USB freezing system on new PC (and other USB issues)

[Nyro46]

So I built a PC (it was my first build) a few months ago. It's a Windows 10 system. It's been fine for the most part, running fast and everything, but I've had one problem with it that seems to maybe be getting worse, and that's mainly with the USBs. A couple times now, seemingly randomly, when a USB gets plugged in, it causes the entire computer to freeze (and none of the USB ports to work) and I'm forced to hard reset the computer, which I don't really like doing as it can cause data corruption. Specifically what has happened is once it happened when plugging an Xbox 360 controller into a 2.0 slot on the front panel, and my keyboard reconnecting to a 3.0 port on the back (the wire on my keyboard got a bit bent so occasionally it disconnects and reconnects . . . at least, I think that's why it does that, unless it's just another USB problem). Also, the Xbox controller absolutely does not work on any of the 3.0 ports, I don't know if this has to do with the ports or the controller itself, but it might be worth noting. (It turns on then immediately turns off upon being plugged in).

I don't know if this is related to the problem or not, but sometimes the computer is still semi-on even when it's been shut off. Like, sometimes the USB ports will still have power running to them (my mouse RGB lights will turn on while the computer is shut off) and sometimes the memory stick RGB lights will randomly be on while the computer is off (but none of the other RGB lights will turn on, only the memory sticks). Maybe this happens with computers normally, idk because this is the first desktop computer I've owned myself. But I'm wondering if the issue might be related to the power supply, or if it's separate from the freezing USB problem. (I can live with the RGB lights occasionally being on while shut off, but the freezing needs to go).

My PC is in a Phantex Enthoo pro chassis, the motherboard is Gigabyte Aorus Pro Wifi (mainly the only reason I use this motherboard was because I needed wifi on a desktop . . .) and the power supply is an EVGA Bronze 500 W 80+. If any other specs are needed just ask and I can say. IDK if anyone here will really know but I don't know where else to ask lol.

 

[Kellan Meig'h]

I would update all motherboard drivers, the BIOS to the newest rev and certainly that USB driver, especially if it's a USB 3.0 machine. The USB ports being hot when the system is off isn't right. Off means off, not just sorta off. If the drivers don't cure that, you have a defective MoBo.

To be honest, I never had good service out of a Gigabyte MoBo. Also, I prefer a wifi card over onboard wifi. I think they perform better overall and the makers of wifi cards tend to update the drivers often.

 

[Nyro46]

I would update all motherboard drivers, the BIOS to the newest rev and certainly that USB driver, especially if it's a USB 3.0 machine. The USB ports being hot when the system is off isn't right. Off means off, not just sorta off. If the drivers don't cure that, you have a defective MoBo.

To be honest, I never had good service out of a Gigabyte MoBo. Also, I prefer a wifi card over onboard wifi. I think they perform better overall and the makers of wifi cards tend to update the drivers often.

I think the BIOS are at the newest version but I'll double check on that as well as to update the drivers. Though funnily enough you say that about the wifi, because the wifi on my desktop seems to want to suddenly not work today of all days, so this is going to be fun :'D Honestly I think I will probably need to get a new MoBo at this point. I was a bit iffy getting a Gigabyte in the first place, but at the time I couldn't find any other MoBo with wifi that was in stock. I'll definitely look into getting a wifi card instead if that's the case.

Edit: Actually the wifi wasn't working because I wasn't even connected to my network lol

 

[Mambi]

So I built a PC (it was my first build) a few months ago. It's a Windows 10 system. It's been fine for the most part, running fast and everything, but I've had one problem with it that seems to maybe be getting worse, and that's mainly with the USBs. A couple times now, seemingly randomly, when a USB gets plugged in, it causes the entire computer to freeze (and none of the USB ports to work) and I'm forced to hard reset the computer, which I don't really like doing as it can cause data corruption. Specifically what has happened is once it happened when plugging an Xbox 360 controller into a 2.0 slot on the front panel, and my keyboard reconnecting to a 3.0 port on the back (the wire on my keyboard got a bit bent so occasionally it disconnects and reconnects . . . at least, I think that's why it does that, unless it's just another USB problem). Also, the Xbox controller absolutely does not work on any of the 3.0 ports, I don't know if this has to do with the ports or the controller itself, but it might be worth noting. (It turns on then immediately turns off upon being plugged in).

I don't know if this is related to the problem or not, but sometimes the computer is still semi-on even when it's been shut off. Like, sometimes the USB ports will still have power running to them (my mouse RGB lights will turn on while the computer is shut off) and sometimes the memory stick RGB lights will randomly be on while the computer is off (but none of the other RGB lights will turn on, only the memory sticks). Maybe this happens with computers normally, idk because this is the first desktop computer I've owned myself. But I'm wondering if the issue might be related to the power supply, or if it's separate from the freezing USB problem. (I can live with the RGB lights occasionally being on while shut off, but the freezing needs to go).

