USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

User avatar
Cah
3StarLounger
Posts: 293
Joined: 26 Mar 2010, 10:53

USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by Cah »

I have an IO Data IGB USB3 portable hard drive. It works properly if I plug it into the USB3 ports on the back of my computer but when I plug it into the front it tends to die if I try to move/copy a large file. I'm guessing it's some kind of power issue but don't think I should have one. Case and Motherboard have USB3 and my power unit is 850 watts:

Asus P8Z77-V Pro Motherboard
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. 1504, 01/08/2012
Power: Corsair AX850
Case: Carbide Series® 500R White Mid-Tower Case: CC-9011013-WW

We have another PC with lower specs and that doesn't have a problem with the front USB3 port. Any thoughts on how to get it working? Thanks.

User avatar
Rus
StarLounger
Posts: 72
Joined: 27 Oct 2010, 16:49
Location: Just short of Heaven

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by Rus »

That is an easy fix, Always use the "back" ports. No more problems. :)

Also verify that the front ports use a different Host controller, it may be that it is defective or needs updating. Also verify that you have the latest driver(s) and BIOS from your MB manufacturer.

User avatar
Cah
3StarLounger
Posts: 293
Joined: 26 Mar 2010, 10:53

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by Cah »

Yes, except it's really difficult to get at those back ports - need to pick up and physically move the PC from under a desk. Should really be an alternative.. especially when a lower spec PC has no trouble with front ports.

User avatar
DaveA
GoldLounger
Posts: 2599
Joined: 24 Jan 2010, 15:26
Location: Olympia, WA

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by DaveA »

My new laptop has two USB 3 ports and 2 USB 2 ports.
Are you sure that ALL of your ports arts are USB3?

The USB 3 ports have a "Blue" bar while the USB 2 have a "Black" bar. The blue bar appears to also have contacts where the black does not.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
I am so far behind, I think I am First :evilgrin:
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

User avatar
PaulB
BronzeLounger
Posts: 1596
Joined: 26 Jan 2010, 20:28
Location: Ottawa ON

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by PaulB »

Strange... your two blue USB 3 ports appear to be different from each other.
Regards,
Paul

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts his sails.

User avatar
Leif
Administrator
Posts: 7192
Joined: 15 Jan 2010, 22:52
Location: Middle of England

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by Leif »

Cah wrote:Yes, except it's really difficult to get at those back ports - need to pick up and physically move the PC from under a desk. Should really be an alternative.. especially when a lower spec PC has no trouble with front ports.
I strongly recommend getting a USB extension lead then. Not only will it bring a 'back port' to the front, all wear and tear will be on the lead which can be easily replaced. I always use them back or front, simply because I find them easier to grab than a fixed port.
Leif

User avatar
Cah
3StarLounger
Posts: 293
Joined: 26 Mar 2010, 10:53

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by Cah »

Thanks, I know about the USB colour coding - I suppose it is possible that my USB3 is hooked up to the motherboard incorrectly. I tried using an extension from the back but the hard drive wouldn't work with it. I suspect because it is drawing power from the main PC and if the connection is longer it can't draw enough.

User avatar
DaveA
GoldLounger
Posts: 2599
Joined: 24 Jan 2010, 15:26
Location: Olympia, WA

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by DaveA »

Is it a USB 3 extension?
I am so far behind, I think I am First :evilgrin:
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

User avatar
Cah
3StarLounger
Posts: 293
Joined: 26 Mar 2010, 10:53

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by Cah »

I've tried both a hub and an extension - no joy.

User avatar
DaveA
GoldLounger
Posts: 2599
Joined: 24 Jan 2010, 15:26
Location: Olympia, WA

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by DaveA »

Cah wrote:I've tried both a hub and an extension - no joy.
You did NOT answer my question.
Are the hub and extension USB 3 devices?

If NOT, then when you use a USB 2 hub or extension, that port is NOW a USB 2 port and will not get the full function of the USB 3 connection.
I am so far behind, I think I am First :evilgrin:
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

User avatar
Cah
3StarLounger
Posts: 293
Joined: 26 Mar 2010, 10:53

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by Cah »

Dave - I thought you were focusing on the difference between a hub and an extension - of course they are USB3 devices. I keep USB3 and USB2 separate. I've now checked the hard drive with a 1.9 metre extension from the front port of our second less powerful computer and it worked, though a little less responsive than without the extension. We have a USB3 drive bay and will try putting that into the faster machine. If it fails then I think we must conclude that there is something wrong with the motherboard. Thanks.

Happy Christmas Day everyone!

User avatar
DaveA
GoldLounger
Posts: 2599
Joined: 24 Jan 2010, 15:26
Location: Olympia, WA

Re: USB3 Drive Problem connecting to Front Ports

Post by DaveA »

I guess I should NOT have used the word "device" .

Yes, I am focusing on the hub and cable, they also need to be USB 3.

We had the same problem when USB 2 come out. There were a LOT of the USB 1 cables and hubs that would NOT work with any USB 2 machines and devices.
I am so far behind, I think I am First :evilgrin:
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living