Is it worth to buy an AC-Powered USB Hub?

Hi again guys

Well, I'm starting to replace some lagacy hardware, since some of it won't work even on a VM... I started with my old webcam (the Logitech oldie XD) that was inherited to my mom's PC (that uses Windows 2000, she's so happy with it XD)... then I bought lil' but nice webcam, which is generic I guess (Just supported by some site called PixArt.com.tw... with model PAC7302) has integrated microphone and goes pretty nice... except for one thing...

Whenever I try to use it with Arcsoft Webcam Companion 3 with the microphone that is integrated with the cam, a message pops out telling me that USB bandwitdh was exceeded, looking at the advice, seems that my keyboard uses 3% (a wired 600 USB keyboard from Microsoft) the video camera uses 70% and adding audion from it adds another 8%... with the 10% alocated by the system gives 91% (still has bandwitdh... but meh...) I tried many solutions including reintalling drivers, but still have this issue.

Reading over google, I found that this can be either a power issue (USB not giving enough power for this thus giving this message) or that my four USB ports use the same hub to give bandwitdh, thus not allowing me to use the camera's microphone...

My best workaround by now was to use my other mic integrated to my monitor, wich is an standard mic (no USB), but sounds awful XD...

Wondering if this has something to do with power or bandwidth, I'm thinking on purchasing an AC-Powred USB hub (with its own "power supply")... but here comes my question: If I connect this to my rear USB ports (whichever...) will this thing get its own bandwidth regardless of the current my USB's are using currently?

My mobo is a PC Chips A13G+ v3.0, has 4 USB in the rear panel... and nothing else (I couldn't find replacements to connect the frontal USB ports ) and seing the device mannager in the USB part gives what you see in the pic I attach... (Sorry, spanish, but I leave a translation below)

I would like to know exactly which are this devices that are listed specifically, since, in my laptop I got more than one or two of this... for example:
- Root USB hub (Concentrador de Raíz USB) Is this the main USB controller? some say that if there are two, then one uses USB 2.0 and the other 1.1... is that true?
it seems so since my Flash USB stcks are only recognized in one of this things... and all are USB 2.0
- Enhaced PCI to USB host controller (Controlador de host de PCI a USB Mejorado)... Which one is this? Here it has 20% of bandwidth reserved for system and nothing connected to it, in my laptop, has attached the integrated webcamera...
- Standard USB OpenHCD host controller (Controladora de host USB OpenHCD estandar)... here I find whichever device is connected to my USB ports... my keyboard, the camera... but the flash USB sticks...

Ignore the USB composite device (dispositivo compuesto USB) and the Generic USB Hub... this last is a self powered hub that I rarely use... and the first in my Microsoft keyboard.

I'm really confused with this :S

Thanks in advance for your help guys

See ya!!!

One of the first things to do there would be plugging the usb keyboard directly into a port on the rear of the case on the main board itself. Most keyboards especially any illuminated models will tend to pull heavier then other usb devices.

As for a small 4 port usb 2.0 hub I've been finding out one made by CyberPower initially found in a retail chain has been quite reliable for a number of other devices including usb flash drives, web cams, usb head sets, usb mics, etc. that won't break the bank! The prices will be different wherever you find one however running up from $18- upto and even over $30-US depending where you can order from.

You can see what this looks like at CyberPower USB Hub 4-Port 2.0 with AC Adapter - 4 x 4-pin Type A Female USB 2.0 USB USB (Upstream) - External CPH420P - Product and Price Information at NextDayPC

A shopping site like amazon.com will often see various prices running higher depending on the vendor. Amazon.com: NEW CyberPower USB Hub 4-Port 2.0 with AC Adapter (CPH420P ): Computers & Accessories

CyberPower also offers a larger 7 port model seen at newegg for $30US. NeweggBusiness - CyberPower CP-H720P High-speed Hub

I wouldn't advise charging cameras or cell phones regularly when plugged into a hub however. The better option for charging when not using the ac charging adapter for any hand helds is plugging into a port directly or only temporarily charging by usb only being the best move! The charging tends to warm things up!

