This is a problem/review just so we are clear.
 
So it's been a while since I built a computer. I'm a long time fanboy (I'll admit it) of EVGA and everything they make. My last system was EVGA graphics cards (SLI) and EVGA MoBo. So it was natural that when I started to look at a new build I was only looking at EVGA, given the history of amazing products and support by them and the community here. Having settled on the new Intel Core i7 (LGA 1151) I picked up the Z170 FTW board, memory and an EVGA 980 Ti Classified along with an EVGA power supply and other items needed. This was going to have as many EVGA parts as I could get my hands on. 

Let's fast forward to putting this new system together. Much to my dismay I discover that not only has EVGA done away with all USB 2.0 hubs on the entire line of Z170 boards I only have one USB 3.0 hub on this board! Now, I have to stop here and say that I didn't even think to look for USB 2.0 hubs in the specs, there was no warnings no indications that there'd stop supporting USB2.0. Not a big deal right, just get an adapter from 3.0 to 2.0...well its not that easy as it turns out. Since I have 4 USB ports on the front of my Coolermaster Haf case (all USB 2.0), I can deal with not using those (after all 3.0 is the new great standard) but I'm running a water cooler on this build. From what I gather, the majority of water cooler (like the H100i V2) use a USB 2.0 interface to power and monitor the cooler.
 
So now I'm stuck, I have a chip on the board, water cooler hooked up and no way to power it (didn't have an adapter) and now I have no USB ports on the front of my case (for flash drives, hook my phone to it, my headphones for games and so on). What to do? Call EVGA on a Saturday, and again the customer support for their products is top notch because they answered. The response from the guy on the phone however...disappointing to say the least, the only suggestion we could come up with was get an adapter (no idea if it would carry enough voltage for what I was doing) and call CorsAir.
 
Well, after thinking about it I felt like there was too much compromise happening to run a specific brand of board. So out came the EVGA Z170 FTW board to be returned and I had to run to my local Fry's Electronics to buy something so I could put my computer back together (after all the open Division Beta was closing shortly). What did I end up going with? Gigabyte Z170 gaming Mobo...I had to go with a micro ATX board due to the lack of stock at Fry's, however this board still has 2 USB 2.0 hubs, and 2-3 USB 3.0 hubs along with a soundblaster onboard audio chip (HD sound)...I have to say I'm really sad and disappointed that EVGA has decided to force gamers to walk away from USB 2.0 with their latest boards. I get that technology moves on, but the Z170 FTW board was much more expense then a competitor's and it came with fewer features than a less expensive board that does more. 

I'm still a die hard EVGA fan, I don't see myself ever buying a different brand of video card. However, in the future I will be looking around before buying another board and blindly buying EVGA. 

So EVGA, if you are watching, listening and taking note...please don't do this in the future. There is no reason to put consumers in a corner and limit their options when selling a product like this. The option for more is always better than not enough...

What he is saying there is only one pinset on the board for USB 3.0

There are two standard USB ports on the back panel. But it is missing USB 2.0 ports in the inside. Like the ones in this photo.

GloR1ouS_
I'm kind of confused as USB 2.0 plugs right into 3.0 and that board doesn't support 3.1. Also the h100 is powered by the fans/PSU. It is recommended to get adapters for your PSU to plug the fans/cooler directly to the PSU as some have fried mobo's plugging into the on board fan header. All that USB is for, is to change the color of the Corsair logo and to use corsair link. Link isn't even installed on my computer.

My comments and issue is with the lack of USB 2.0 hubs on the board, not in the rear. I've not found an adapter for the H100i V2 to plug into the back of the board (that would have been doable).

While I appreciate that you might not find a need for the software that comes with the H100i V2, it's nice to have the option and be able to make that choice for myself. I think that's the bigger drawback for me on this MoBo, I'm painted into a corner if I want to support a brand I truly enjoy and have used before all while paying a much higher price for something that doesn't get the job done. 
 

Sgt Hoit
Are you sure, the specs state that there are 2 - USB 2.0 ports on each of the Z170 motherboards.  I just ordered a Classified Z170 board for a new build and need at least 2 - USB 2.0 ports.  I'm going to be pretty pissed off they're not on the board.

 
Look at the internal specs...http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6ZP3R87448
There is no USB 2.0 onboard I/O connectors. Plus the Specs are wrong, my board only had 1 USB 3.0 connector on the board. 

So if you have a case (like mine) that has any USB 2.0 ports on the front of it, you are out of luck with this MoBo. 

Well to be honest I've never been a fan of EVGA boards lol. Guru3D reviewed one, the x58 and had awesome results, I had like 3 and had no results except an extremely hot VREG.

I got the NZXT IU01 usb expansion hub to connect to the boards usb3 header to give me a few extra internal usb2 connections for my corsair link hardware and nzxt hue+.

 
And the STARTECH PEXUSB3S2EI pcie usb3 card so that i could connect my corsair carbide air 540 front panel usb3 cable to the extra internal header on the card and have two additional usb3 slots at the rear.

