USB 3.0 Header...only one USB 3.0 port working

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Josh Satto

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Dec 20, 2014
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10,510
I have the MSI Z97 G-45 motherboard inside the NZXT H440.

So, basically all the USB port work...accept for one. On the front panel, there are 4 ports, two of them being USB 2 and the other two USB 3.

I plugged in my phone to try to charge it and one of the USB 3 ports does not give my phone a charge.

I can't figure out whats wrong. I'm looking at the USB 3.0 header and it looks perfectly fine. None of the pins on the MOBO are bent either.

I can't seem to pin (no pun intended) down the problem.

How can I test if it is dead? As apposed to not charging a device...?

Thanks.
 
Solution
Ubrales
I just remembered. Something similar happened on my recent build. One of the UBS3 ports did not work; the other worked. I lived with this for a while.

Then one day during routine computer cleaning (using compressed air) I noticed that the USB3 connector that plugged into the motherboard pins was not straight; it was skewed. I pushed it back in to make good contact (it did go in about 2 mm) and after that both front panel USB3 ports were functional.

Check this before you buy a new front panel head. Use all safety measures - unplug the computer from the power, wear an anti-static wrist strap, etc.
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Ubrales

Ubrales

Polypheme
Dec 3, 2009
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The port may not be putting out the required voltage and wattage to charge your device. This also applies to certain external hard disks that rely on the power from the USB port (no AC Adapter).

To test your USB port plug in a suitable USB device; like a USB flash drive.
 
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Josh Satto

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Dec 20, 2014
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Popped in a USB stick and still nothing...
 
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Ubrales

Ubrales

Polypheme
Dec 3, 2009
13,234
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61,465

This means that the USB controller on the motherboard is bad. Your option is to install a PCI USB card and then use the USB ports on it,

Here are some examples - http://www.newegg.com/Add-On-Cards/SubCategory/ID-73

The card you select depends on the PCI slots that you have available, and whether you want USB 2 or USB 3.
 
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J

Josh Satto

Honorable
Dec 20, 2014
17
0
10,510


It's bad even though one of the front 3.0 ports work?
 
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J

Josh Satto

Honorable
Dec 20, 2014
17
0
10,510


Okay. But all the USB 2.0 ports work and all the 3.0 ports work except one. So how can the controller be broken if one is working?
 
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Ubrales

Ubrales

Polypheme
Dec 3, 2009
13,234
8
61,465


If only one is not working, then it is a hardware problem with that port. It is possible that one of the insert molded pins is missing or defective. In this case you have two options:

Option 1 - Do nothing.

Option 2 - Replace the front panel head by buying a new head from the case manufacturer. (There is a lot of work involved in doing this. I did this because my eSATA port in the front panel did not work. That's why I chose to replace the head).

If you choose option 2, then view some videos on YouTube before you attempt it.
 
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Ubrales

Ubrales

Polypheme
Dec 3, 2009
13,234
8
61,465
I just remembered. Something similar happened on my recent build. One of the UBS3 ports did not work; the other worked. I lived with this for a while.

Then one day during routine computer cleaning (using compressed air) I noticed that the USB3 connector that plugged into the motherboard pins was not straight; it was skewed. I pushed it back in to make good contact (it did go in about 2 mm) and after that both front panel USB3 ports were functional.

Check this before you buy a new front panel head. Use all safety measures - unplug the computer from the power, wear an anti-static wrist strap, etc.
 
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