USB hub, a/c powered. Recommendations please?


  1. martinlest
    Posts : 661
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit
       New #1

    USB hub, a/c powered. Recommendations please?


    Hi. I am having problems with USB devices freezing or not being powered at all through my USB ports. I have been looking for an a/c powered hub (USB 2.0 is fine) to power game controllers and the like (such as the Razer Tartarus/ Saitek X52) - they freeze up when I use them together via the PC's USB ports.

    But I can't seem to find one that's recommended. Nothing will ever get 100% 5* reviews of course, but comments (on amazon.co.uk) such as 'this device burnt out my motherboard', 'lasted six months then stopped working' and the like are not to be taken lightly! So any recommendations welcome.

    Thanks
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  3. RogerR
    Posts : 607
    7 x64 Ultimate
       New #2

    Only obliquely addressing your issue, but I've been through the same issues in the past and found out that it was really driver issues not a lack of 5V power. With a high-end rig like yours, I suspect you are solving the wrong problem - just my 2¢. Have you tried a typical cheapo powered USB block that runs off your PC?
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  4. strollin
    Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       New #3

    I have a number of powered hubs in use, some are 3-4 years old. Never had issues with then burning out mobos or anything like that. I don't have a particular brand I prefer, they all seem to be about the same to me.
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  6. martinlest
    Posts : 661
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Maybe I should just risk one from Amazon. I think I need an a/c, not bus-powered one to have any chance of resolving this..
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  7. fireberd
    Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       New #5

    Generally, its a bad idea to run devices such as game controllers from an external USB hub, whether powered or not.

    If they are hanging the PC using one of the slots on the motherboard I/O panel, they will probably do the same thing with the hub.

    I use powered hubs, they are mostly cheap e-bay products and they work OK. A higher priced Belkin powered hub didn't even make it through the warranty period, but I've had other problems with Belkin and no longer buy Belkin products.
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  8. martinlest
    Posts : 661
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #6

    Oh, so many opinions, few the same (from browsing forums!) :)

    Gone with this one anyway, which seems sound:

    Plugable USB 2.0 7-Port High Speed Hub with 15W Power Adapter UK and EU Mains (Terminus Technology FE2.1 Chipset. Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux support. Full USB 1.1 backwards and USB 3.0 forwards compatibility): Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

    Will post back over Christmas when I get chance to test it. Thanks....
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  10. martinlest
    Posts : 661
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    Bought a nice mains-powered hub, but the same problem remains. The devices don't freeze up the PC BTW, it's just the two USB devices (Saitek X52 flight controller and Razer Tartarus keypad) that freeze. If I unplug the X52 and then plug it back in, all is OK again for a while. As I said, I never had the issue with the Nostromo N52 I used before.

    Have emailed Razer again but looks like I';ll be going back to the N52...

    M
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