What do front panel connectors typically connect to?

Front panel connectors are essential components on a computer motherboard that facilitate the connection of various user interface elements located on the front panel of a computer case. These connectors typically interface with control buttons, such as the power button and reset button, as well as status indicators like power and hard drive activity LEDs.

This functionality is crucial for the user experience, providing an accessible way to control the computer and receive visual feedback on its status. For instance, the power button allows the user to turn the computer on and off, while LEDs indicate whether the system is currently powered on or if there is disk activity.

The other options focus on specific components rather than the overall scope of what front panel connectors serve. Cooling fans are generally connected to different headers on the motherboard dedicated to thermal management, the power supply connects to various components within the system using different types of connectors like SATA or Molex, and storage devices are connected through data interfaces such as SATA or NVMe, rather than front panel connections. Thus, the connectivity of control buttons and LEDs is the primary role of front panel connectors.