My PC is in a Phantex Enthoo pro chassis, the motherboard is Gigabyte Aorus Pro Wifi (mainly the only reason I use this motherboard was because I needed wifi on a desktop . . .) and the power supply is an EVGA Bronze 500 W 80+. If any other specs are needed just ask and I can say. IDK if anyone here will really know but I don't know where else to ask lol.

What graphic card are you running and how many hard drives and fans? With the supply being only 500W, one possibility is you might just be pushing the limits of one of the power rails...triggering a crash.

 

[Nyro46]

What graphic card are you running and how many hard drives and fans? With the supply being only 500W, one possibility is you might just be pushing the limits of one of the power rails...triggering a crash.

My graphics card is an MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Direct x 12 6GB. I'm running off one SSD (a 1TB Samsung) and one heat sink fan (a Cooler Master Hyper 212). The chassis itself also has two fans (one on the rear and one at the front). I remember when I did the build on PC parts picker it said it would be about 300 W unless this is not entirely accurate or maybe a 500 W power supply still is too low?

 

[Kellan Meig'h]

My graphics card is an MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Direct x 12 6GB. I'm running off one SSD (a 1TB Samsung) and one heat sink fan (a Cooler Master Hyper 212). The chassis itself also has two fans (one on the rear and one at the front). I remember when I did the build on PC parts picker it said it would be about 300 W unless this is not entirely accurate or maybe a 500 W power supply still is too low?

Well . . . only having 500w of power might be the issue but you're not spinning up multiple ginormous Seagate IDE hdd's to drag down the system. I always allocate 100w for the mobo, 150w (or more) for the CPU, whatever the fans call out plus fifty percent plus double the GPU and any other cards (sound, wifi, modem, network) requirements. In essence, I cram the biggest PSU that will fit into the case, brand name only.

But yeah, that mobo is suspect. Try driver upgrades and be sure to download them and do the manual installation where you find and point the system to them.

Good luck and good hunting!

 

[Fallowfox]

I had a USB that used to freeze a departmental lectern computer.

Some USB sticks contain their own driver software and it is not always compatible with every machine.

 

[Nyro46]

Just a quick update on the situation - BIOS are updated to their latest version and all my drivers are up to date. However just encountered yet another seemingly USB-related freeze tonight. Also I just note that they are 3.1 USB ports, not 3.0, my bad. Not sure if it makes much of a difference though.

Anyway I've noticed that it seems to be whenever I get near the front panel when the system crashes. I thought the second crash from last time was caused by the keyboard randomly disconnecting for a second, however I remember it was when I was about to plug my phone into the computer. (Also I should have mentioned that when I had my phone plugged in after resetting my computer, my phone said it was charging but the battery was still dying. It wasn't charging at all, or else it wasn't getting enough power from the port). Anyway tonight it froze again when I was about to plug a USB in. I just barely grazed an external hard drive I had plugged into one of the 3.1 ports and then the computer froze. This time my keyboard was still lit up, also the RGB and fans still stay running inside the chassis when it freezes. I'm not really sure if it's only graphics related or if it's the entire system (haven't had music playing while it froze but might check that next time it happens) but I can't really see why the USB ports would affect the graphics anyway. I'm thinking it's something between either the MoBo or the power supply but I want to just make sure before I buy a replacement part and then it doesn't fix the problem.

 

[A Minty cheetah]

So does it freeze *exclusively* when you use the front panel USBs? As in the MoBo ones are okay? Also, have you ever used the front panel ones successfully?

I'm thinking it could be something to do with the front panel headers. Failing that, it sounds like a problem with the USB controller which would mean a new board.

 

[Nyro46]

So does it freeze *exclusively* when you use the front panel USBs? As in the MoBo ones are okay? Also, have you ever used the front panel ones successfully?

I'm thinking it could be something to do with the front panel headers. Failing that, it sounds like a problem with the USB controller which would mean a new board.

I'm not sure if it's only with the front panel or not, but so far yeah the crashes do seem to be when I do anything involving the front panel, but that might just because I use it more often than the back (the things I keep plugged into the back panel I leave there and don't really ever unplug). All of the USB ports (doesn't matter where or which type) are live while the system is off; my mouse light will stay on if I bump the mouse and it's plugged in, but other things I plug in will have the lights turn on for a moment but then turn off (like my keyboard lights stay off, and if I plug in the Xbox controller while the system is off, it turns on for a moment then turns off). I remember occasionally the wireless mouse USB dongle also would just not work, but the wire still did, but that might have something to do with the mouse instead (however it seems to have always worked completely fine on my old laptop and my Macbook). I had that plugged into the back. On top of that, I just remembered that my mouse doesn't seem to ever stop charging on the desktop, but did when I used to use it on my old laptop.

Also maybe it's worth noting that I do occasionally have an external Seagate HDD (1 TB) drive plugged in, if that would effect the power usage maybe. (It was definitely plugged in when the third crash occurred and was what was plugged into the front panel, can't remember if it was on the first two crashes though).

