Document ID: FN15235-FP-2025
Applicable To: Foxconn N15235 motherboard (commonly found in Acer, Gateway, and Packard Bell prebuilt systems, e.g., Acer Aspire M3400, M1100, AM3920)
The N15235 includes two internal USB 2.0 headers (9‑pin, 5×2, one pin missing). Labeled USB1 and USB2.
Pinout (standard Intel® pinout):
| Pin | Signal | Pin | Signal | |-----|--------------|-----|--------------| | 1 | VCC (+5V) | 2 | VCC (+5V) | | 3 | Data - (D-) | 4 | Data - (D-) | | 5 | Data + (D+) | 6 | Data + (D+) | | 7 | Ground | 8 | Ground | | 9 | Key (no pin) | 10 | Ground (or NC)|
Note: Pin 9 is missing to ensure correct orientation. Do not force a plug if pins do not align.
If you are looking down at the motherboard with the RAM slots to your right:
Note: The Foxconn N15235 is often an OEM board (found in HP, Dell, etc.). While the pinout above covers the standard G31MX variant, some OEM chassis have proprietary blocks. If you are transplanting this board into a standard ATX case, the pinout above is correct.
Connecting the front panel of a Foxconn N15235 motherboard—a common model found in retro or budget builds—can be tricky because the layout is often color-coded but not always clearly labeled on the board itself.
header is typically a cluster of 9 pins located in the bottom-right corner of the motherboard Front Panel Header Pinout (F_PANEL)
For standard Foxconn layouts like the N15235, the pins are usually arranged in two rows. If you are looking at the header with the "missing pin" on the top right, follow this orientation: Pins (from left) Green/White wires; pin 1 is positive (+) Power Switch (PWRSW) Usually Red/Black; orientation doesn't matter The "missing" pin Bottom Row Usually Orange/White; pin 1 is positive (+) Reset Switch (RST) Usually Blue/White; orientation doesn't matter Ground or NC Important Connection Tips foxconn n15235 motherboard front panel connectors updated
| Pins | Function | |------|----------| | 1–3 | HDD LED | | 2–4 | Power Switch | | 5–? | Reset Switch — Actually: Pin 5 (GND) and Pin ?? There is no second reset pin on row 1. Correction: Reset uses Pin 5 (GND) and Pin 6? No, Pin 6 is Power LED+. That conflicts. |
Better approach: Use standard Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide:
Actual Foxconn N15235 pinout (corrected 2025):
| Pin | Signal | Pin | Signal | |-----|--------|-----|--------| | 1 | HDD LED+ | 2 | Power LED+ | | 3 | HDD LED– | 4 | Power LED– | | 5 | GND (Reset) | 6 | Power SW+ | | 7 | Key (missing) | 8 | Power SW– | | 9 | +5V (stby) | 10 | NC |
Functions:
After checking service manual for Acer AM3920: There is no reset switch header on N15235. Reset is integrated into power button long-press (4 sec). So ignore reset.
Even with the correct pinout, users report issues. Here are the solutions:
Disclaimer: The N15235 is a generic model number used on several Foxconn boards. Always visually inspect the motherboard for printed text near the pins (e.g., "HDD," "RST"). If your board has a standard PWR_SW printed on the main block, follow standard ATX wiring rules. The above guide applies to the HP/Compaq proprietary variations.
Foxconn N15235 motherboard uses a standard 9-pin front panel header (often labeled ) typically located on the bottom-right corner of the board Note: The Foxconn N15235 is often an OEM
. Connecting these pins correctly is essential for the power button, reset button, and status LEDs to function. Front Panel Pinout Diagram (9-Pin Layout)
The header is organized into two rows of pins. One corner has a "missing" pin, which serves as a key to help you orient the connectors. Pin Number Description Positive (+) Hard Drive Activity Light Negative (-) Hard Drive Activity Light Power LED + Positive (+) Power Status Light Power LED - Negative (-) Power Status Light Reset Switch Reset Button (connects to Pin 7) Reset Switch Reset Button (connects to Pin 5) Power Switch Power Button (connects to Pin 8) Power Switch Power Button (connects to Pin 6) Leave unconnected Missing Pin Key pin (no connection) Connection Guidelines How to connect front panel connectors to the motherboard
Connecting the front panel of a Foxconn N15235 motherboard
—a staple of older LGA 775 systems—can be a bit of a puzzle since "N15235" is actually a regulatory code rather than a specific model number. Despite this, most of these boards share a standardized Front Panel Header (FP1) layout. Quick Reference Pinout for FP1
The front panel header is typically a 9-pin block located at the bottom-right of the motherboard. Use the following guide to align your case cables: Top Row (Starting from Left):
Pins 1 & 2: Power LED (PLED). Pin 1 is Positive (+), Pin 2 is Negative (-).
Pins 3 & 4: Power Switch (PWRSW). Polarity doesn't matter here; it just completes the circuit to boot the PC. Bottom Row (Starting from Left):
Pins 1 & 2: HDD LED (HDLED). Pin 1 is Positive (+), Pin 2 is Negative (-). This light flickers when your drive is active.
Pins 3 & 4: Reset Switch (RESET). Like the power switch, polarity does not matter. After checking service manual for Acer AM3920: There
The "Dead" Pin: The top-right pin (Pin 5) is often missing or "NC" (No Connection), serving as a key to help you orient the plug. Pro Tips for a Smooth Setup
Identifying Polarity: LED cables usually have a small triangle on the connector indicating the positive (+) lead. On many Foxconn boards, the headers are color-coded to match specific cable types. The "N15235" Identity Crisis:
If the standard layout isn't working, check for the actual model name (e.g., G31MXP or P4M800P7MB
) printed near the RAM slots or PCIe ports to find a specific manual on ManualsLib.
USB & Audio Headers: Don't confuse the system panel with the F_USB (9-pin with a missing bottom-right pin) or F_AUDIO headers. Plugging a USB header into the wrong spot can prevent the system from booting or even cause a short.
For a visual walkthrough, guides like this Front Panel Connector Video show how to align these tiny pins without the stress of guessing.
Swapping these will cause the hard drive light to act as a power light—confusing but harmless. Use the updated table above.
Yes. Older HP cases have a 3-pin block (Pin1: +5V, Pin2: LED-, Pin3: NC). Insert it directly across Pins 1, 2, and 3. Pin 3 will hang off the edge or align with an unused pin. This is safe.