When it comes to choosing a motherboard, one of the key decisions you have to make is which ports to use.
PS2 ports are still found on many motherboards, but USB has become more popular in recent years. So, which is better? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.
When it comes to choosing a motherboard, one of the key decisions you have to make is which ports to use.
PS2 ports are still found on many motherboards, but USB has become more popular in recent years. So, which is better? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.
What is a motherboard and what does it do?
A motherboard is the central printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer. It holds together many of the crucial components of a computer, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and connectors for input and output devices.
The motherboard is what allows all of these components to communicate with each other.
A PS/2 port is a type of connector used for a keyboard or mouse. PS/2 ports are generally round and have six pins arranged in two rows. They are usually colored purple. USB ports are rectangular and have four pins arranged in two rows.
PS/2 ports are generally faster than USB ports, but they are also more expensive. PS/2 ports can also be used for mice and keyboards with special features, such as ones with built-in hubs or extra buttons.
The different types of ports on a motherboard:
PS/2 ports:
These are the old-style keyboard and mouse connectors. They’re not as common as they used to be, but you might still find them on some motherboards.
USB ports:
These are the most common type of ports for connecting keyboards, mice, and other peripherals. Almost all motherboards have several USB ports.
HDMI ports:
These are used for connecting your computer to a monitor or TV. If you want to use a 4K monitor, you’ll need an HDMI 2.0 port (or DisplayPort). Some motherboards also have audio output through HDMI.
DVI ports:
These are older than HDMI, but you’ll still find them on some motherboards. They’re used for connecting to a monitor, but they don’t carry audio signals.
DisplayPort:
This is a newer standard that’s becoming more popular for connecting monitors. It can carry both video and audio signals.
As you can see, there are several different types of ports that you might find on a motherboard. PS/2 ports are the oldest type, but they’re not as common as they used to be.
USB ports are the most common type of ports for connecting keyboards, mice, and other peripherals.
HDMI ports are used for connecting your computer to a monitor or TV. DVI ports are older than HDMI, but you’ll still find them on some motherboards.
DisplayPort is a newer standard that’s becoming more popular for connecting monitors. It can carry both video and audio signals.
USB vs PS2 – which is better and why:
There is no clear answer as to which interface is better, USB or PS2. It really depends on what you need and prefer. If you need a fast connection, then USB 3.0 is the way to go.
However, if you don’t mind a slower connection speed and you want to save money, then PS2 is a good choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a connection.
How to use the different ports on your motherboard:
The ports on your motherboard are used to connect various devices to your computer. The most common port is the USB port, which is used to connect peripherals such as keyboards and mice.
Other common ports include the HDMI port, which is used to connect a monitor, and the Ethernet port, which is used to connect a network cable.
To use a port, simply connect the appropriate cable to the port. For example, to use a USB port, connect a USB cable to the port. To use an HDMI port, connect an HDMI cable to the port.
To use an Ethernet port, connect an Ethernet cable to the port. If you’re not sure which port to use for a particular device, consult your motherboard’s manual or the manufacturer of the device.
The benefits of using a PS2 port over a USB port:
- PS2 ports are much more common than USB ports, so you’re more likely to have a compatible device handy.
- These ports tend to be faster than USB ports, so you’ll get better performance from your devices.
- They can be more reliable than USB devices, so you won’t have to worry about losing data or having your devices malfunction.
- PS2 ports are easier to use than USB ports, so you won’t have to fiddle with cables and connectors.
- These are typically cheaper ports than USB ports, so you’ll save money on your overall purchase.
Final Thoughts
So, is it better to have a PS2 port on your motherboard? It depends. If you’re using an older keyboard or mouse that takes a PS2 connector, then you definitely need one on your motherboard.
However, if you’ve upgraded to a newer model and don’t have any peripherals that use the PS2 connector, then there’s no reason to keep it around.
USB has become the standard for connecting input devices, so most people will be better off without the PS2 port on their motherboards. Let us know in the comments section which type of ports your motherboard has – we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PS2 port obsolete?
In the past, USB ports were not on the list. Instead, serial, parallel, and PS/2 keyboard ports were listed. Parallel and serial interfaces have not been obsoleted, but PS/2 ports still exist.
What are PS2 ports used for?
Computer mice and keyboards can be connected to an IBM-compatible computer using this cable. In some IBM-compatible computers, there is still a PS/2 port, which is a mini-DIN plug that contains six pins.
Why is the PS2 port replaced by a USB port?
USB mice and keyboards have the biggest advantage of compatibility. USB keyboards and mice work on every device, from laptops and computers to smartphones. Sony’s PlayStation 2 has no hot-swappable devices.
Are PS2 ports faster than USB?
Even though PS/2 is faster and offers NKRO capability, USB is still more or less on par with PS/2 in the real world. In any case, you won’t be printing documents and playing games at the same time
Is PS2 better than USB?
It isn’t. PS/2 ports, on the other hand, are not as welcome as USB or serial ports, in part because you can’t plug a device in without rebooting, and on many systems, they need to be plugged in right-side-up. Nowadays, PS/2 ports are only used to accommodate older keyboards and mice.