 
I know we should not have to compromise for such things like this but it works for me for now as i do not want to get a different board.

The Classified K Model has One USB 2.0 Header on the Motherboard.
The Classified Model has One USB 3.0 and One USB 3.1 Header on the Motherboard.
If you need the Header for a Corsair CPU Cooler I would go with the Classified K Model.
Each Motherboard is laid out from the recommendations of the EVGA User Base.
Buying a Motherboard is like buying a Car, you need to review the Specifications before you buy.
 
Z170 Chipset Motherboards                

• Support Manual for EVGA Z170 Stinger (111-SS-E172)
• Support Manual for EVGA Z170 FTW (140-SS-E177)
• Support Manual for EVGA Z170 Classified K (142-SS-E178)
• Support Manual for EVGA Z170 Classified 4-Way (151-SS-E179)

 

NZXT IU01 Internal USB Expansion (Black) by Nzxt $15.68 is not a good fix, https://sta3-nzxtcorporation.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/download/attachment/61/IU01-manual-english.pdf You need One USB 2.0 Header on the MB.
 
X99 Chipset Motherboards         All the X99 MB have at least One USB 2.0 Header (USB 2.0 hubs as you state above) on the Motherboard.       

• Support Manual for EVGA X99 Classified (151-HE-E999) - Part 1 Part 2 - BIOS Guide
• Support Manual for EVGA X99 FTW (150-HE-E997) - Part 1 Part 2 - BIOS Guide
• Support Manual for EVGA X99 Micro (131-HE-E995) - Part 1 Part 2 - BIOS Guide
• Support Manual for EVGA X99 Micro2 (131-HE-E095) - Part 1 Part 2

bcavnaugh

NZXT IU01 Internal USB Expansion (Black) by Nzxt $15.68 is not a good fix, https://sta3-nzxtcorporation.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/download/attachment/61/IU01-manual-english.pdf You need One USB 2.0 Header on the MB

 
I would respectfully disagree.
It is a very good fix [and the only fix short of a new motherboard] if USB 3.0 headers are all you have available. You just need to use one of these....

 
for the connection. 
 

nowcontrol

bcavnaugh

NZXT IU01 Internal USB Expansion (Black) by Nzxt $15.68 is not a good fix, https://sta3-nzxtcorporation.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/download/attachment/61/IU01-manual-english.pdf You need One USB 2.0 Header on the MB

 
I would disagree.
It is a very good fix [and the only fix short of a new motherboard] if USB 3.0 headers are all you have available. You just need to use one of these....

 
for the connection. 

If you say so, not sure how you are going to connect the Male to Male Connectors together.
Although you might be able to use that cable directly on the Motherboards USB 3.0 Header, but not on NZXT IU01 Internal USB Expansion
The Make and Model Number of that Cable would be nice for the OP.

nowcontrol

bcavnaugh
 
If you say so, not sure how you are going to connect the Male to Male Connectors together.

I do say so, it's working on my FTW....

 
Comprende?

The Make and Model Number of that Cable would be nice for the OP.

nowcontrol
It's generic, you can find plenty of them on ebay.

What is it Called?

Not so easy to find. This is ALL the OP needs then to run a Corsair CPU Cooler.
From Amazon:
 
SIENOC 19 Pin USB3.0 Female To 9 Pin USB2.0 Male Motherboard Cable Adapter by SIENOC $4.80 Prime
 
SMAKN® USB 2.0 9Pin Male to Motherboard USB 3.0 20Pin Header Female Cable Price:$14.00 Prime

Or
 
 
ChenYang USB 2.0 9 Pin header male to Motherboard USB 3.0 20pin Housing Female 10cm cable
by Yc $4.00
 
From Newegg:
 USB 2.0 9 Pin / 10 pin Header Male to Motherboard USB 3.0 20 Pin / 19 pin Female Cable Adapter Converter 10cm      USB 2.0 9 Pin / 10 pin Header Male to Motherboard USB 3.0 20 Pin / 19 pin Female Cable Adapter Converter 10cm
 
For those who do not use eBay 

nowcontrol
I found the one i have easy enough on ebay, and for a tenth the cost of the one you have linked. that's crazy pricing for such an adapter!
 
here is a cheap one for those in the USA .. http://www.moddiy.com/products/USB-3.0-to-USB-2.0-Internal-Adapter-Cable-%2819pin-to-9pin%29.html

Shipping Cost is a little High. Amazon by Yc $4.00 is still cheaper.
 
Please choose the shipping method for your order: (Grand Total: $11.94)
 
Shipped to:
Items:
Choose a Shipping Method:
 

• Registered Air Mail  $9.95
• EMS SpeedPost  $29.95

nowcontrol
Yeah, I've just noticed now that the site is based in Hong Kong, my bad. 

I just ordered two for $8.00 to add to my computer Junk Drawer, never know when you would need one.

TMatzelle60
Is there any way to use the IU01 and keep the usb 3.0 front panel headers? 

Maybe with this: http://www.performance-pcs.com/20-pin-usb-3-0-internal-header-y-splitter-cable-12cm.html