My front USB 3 port doesn't read USB 3 device, but reads USB 2 device

dino1989 · 26 Mar 2013

I have ASUS P8Z77 –V motherboard and the front USB 3.0 headers are not working when I plug in a USB 3.0 device. When I plugged in my Kingston USB 3.0 Flash Drive into the front USB 3.0 header it didn't work. As in, when I tried to move a file into the flash drive, the drive disappears and it makes that USB unplugged sound. But if I connect it to any back USB 3.0 ports, it works fine.

But, if I plug in my Scandisk USB 2.0 Flash drive into the front USB 3.0 ports, it works without any errors.

This only happens with USB 3.0 devices and it has to be connected to front USB 3.0 ports.
I have installed all the latest drivers and updated my BIOS to the latest one. I have checked if USB 3.0 is enabled in BIOS.

I asked to my friend to help me. He has AMD rig with ASUS M5a99X EVO motherboard, which has a front USB 3.0 header. We installed all AMD drivers for his rig updated everything, the front USB 3.0 ports worked fine. We manage to transfer all the files at full-speed on to the Kingston 3.0 flash drive without any errors, so I know it’s not my PC case’s USB 3.0 cable at fault.

Any help. Please note the front USB 3.0 ports work if I plug in a USB 2.0 device.

Saurabh A · 27 Mar 2013

Hi dino1989,

I checked the motherboard manual and it talks about only 2 USB 3.0 ports; appears that it offers 2 USB 3.0 port connectors at the back panel:

Please take a glance at the motherboard layout. Connectors highlighted (11) are 10-1 pin USB56, USB78 & USB910. These connectors are used for USB 2.0 ports (9 ports) at the rear panel. If the 2 USB ports in front are also connected to there, they may comply with USB 2.0 specification and would support upto 480 Mbps connection speed. (Tried but could not find anything in the manual that gives a clue about the source of the USB ports in the front).

However, you may go to 'Onboard Devices Configuration' and try setting 'USB 3.0 Controller' as [Enabled] in 'BIOS' to see if that gets the USB 3.0 ports functional in the front panel. This 'Enables / Disables' the USB 3.0 controller.

To access 'motherboard BIOS', you may want to refer to this manual: http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/...5A78L-USB3.pdf

Hope this helps. Do reply with the findings.

dino1989 · 27 Mar 2013

Thanks for the reply. But I no longer use M578L/USB3 Motherboard. Like I stated in my thread I have P8Z77 motherboard

carwiz · 27 Mar 2013

Verify that you are using a USB3 extension to front panel and that it's plugged into the USB3 header.

What PC case are you using? Did it come with the front ports and interconnect cable?

dino1989 · 27 Mar 2013

This is my case: CM 690 II Advanced Black & White Edition (USB 3.0)
CM 690 II Advanced Black & White Edition (USB 3.0) - Cooler Master - Leading Provider of Computer Case, Cooler, Power Supply, Laptop Cooling, Gaming Peripherals

Saurabh A · 27 Mar 2013

Hi dino1989,

Thank you for the reply.
Was stumped by the 'system configuration' detail; apologies for the miss.

As correctly suggested by 'carwiz', pleas ensure a valid physical connection:

Verify that you are using a USB3 extension to front panel and that it's plugged into the USB3 header.

@carwiz: thank you for the valuable inputs.

If the issue persists, you may also check 'BIOS settings':
- Ensure that the 'Legacy USB Support' is 'Enabled' (It enables the support for USB devices on legacy Operating systems). Ensure that 'USB 3.0' support is 'Enabled'
- Also go to 'Onboard Devices Configuration' and try setting 'ASmedia USB 3.0 Controller' as [Enabled] in 'BIOS'

You may find the motherboard manual useful: http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/...P8Z77-V_LK.pdf

Hope this helps.

mjf · 27 Mar 2013

Another possible explanation for problems is if the front header wiring provided by your case are long thin wires then you could have too much voltage drop (IxR). Some flash drives do consume more power than others (eg SanDisk). Can you try a mains powered USB3 HDD?