So its an absolute disaster!

Im following a build PC tutorial online AND consulting the manuals. Its been 9 hours and I've only just started connecting wires when I find out...

I cant find the USB 3 connector on my Motherboard AND even though PC Part Picker said they were compatible, the USB pins on the Motherboard are different to the case ones! (i.e. the bit with no pin doesnt match up!)

...anyone live near London (UK) fancy a bit of extra cash? Im having a nervous breakdown here!!

You know, if you were to post your parts we could just tell you if your motherboard has a USB 3.0 connector... Or you could just use your motherboard's manual, which will tell you... as well as your motherboard manufacturer's web page for your motherboard model.

The motherboard header pins for USB 1/2 and USB 3.0 are different, so if your motherboard doesn't have a USB 3.0 header then you can't use front-facing USB 3.0.

Also parts can be compatible without all peripherals being compatible. Usually when talking about motherboard and case compatibility, the only thing considered is the motherboard form factor.

Well, unless your using a USB drive as your primary boot drive, not having USB3 is no big deal. I have a connection on my PC and it does not make anything I connect to it any faster.

That being said, can you separate the case cable end? In other words, make it a bunch of pin connectors rather than just one monolithic piece? I had to do that on my case to get USB3 to connect up. Usually it is only the power leads that you can do this with.

Also, I know, dumb question,but did you look on the motherboard map (online or in the manual that came with the Mobo) and make sure that you are in fact trying to connect to the USB3 connector on the Mobo?

Sorry, 7 hours of this has messed with my head! Gigabyte Z87 HD3. THe manual says it has USB3, however its the same port as USB 1 and 2

It does... on the backpanel.

Looking at images of it, the USB 3.0 front panel header is located right next to the ATX power slot below the memory slots and to the right side of where it says "GIGABYTE" in gold.

Thank you, I must be going mad!

I'm gonna have some food and grab my Dad to help when he finished at work, he knows his stuff!