Score:3

What is the SMBus I2C Header on my motherboard?

in flag

My motherboard has a slot on the motherboard for,

JPI2C1 Power Supply SMBus I2C Header (X13SAE-F only)

What is this used for? The motherboard manual say nothing more about it. What is this for? What do I plug in there? What happens if I plug nothing in there?

Score:2
ru flag

The system management I²C bus is used for various purposes, most commonly:

  • access DIMM SPD memory
  • access sensor information - temperature levels, fan speeds, voltage levels
  • control fan speeds
  • smart power-supply management (fan/temperature/voltages)

There may be vendor options that connect to the I²C header - either additional monitor/actor chips (case temperature sensors, smart PSU monitoring), or optional monitoring or management like IPMI / lights-out management. There may also be third-party options that you can plug in and use. There's no need to plug in anything though.

Workstation and server boards may use multiple I²C busses.

in flag
doesn't answer What do I plug in there? What happens if I plug nothing in there?
Zac67 avatar
ru flag
@EvanCarroll I thought it became rather obvious - I've added some text just for you. ;-)
in flag
I'm not sure how it's obvious when something says "Power Supply SMBus" I think it needs power and I'm wondering what kind of power I need to provide it. But thanks.
Zac67 avatar
ru flag
My educated guess is that you can plug in a management cable to a smart power supply to monitor voltages, temperature or fan speed. Perhaps even for a redundant PSU.
in flag
If so, that information would make for a better answer.
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