specification before buying.
Fit inside the case. Cable length, connector size and the position of the free headers on your motherboard decide whether an adapter can be routed neatly. Measure the distance from the header to where the connector needs to end up, and leave some slack so the cable is not pulled tight.
Intended use and compatibility. Some adapters are made for a particular accessory or system. If the part comes from a cooling brand, check the product description to see which fans, coolers or controllers it is meant for before assuming it works as a general-purpose converter.
Brands we carry
- Noctua: Austrian manufacturer best known for quiet PC fans and CPU coolers, with accessories that are usually designed to work alongside those products.
Noctua is the only brand in this category in our range at the moment, and it is represented by a single product.
USB adapters and converters: frequently asked questions
What is a USB adapter used for?
A USB adapter connects two USB connectors that do not match directly. Typical cases are turning an internal motherboard header into a different connector type, or linking a case port to a header on the board. Always check the connector types on both sides before ordering.
Will a USB adapter make my port faster?
No, an adapter cannot increase the speed of a port. The connection runs at the speed of the slowest part in the chain, whether that is the port, the adapter, the cable or the device. To get USB 3.x speeds, every part must support USB 3.x.
Can I use a USB adapter inside my PC case?
Yes, as long as it is designed for internal use and matches a free header on your motherboard. Look at the header type (USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or USB-C) and make sure the cable is long enough to reach it. Check the clearance around the header, especially in small cases.
Does Noctua make USB accessories?
Noctua is mainly known for fans and CPU coolers, and our range in this category includes one Noctua product. Its product page shows what it connects and which devices it is meant for. Read those details first to confirm it suits your build.
There are no products to list in this category.