Highpoint RocketU 1144A USB 3.0 card with GA-55P-UDP4

[jimrb67]

I currently have several USB 3.0 devices that I use, but with just two onboard USB 3.0 ports I must manually swap out one device for another to use them.  I am considering trying the Highpoint USB 3.0 card with my GA-55P-UDP4 motherboard.  I use a single Sapphire ATI 5770 video card in my system.  It is my understanding that based on my available expansion slots, I must use the second PCIexpress 2.0 x16( slot for this card.  I know when using two video cards the bandwidth is reduced and the onboard USB 3.0 is negated.  My question is:  If I use the second slot for the Highpoint USB 3.0 expansion card and not for an additional video card, will it also reduce the onboard USB capability down to 2.0, and also, will the Highpoint USB 3.0 card work in this configuration at the USB 3.0 level?

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi jimrb67,  

Welcome to forum,

your motherboard is it ? Because you write : GA-55P_UDP4....

GA-P55-UDP4
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3160#ov

What is your Bios version?

Gloup_Gloup

[jimrb67]

Sorry for the mis-typing.  It's a GA-P55A-UDP4 (rev. 1.0) with a F8 Award Bios.

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi again,  

Okay cool.

Try install a new Bios version F10. EDIT01: F15 bios .

[/quote]
====================================
About Flash Bios
Normaly a End Key is for Flash a Bios. When the post appears.

...
Use a QFlash to reflash BIOS ( Never use @BIOS, because is not good orIt is not the best ..)

More help about How Do I Update My BIOS?  Read it, this is the best.
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,2441.0.html

But Before AND after Flash a BIOS...

I do not know if you've done that ... but I invite you to do so.

I suggest you apply the following instructions (quote from Dark Mantis) ...
===================================================

Hi
...

Try clearing the CMOS before installing the GPU. follow these instructions exactly.

Remove the power cable from the mains supply and then press the power switch on the case for a few seconds just to drain any residual energy in the PSU capacitors.

Once done remove the motherboard battery for at least one hour before replacing it.
 
Next plug back into the mains supply and boot.
 
You will now need to enter the BIOS by pressing DEL and load Optimised BIOS Defaults.

Make any other changes to the BIOS settings to suit your self like disabling the floppy drive, disabling the full screen logo and making the HDD the primary boot device and then press F10 to save and exit.

And during a Flashing BIOS...

Hi
...
Try using QFlash to update the BIOS to the latest version and make sure that youi disable the "Keep DMI Data" on the QFlash homepage.

Gloup_Gloup

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi jimbr67,  

Sorry for the mis-typing.  It's a GA-P55A-UDP4 (rev. 1.0) with a F8 Award Bios.

I have just a reCheck your mobo : GA-P55A-UDP4

okay, install a bios F15
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3239#bios

Gloup_Gloup

[jimrb67]

Your link took me to the Bios update for the GA-P55A-UD4 page and not the GA-P55A-UD4P page which is my motherboard.  I noticed that Gigabyte lists the F15 Bios update for the UD4, while a F14 Bios update is the latest one for my UD4P.  Is the F15 compatible with the UDP4 version?

[jimrb67]

Darn, I can't seem to avoid listing the UD4P as UDP4.  I seriously need to copy and paste that motherboard spelling.

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi again, 

okay, cool cool, so I verify reNew...

your motherboard is GA-P55A-UD4P (rev. 1.0)

http://www.gigabyte.fr/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3238#ov

Gloup_Gloup

[jimrb67]

Got a pretty bad cold and was out of commission for a few days.  I hope I can get some continued help.  I do appreciate it.

I've read the info on flashing the BIOS.  Before I do that though let me state that my system has been functioning very well for nearly two years.  Therefore, I wonder if it necessary to flash the BIOS for the purpose of using the HighPoint RocketU 1144A USB 3.0 card on the motherboard.  The first PCIx16 slot has had a working 5770 card in it since the system was built.  I've never flashed the BIOS before so, yes, I am a little leary.  Secondly, my current BIOS is F8 and the latest for my board is F14.  Is that too many steps between them to skip over F9-F13?  Would going directly to F14 be alright?

And lastly, whether the BIOS flashing is necessary or not, will the mentioned USB 3.0 add-on card work with the Gigabyte GA-55A-UD4P?  And if so, will there be any negative results, such as losing the 3.0 speed of the original two onboard USB 3.0 ports?

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi jimrb67, 

Is not a problem to go directly to F14 Bios.

Just apply a procedure like this link:
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,7689.msg60828.html#msg60828

Gloup_Gloup

[jimrb67]

Ok....The BIOS was flash updated to F14.  I was a little concerned when after it said it was "successful", it continued into a post error message.  I let it continue on and everything recycled and loaded normally.  Have rebooted again and had no posting error.

I see that one of the aspects of the BIOS update dealt with improved USB 3.0 compatibility.  Didn't see any notes on that though, so I don't know if that alone helps the issue at hand.  Now I'm left with the question of what will happen if I populate the second PCIx16 slot with the Highpoint RocketU 1144a USB 3.0 card.  Will it have any adverse affect on the onboard USB 3.0 ports (such as when you add a second video card, those USB 3.0 ports are reduced to USB 2.0).
I haven't purchased the card yet because I haven't been able to determine its effect.  I'm not looking to add a second video card, but I could surely use the four USB 3.0 ports at full available bandwidth the 1144A card is supposed to provide.  Any suggestions?

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi jimrb67, 

I prefer to let someone else answer for you.
I do not want to cause problems hardware or software.

Thank you for your patience.

While waiting, I wish you a pleasant holiday season.

Gloup_Gloup

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

Yes it doesn't matter what card you populate the second PCIE slot with it will have the same effect on the primary slot.

In future it is better to not jump so far on a single BIOS update. It would have been better to have made a couple of steps to reach the final version.

Now I am not 100% sure about this but I would have expected the Highpoint card to have worked fine at USB3.0 spec as there wouldn't be much point to it otherwise. The onboard USB3.0 is one thing but a dedicated card is another.