 

[Pomorek]

If I can put my 2 cents in... If this was a problem with insufficient power, you'd see it on other occasions than plugging an USB device.

I'd disconnect the front panel from the mobo and see if the crashes continue. The number one explanation for me would be a short circuit somewhere in the front panel.

Having the power on the USB ports while the PC is turned off is something I consider normal. I mean, mine keeps the devices charging and mouse powered etc. until I cut it off from the mains altogether.

Also, that bent keyboard cable... It looks like nothing, but I had an occasion where a random short circuit occuring for no good reason in a laptop keyboard was making the whole thing refuse to even boot up. Looked as if the laptop was broken for good, but changing the keyboard "magically" fixed it.

 

[A Minty cheetah]

I'm not sure if it's only with the front panel or not, but so far yeah the crashes do seem to be when I do anything involving the front panel, but that might just because I use it more often than the back (the things I keep plugged into the back panel I leave there and don't really ever unplug). All of the USB ports (doesn't matter where or which type) are live while the system is off; my mouse light will stay on if I bump the mouse and it's plugged in, but other things I plug in will have the lights turn on for a moment but then turn off (like my keyboard lights stay off, and if I plug in the Xbox controller while the system is off, it turns on for a moment then turns off). I remember occasionally the wireless mouse USB dongle also would just not work, but the wire still did, but that might have something to do with the mouse instead (however it seems to have always worked completely fine on my old laptop and my Macbook). I had that plugged into the back. On top of that, I just remembered that my mouse doesn't seem to ever stop charging on the desktop, but did when I used to use it on my old laptop.

Also maybe it's worth noting that I do occasionally have an external Seagate HDD (1 TB) drive plugged in, if that would effect the power usage maybe. (It was definitely plugged in when the third crash occurred and was what was plugged into the front panel, can't remember if it was on the first two crashes though).

It's not unusual for USBs to remain live when switched off - the XOne USBs do! It may vary between motherboards. The following may work, however:

Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose What Power Buttons Do > Activate Settings Currentlly Unavailable > scroll down to Shutdown Settings > disable Activate Fast Start.

I agree with @Pomorek : try unplugging the front panel headers from the MoBo, see if it helps. Also borrow a keyboard if you don't have a spare and see if that makes a difference too. Start simple with troubleshooting!

 

[Nyro46]

If I can put my 2 cents in... If this was a problem with insufficient power, you'd see it on other occasions than plugging an USB device.

I'd disconnect the front panel from the mobo and see if the crashes continue. The number one explanation for me would be a short circuit somewhere in the front panel.

Having the power on the USB ports while the PC is turned off is something I consider normal. I mean, mine keeps the devices charging and mouse powered etc. until I cut it off from the mains altogether.

Also, that bent keyboard cable... It looks like nothing, but I had an occasion where a random short circuit occuring for no good reason in a laptop keyboard was making the whole thing refuse to even boot up. Looked as if the laptop was broken for good, but changing the keyboard "magically" fixed it.

It's not unusual for USBs to remain live when switched off - the XOne USBs do! It may vary between motherboards. The following may work, however:

Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose What Power Buttons Do > Activate Settings Currentlly Unavailable > scroll down to Shutdown Settings > disable Activate Fast Start.

I agree with @Pomorek : try unplugging the front panel headers from the MoBo, see if it helps. Also borrow a keyboard if you don't have a spare and see if that makes a difference too. Start simple with troubleshooting!

Alright, so right now I have disconnected the front panel USBs (both the 3.0 and 2.0 ones). Actually, you might be right that it is a problem with the front panel, because I just tried plugging my Xbox controller into a back panel 3.0 slot (the same controller I said didn't work on 3.0, and only 2.0) and the controller didn't shut off this time. So I guess time will tell if I still have freezing problems now or not.

With the keyboard, well it was plugged into the front panel (USB 3.0 on the farthest left) when it somehow got bent. I actually have no idea how it got bent, I think I must have hit it with my knee or something but I didn't notice it until later. Not sure if that would have caused the circuit in the front panel to get screwy or not, especially in all of the USBs and not just the one? But yeah. I'll probably replace the keyboard at some point anyway (even if it isn't the cause of the freezing) because it's just a cheaper keyboard I bought for temporary use.

Also I went into the control panel and deactivated fast start - hopefully that works! Might have been why the RAM was occasionally on too (probably keeping the memory on to help the system boot up faster or something). I'd prefer the USBs/RAM not to be active on shut down since it's annoying having the RGB lights randomly going off while I'm trying to sleep lol.

If it does turn out to just be a front panel issue - there's probably a way to buy a replacement for the front panel, right? Or just buy a different front panel to install underneath? Also, on an unrelated note - what's the best way to clean out the dust inside the system? When I opened the chassis today I realized it could use a dusting but don't want to damage any parts.

 

[A Minty cheetah]

You could contact Phanteks to see if they could send one out. Failing that, make do with a powered USB hub plugged into the back to give easier access until you can afford a new case.

Best way to clean dust is with an air duster - just a can of compressed air!