Is my mobo's USB controller flaky?

[PianoMan]

Okay, this problem has been kickin' my arse for a few months now.

Problem: plugging in any mass storage medium (USB drive, memory cards into integrated reader in monitor, digital camera/camcorders, etc.) causes Vista to seemingly freeze. Trying to bring up "My Computer"/Explorer locks up the computer, forcing a reset.

Found out later that when plugged in, a USB device makes 1 of the 4 CPU cores to hit 100% utilization. The service is "svchost" and is tied to a variety of processes. Starting Explorer or My Computer makes another core go to 100%. If I don't start Explorer/My Computer, I can use my PC as normal.

This is a fresh re-install of Vista(32) on a P5K-E Wifi-AP. I loaded up all the latest drivers, and updated the BIOS. It seems if I disable Legacy Support for USB, the problem is minimized, but doesn't go completely away.

Seaching online makes this look like a somewhat unique problem. I am now considering upgrading my motherboard to see if that fixes the problem. Anything else I should look at before doing so?

TIA.

 

[jandlecack]

So the problem has been occurring before your fresh install, as well? Then it seems to be a hardware issue indeed. At first I was thinking software error due to the svchost locking your PC up specifically, but at best it's a compatibility issue and at worst it's a faulty USB controller on your motherboard.

However, which ports exactly are you using? It obviously doesn't happen for input devices, so did you try to use those ports that you know are functional? Also, are you using the motherboards USB ports or a USB controller on/in your case that you've connected to your motherboard?

Trying to circle out the problem specifically would be a good idea before you can be sure what part is faulty here.

 

[PianoMan]

Great reply, jandle.

I reinstalled since I started having this problem all of a sudden. I thought it may have been a Windows update which caused the faults, but searching online doesn't really unearth much on my problem, so I doubt that's the case.

It's still going strong - but your question on which USB ports I'm using is a good one. I've only used the two front panel ports (via internal header), and the monitor card reader (which is routed to one of the six USB ports on the I/O panel). Let me try a USB card in the back a few times and see if it replicates.

 

[PianoMan]

Okay - I've noticed that right after a fresh boot the problem manifests itself. If the computer is on for awhile, there's a chance the USB drives work fine. It's also definitely isolated to any sort of mass storage device. My input devices work fine.

Also discovered it doesn't matter where I plug in the USB drive (front/back/card reader). Right after a fresh boot, the computer locks up.

Keep it coming! Tks!

 

[jandlecack]

Very strange behaviour. Because the problem is so specifically limited to mass storage devices, I don't think there's much you can try other than swapping motherboards and trying to pinpoint the problem to a component. I have a funny feeling it could be related to your PSU dropping the rail voltages at boot actually. Would be worth looking into.

Also, run a memory test to make sure it's not your RAM, just to be on the safe side. Prime95 Blend test or memtest86 are the obvious choices.

In any case, whichever spare parts you can get your hands on - motherboard, power supply, HDD or RAM - give it a shot. Looks to me like the only way to accurately identify the cause.

Edit: Also give it a shot when you're running absolutely everything at stock clocks and voltages. This is quite important when fault finding actually Specially in relation to your PSU dropping volts or amps.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: jandlecack
I have a funny feeling it could be related to your PSU dropping the rail voltages at boot actually. Would be worth looking into.

That might just be it. I had a very similar issue recently, in the month proceeding the trusty old OCZ Power Stream, in one of my rigs, going belly up.

I know some rant about how often the PSU is brought up during troubleshooting, but there is a reason for it.

 

[PianoMan]

Agreed - jandlecack has given me some great pointers at trying to pin this down.

However, some more not-so-good news:

1) MEMTEST 86+ (2.00) comes up with no errors (almost two complete passes on 4GB of memory).

2) I had a new PC P&C Silencer 750 standing by for an eventual graphics card update (which almost happened sooner than I expected - I forgot to connect the molex for my aftermarket GPU cooler on the 8800GT when I transplanted PSU's. It got awfully warm before I realized why the HSF LEDs weren't on). Card's still kicking, though *crosses finges*. In any case, my USB lockup problem still exhibits itself while the Silencer is connected.

I've got a spare Intel DG33TL MATX Mobo in storage - I'm about to pull that out and try a fresh install (again). Anything else I should try? This swap will be a weekend project (in and around the family obligations :heart: ).

Should I have to disable USB Legacy Support in the BIOS? I don't recall that having an effect, though.

Seems like my mobo's on the way out. I do appreciate the help thus far!