Power problem or faulty USB device?

camswinton

Member
Apr 13, 2003
38
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0
I have a new USB microphone that seems to be causing problems. Occasionally it won't be powered(or recognized) after a reboot. Frequently when this happens, the other device on the same USB controller doesn't work either. I currently have 6 (including microphone) USB devices plugged-in (2 printers, scanner, card-reader, palm dock, microphone).
Is it possible that my power-supply is maxed out? Would a powered USB hub fix that or would a new PS be the best choice? The other thing I'm considering is that the USB mic. is faulty (although it works fine when recognized).

My system in a nutshell: Intel 2.6c w/Abit IC7 MB, 2x512MB DDR, 2 HD's, CDRW, DVD, Antec 300w Smart Power PS (came w/case).
SpeedFan shows my voltages as follows:
+3.3V: 3.28V
+5V: 5.05V
+12V: 12.10V
Note, the system is otherwise rock solid.
I don't want to return the microphone as faulty if my problem is power related. Your help would be appreciated!
 

Dug

Diamond Member
Jun 6, 2000
3,469
6
81
Is this the usb port on the back of the computer or an add on or usb hub?

Try plugging in just the microphone into the back of the computer and see if this works.

Next try uninstalling your Palm software and then trying the mic. Palm software conflicts with so many other input devices it isn't even funny.

 

camswinton

Member
Apr 13, 2003
38
0
0
The microphone was plugged into one of the 6 USB ports on the back of my case (4 directly on MB and 2 on an expansion bracket that came w/the MB). I moved the microphone to one of the two USB ports in the front and it seems to be playing nice with everything at the moment.. The Palm software hasn't caused any problems thus far that I'm aware of (it's been working well for a month). Who knows... Any idea why simply moving it to another USB controller would make a difference? Hopefully it'll keep working.
 

Dug

Diamond Member
Jun 6, 2000
3,469
6
81
It sometimes has to do with IRQ assignments and it sometimes has to do with how the power is regulated through the usb ports. But if its working on another port then don't change anything.