Night Hawk said:

One of the first things to do there would be plugging the usb keyboard directly into a port on the rear of the case on the main board itself. Most keyboards especially any illuminated models will tend to pull heavier then other usb devices.

As for a small 4 port usb 2.0 hub I've been finding out one made by CyberPower initially found in a retail chain has been quite reliable for a number of other devices including usb flash drives, web cams, usb head sets, usb mics, etc. that won't break the bank! The prices will be different wherever you find one however running up from $18- upto and even over $30-US depending where you can order from.

You can see what this looks like at CyberPower USB Hub 4-Port 2.0 with AC Adapter - 4 x 4-pin Type A Female USB 2.0 USB USB (Upstream) - External CPH420P - Product and Price Information at NextDayPC

A shopping site like amazon.com will often see various prices running higher depending on the vendor. Amazon.com: NEW CyberPower USB Hub 4-Port 2.0 with AC Adapter (CPH420P ): Computers & Accessories

CyberPower also offers a larger 7 port model seen at newegg for $30US. NeweggBusiness - CyberPower CP-H720P High-speed Hub

I wouldn't advise charging cameras or cell phones regularly when plugged into a hub however. The better option for charging when not using the ac charging adapter for any hand helds is plugging into a port directly or only temporarily charging by usb only being the best move! The charging tends to warm things up!

Well, the keyboard is actually attached to the rear panel in the mobo, It always was connected that way :P... this keyboard specifically is a simple one: Microsoft Keyboard: Wired Keyboard 600 | Microsoft Hardware

Also, I never use USB ports to charge other devices, I think that it is sometimes not as reliable as using the cell phone own charger... XD.

I will look fowd to that USB hub you mention, looks nice so far... Do you think this one will solve my bandwitdh issues?

See ya!!!

Either includes it's own ac adapter rather then drawing on a port. That can help at times when a device pulls heavier then what a non self powered hub will provide.

An ac adapter being present maintains the current level you would need for each device with the exception of items that do need to be plugged into a port directly. When finding that one brand keyboard had a defect from the start not known about until building the present case and then needing to plug in a second PS/2 rollaway keyboard just to enter the bios I ran across another older model MS Reclusa keyboard with the illuminate keys. Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard

The model you there wouldn't be any concern since that is a basic model while the other gaming/media style keyboard would not light up by way of a PS/2 adapter or even work when plugged into a self powered hub! The Reclusa on the other hand simply wouldn't light up in order to illuminate the keys.

As for charging items I just wanted to indicate the kind of problems that can come up on you. One side of the hub i have here gave out since I would leave the cell phone on while plugged in for a quick charge in case any calls or messages came in.

Other then that the replacement hub is still sitting in the retail package unopened for the time being to see how long the other two ports last or when finally deciding to toss the one in use. Generally the old one here has been reliable for the last 3yrs. or so.

So you recomend those hubs to avoid bandwitdh issues? If so I'll look forward to buy it... I hope I can find it on Mexico... or else I'll see if I can actually buy it online on those sites :)

See ya!!!

When a hub is self powered you wouldn't be drawing on the port so much since the ac adapter is there to maintain the current level. Just remember the maximum number of devices on any USB 2.0 port is 4! Don't try plugging a second hub into the first just to add even more on since that won't work.

The idea of a 7 port hub allows you to plug in more devices while only allowing 4 to be drawing current simply making that a convenience rather then plugging and unplugging several devices. The CyberPower 4 port model there is usually a better priced hub over paying $20US or more for other makes like a SIIG 4 port model.

You will need to see who will ship out to you unless you find a regional vendor to go through. That particular hub has a blue led to show it is plugged in and has power and an amber colored led for each port that lights up once you plug something in.

Well, then I'll look forward to the 4 port version, looks fair and enough.

Thanks for your help man

See ya!!!

Hope the one you do end up with is a good one! For the lower price range the 4 port I pointed to as so far been a reilable tool while others.... were not so good.

The only problem now with the one still plugged in was simply plugging a phone into and apparent one side gave out since the repeat charging wasn't a good idea. That knocked out two of the 4 ports in the process. Other then that mishap the other two still seem to be going strong however.