Computer USB Port Question
 

Just out of curiosity, but does anyone know when exactly they started soldering USB ports onto computer motherboards, if they weren't soldered to begin with?

There was a question on my BCAP test, and it asked which wasn't contained on the motherboard. Out of ROM, RAM, CPU, and USB port, the correct answer was USB.

His argument was that "USB ports have been added to the motherboard as of 2007, while the other components have always been on
there; in fact, you can still get computers with USB ports that are not on the motherboard." Of course I'm going to assume 2007 was a typo.

I remembered that even my old ECS motherboard from 2001 had the ports directly soldered on, and as far as I know, that's the way they've always come.

I mean I know there are pins on the motherboards for frontal ports.. but can anyone computer hardware savvy answer this for me?

Looking through my old motherboard reviews, you started seeing integrated USB ports around 2001-2002 or so. But there probably were still boards that didn't have them.

I don't really get the question though

That is a bad question, your teacher deserves a slap to the head for that one.

And it's next to impossible to find a motherboard without a USB port these days.

It's a stupid question, so typical of multiple choice tests. Then again, it's also an easy question to get right since USB is the "most correct" answer. Are you complaining because the question is dumb or because you got it wring?
Posted via RS Mobile

Oh, I was just curious. I couldn't find any information about this on Google. I always thought they came presoldered.

There were even worse questions on the test. But yes, this question was indeed dumb.
Posted via RS Mobile

Your comment is about USB ports being soldered onto the motherboard is not relevant. On any motherboard that was ever made, the ROM, RAM, & CPU are mounted onto the motherboard. The USB ports do not need to be mounted on the motherboard. Therefore "USB" is the correct answer.

I'm guessing they're talking about the headers on the motherboard where you could plug in the cable that lead to the USB ports in the expansion card slot openings. Those would be the USB ports that aren't physically soldered onto the board.