USB 3.0 dropout problems after BIOS update on Gigabyte P55A-UD4P

[jimrb67]

Well, after reading several posts on problems with USB 3.0 I'm not optimistic about finding a solution to my problem.  But here goes:

Had a fully functional USB 3.0 setup on a Gigabyte P55A-UD4P, but after a BIOS update to the latest BIOS (that seemed to go well), my USB 3.0 Lexar card reader's connection drops out and in intermittently.  Once it drops the connection it reconnects almost instantly, but it's not reliable when importing into Lightroom, or transferring files through explorer.  (The card reader worked absolutely fine before the updates)  Surprisingly the two external Samsung drives in Vantec Superspeed 3.0 enclosures still work fine with no dropouts when connected to either of the two 3.0 ports.  In addition to the BIOS update, I made sure to install the latest USB 3.0 driver which changed from a NEC one to a Renesas brand.

Several posts point to the same type of USB 3.0 problems with several different Gigabyte boards.  Some issues seem to be related to finicky NEC and Renesas drivers, possible faulty cables, IRQ conflicts, residual effects from previous drivers, and so on.  Of the posts I read I don't believe any one of the problems were resolved.  Although I have the latest BIOS, I am wondering if it would be advisable to go back to the previous version (am sort of leary of that though).  I haven't tried to replace the device's cable yet (couldn't exchange cable with external drives - different connection), so will have to buy one.  (Still, the current cable worked flawlessly before the BIOS update, so I'm not too optimistic on that).

The reason I updated the BIOS was because I have questions on the forum about adding the High Point USB 3.0 card, and was advised to update.  (I have not added that card, as yet and don't know if I will now) (Ironically, one of the BIOS update versions was to improve USB 3.0 compatibility)  It appears that USB 3.0 reliability will be an issue, possibly until INTEL finally supports it.  For myself and at least several others who have posted about their problems, it appears that no one has the answer or fix to this issue.

Does anyone have anything new on this issue? 

Gigabyte P55A-UD4P
I-7 860
8 gig ram

[jimrb67]

Running Windows 7 Professional

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi jimrb67, 

Welcome to forum,

What is your Rev of Motherboard?

Just for help you about a Revision of motherboard, see
how do I distinguish between the different revisions of the same model?
http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/faq-page.aspx?fid=864

Gloup_Gloup

[jimrb67]

Rev 1.0

Have since read many instances on many web forums with the same problem.  My two external drives are currently hooked up to the two onboard USB 3.0 ports with no apparent adverse effect.  However, the Lexar card reader still drops its connection with an immediate reconnection when I try it in the same ports.  It also works fine when plugged into a USB 2.0 port, but slower of course.

[jimrb67]

I have read where there are firmware/driver updates that are supposed to be more recent then the latest ones on Gigabytes site.  My Renesas USB 3.0 driver is 2.0.30.0 and the firmware version is 3021.  Some posters on other sites indicate there is a 3028, but I don't know if it actually exists for the GA-P55A-UD4P.

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi jimrb67,  

I have give a infos here
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,8019.msg63695.html#msg63695

But I continue here, in this post. Because is more clear to understand your situation.

Please continue here , in this Topic... Thanks...


So I check in the manual of your motherboard - mb_manual_ga-p55a-ud4(p)_v2.0_e.pdf :
http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-p55a-ud4%28p%29_v2.0_e.pdf

You have NEC D720200F1
http://www.pcstats.com/articleimages/201001/GBTGAP55AUD4P_d.jpg
http://documentation.renesas.com/doc/DocumentServer/S19784EJ2V0PB00.pdf

General infos for helper members:
http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/358875010/IC_UPD720200F1_DAK_UPD720200F1_UPD720200F_UPD720200_.jpg
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/485306895/_IC_UPD720200F1_DAK_A.jpg
http://detail.china.alibaba.com/buyer/offerdetail/963752052.html        ( 6000 yen equal 60 Euro for I pack of 1200 circuits)  
It's expensive to make (or to buy) a motherboard.  

I add a Block Diagram picture...

Running Windows 7 Professional

What is the type of Windows... x64 or X32bit ?

About install of Firmware:
===============
Normaly for install, he exist this procedure:

1. Disconnect all USB devices connected with the USB3.0 ports.
2. Execute "The file for update or change firmware".
3. Show the License Agreement. If you accept all the terms of the
preceding License Agreement, please select "I accept".
4. Show the precaustions. Please check all items.
5. Press "Update" or ''Install'' button.
6. After updating or install, let you restart the computer.
7. Confirm FW Version.
On the Start menu, click All Programs, RENESAS Electronics,
USB3.0 Host Controller Driver, and then USB3.0 Hsot Controller Utility.
8. Show USB3.0 Host Controller Information. If "Firmware Version" is ''Number of version choose'',
you succeed in updating FW.

So read a Release Note or Readme Note about your version of Firmware


About Amperage in USB3.0 :
=================
Extract :
Standard USB 2.0 ports are limited to 500mA maximum load, and the USB 3.0 specification increases this to 900mA. On the Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4P motherboard both of these values are increased, so more devices or things like external hard drives can be powered by the USB ports alone.

USB2.0 power levels increase from 500mA to 1500mA, and USB 3.0 power levels are bumped up from 900mA to a maximum 2700mA. This isn't going to change the performance of any USB device, but it will stop some especially power hungry things like external 2.5 inch hard drive enclosures from conking out unexpectedly and increase overall system stability if you use a lot of USB devices (and who doesn't?).

Source : http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2495

Other note:
When dual graphics cards are used in 1st and 2nd PCIex16 slots, SATA3 / USB 3.0 (Marvell 9128 /NEC USB 3.0 Controllers) will work at normal mode.

Other infos (for understands general situation about USB3 :
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,7428.msg58773.html#msg58773

Gloup_Gloup