Gigabyte Boasts its USB Ports are Great for iPad
Got an iPad that refuses to charge even while it's plugged into your PC? Gigabyte has the answer for you.
When the iPad released, many new owners who were used to how their iPhones or iPod Touches worked when plugged into a computer's USB port were surprised that the Apple tablet wouldn't charge if it was still in use.
Apple's knowledge base article clarifies that the iPad might not charge while plugged into a USB port because it's not able to supply enough juice to charge the battery and to power the iPad in operation. The exception to that is new Macs that can turn its ports into high-powered ones when in need and now certain Gigabyte motherboards with a new driver.
Gigabyte was proud to announce (and show off in the video below) that its full range of Intel chipset-based X58, P55, H55, H57 as well as current and upcoming AMD 800 chipset series motherboards all allow charging of the iPad both while the device is in use and not in use.
The motherboard company detailed in its press release:
Recent industry and news reports indicate that USB ports on most Windows PCs are unable to provide enough power to charge the new iPad while the device is in operation due to differences between motherboard USB power output and the device’s charging specifications. However, Gigabyte’s unique USB power design is able to deliver extra power for devices that require more than the 500mA delivered from a traditional USB port. With a simple On/Off Charge driver update which can be found on the Gigabyte website, Gigabyte motherboard users are able to take full advantage of USB charging of their iPad, giving them more options and convenience when recharging their new device.
Download the On/Off Charge driver here.
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How about ASUS, EVGA,et al?
That's wahts up with all those 3x usb power logos on the boxes....
I wonder if this will extend to other things that either need more power or charging as well.
Can you use one of those cables that takes extra power from another USB port? Wouldn't that supply the required current to charge and operate at the same time?
Something like this? http://www.usbfever.com/index_epro [...] cts_id=236
I have used them before, most recently with an external 3 1/2" drive.
and your P55 itx mobo is where???
I have used Gigabyte on my last two builds and really like them.
u mean i should change my mobo because i have a stupid iPad that won't charge while in use or not? I don't think so!
i have no intentions of spending a big wad of cash on an upgrade just so i can charge my ipad with USB, my 10W power cable works just fine.
Yes, it can charge an iPad.
A good external USB hub (with its own power adapter) will fix the problem too - there are plenty of devices that need more juice than the standard ports provide.
I wonder if this will extend to other things that either need more power or charging as well.
Yeah it would be nice to charge my nano while listening to it.
I've long said that increasing the power that is supplied through USB is as important, if not more so than increasing bandwidth.
as much as i like gigabyte products, this is just some marketing bs to me
Another reason iPad sucks.
Its not marketing BS. The ports with 3x power actually switch from 500ma of power to 1500ma of power per port.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10708
USB Y-Cable. Solves the problem for $3.20.
Glad I got the Gigabyte USB3 board
I have run more power from Asus boards as well, even from my laptop. To be honest, EVERY Asus board I had could power a 2000ma laptop drive. My old P35 DS3R would NOT. But my X58A UD5 sure does. My Samsung screen's usb ports seem to run anything.
This is all without a driver.
I own a GA-X58A-UD3R, and it's a great board. Like builderbobftw said, I now understand the full implication of the 3x USB power sticker.
I do notice that I'm able to power some laptop drives on my gigabyte that other computers won't too. So, I don't need another cable to connect my drive to the PC. It's just another incentive to buy a Gigabyte board. Of course you can spend $3 and get a Y cable, but this makes it simple. It's a useful little feature.
I find it really stupid that the manufacturers gave USB only 500mA. Why not give it at least 2 or little more amps? Have to use that Y cable every time, and on some computers/laptops even that is not enough...
Current is measured by an ammeter, and the units, are you say in the video, are in amps, or more precisely, amperes. Power, on the other hand, is usually expressed in watts. Otherwise very nice...
too bad the iPad isn't good for anything
My USB ports are great for plugging in mice, keyboards and webcams.
Current is measured by an ammeter, and the units, are you say in the video, are in amps, or more precisely, amperes. Power, on the other hand, is usually expressed in watts. Otherwise very nice...
Volts X Current(Amps) = Wattage anyway
So
5 x 0.5 = 2.5 watts - Normal USB
5 x 1.25 = 6.25 watts - Ipad's power requirements
Just posting this for those who want a "Watt" number.
I thought USB had a universal power specification?
Guess I was wrong.
Anybody actually gotten this working? tried every different port on my GA-UD6, with the driver installed, and no joy so far.
Can you use one of those cables that takes extra power from another USB port? Wouldn't that supply the required current to charge and operate at the same time?Something like this? http://www.usbfever.com/index_epro [...] cts_id=236I have used them before, most recently with an external 3 1/2" drive.
No, because two USB ports would supply 0.5 + 0.5 = 1A maximum, but as this video shows, the iPad needs 1.25A. So you have three options:
1. Plug into three USB ports at once
2. Use the Gigabyte motherboards with high-power USB ports
3. Use the normal y-lead you describe in your post to connect to two USBs at once and somehow hack the iPad to charge at a reduced rate from two ports (since one port is barely enough to keep it running, two ports should run it and charge it slowly, and three ports would be enough to run it and charge it at full speed)