WARNING: Don't get a X99 motherboard!

[mig29movt]

I have my 3rd X99 chipset motherboard now and this chipset just has massive USB problems.

First I had a Gigabyte GA-X99 Gaming 7 WIFI (two of them) and now I have an ASUS X99-WS/IPMI.

 

The issues stay the same:

-boot loop when using certain USB devices (I have an internal card reader)

-system instability

-being unable to handle USB 3.0 (depends on BIOS settings)

-absolutely no solution to come around (it all started in mid-2014)

 

I built my first system with the X99 chipset in December 2014, none of the BIOS firmwares fixed the issues, since one week I have the ASUS board (latest firmware) same problem.

You will find all sorts of threads around the Internet, describing things like "boot loop", "USB problems" etc.

 

TL;DR

 

If you are planning to build a new system DON'T get a X99 motherboard, it has various issues with USB devices.

[WinterH]

Thanks for the advice :).

 

-being unable to handle USB 3.0 (depends on BIOS settings)

 

Well, personally, I've come to pretty much hate USB 3.0. Since it came out, I've had 3 or 4 computers that had it including work laptops. I've had problems with all USB 3.0 ports, on all of them. Constant dropping of connection with whatever device etc. I have USB 3.0 external HDD, very fast on 3.0, but only worked reliably on USB 2.0 ports...

[cichlidfan]

Constant dropping of connection with whatever device etc. I have USB 3.0 external HDD, very fast on 3.0, but only worked reliably on USB 2.0 ports...

 

I have a machine (not x99) which acted just like that, until I upgraded from Win 8.1 to Win 10. All of the USB 3.0 problems have disappeared since then. Go figure.

 

My Surface Pro 4 w/dock has no USB 2 ports at all. So far no issues.

[WinterH]

Go figure my luck, across at least 3 different laptops, current one has been Win 8.1 and now 10, same :D. For the record, non of them are said mainboard.

[cichlidfan]

Go figure my luck, across at least 3 different laptops, current one has been Win 8.1 and now 10, same :D. For the record, non of them are said mainboard.

 

I know what you mean. I had tried everything and would have replaced the board, it's an ASUS Sabretooth X79, except I really didn't depend on the USB 3 ports for anything. Now I use them daily.

 

Sorry for the OT. This is an important topic, to me, since I will be building a new simpit machine this summer.

[SkateZilla]

Likely Driver issues w/ USB 3.0 Controller..

 

Eltron is known to have CRAPTASTIC drivers, along with ASMedia

[mig29movt]

For your information: I used both Win 7 and 10 (x64) and had the same issues.

Fidldling around with EHCI and XHCI handoff settings brings some improvements, but nevertheless sometimes you need up to 5 attempts to get the system running.

Mine keeps hanging either just after POST or during booting (Windows logo showing)

[outlawal2]

Likely Driver issues w/ USB 3.0 Controller..

 

Eltron is known to have CRAPTASTIC drivers, along with ASMedia

 

YEP

:thumbup:

[BitMaster]

I yet haven't had a X99 myself but had such problems throughout the existence of USB and foremost if the chip was non-Intel and/or a fairly new USB implementation. Both is the case in your scenario.

 

My Dell XPS wouldnt boot with my iPod plugged in, never got that fixed, not a biggy, but still..

 

My Asus G73 wont boot on any USB30 ( Sardu sticks etc.. ), only USB 20....

 

The USB30 on my G73 ( Fresco Logic ) is half the speed in RL to the NEC Chip in my P67 game rig ( 2012 ) when using a blistering fast kingston usb30 stick.....

 

My TS wont see BUTTON-4 of my TM Hotas every other occasion, forcing me to shut off cold and reboot to have TS see the Hotas again.....

 

 

I could go on with USB shortcomings for a day.... I hate USB, never did it's job right !

 

Hopefully USB-C will fix many of those, starting with that stupid cable...

[cichlidfan]

I have to agree that USB (Universally Stupid Bus :) ) strangeness has been around for a long time.

[slicker55]

I have my 3rd X99 chipset motherboard now and this chipset just has massive USB problems.

First I had a Gigabyte GA-X99 Gaming 7 WIFI (two of them) and now I have an ASUS X99-WS/IPMI.

 

The issues stay the same:

-boot loop when using certain USB devices (I have an internal card reader)

-system instability

-being unable to handle USB 3.0 (depends on BIOS settings)

-absolutely no solution to come around (it all started in mid-2014)

 

I built my first system with the X99 chipset in December 2014, none of the BIOS firmwares fixed the issues, since one week I have the ASUS board (latest firmware) same problem.

You will find all sorts of threads around the Internet, describing things like "boot loop", "USB problems" etc.

 

TL;DR

 

If you are planning to build a new system DON'T get a X99 motherboard, it has various issues with USB devices.

 

Couldn't agree with you more... I'm not completely happy with my Asus X-99 but at least I found a 'fix'...

 

[ame]

[/ame]

 

Hope it works for you guys also...

[Automan]

Have you ever tried updating the firmware of the USB 3.0 controller?

I have fixed an issue with my mobo just updating the latest renesas FW.

[BitMaster]

I had a simiar issue on my Mac with native Intel based USB30 a while back, as had all other Macs who had the same hardware and scenario.

 

USB3.0 uses the same frequency on the cable they said on the web and that causes the cable to pick up signals from BT and WLAN, which both use 2.4x GHz. I have multiple USB 30 drives, with and without AC/DC adapter, happened with all of them.

 

When I had no USB30 drive attached my mouse and keyboard never malfunctioned but with a harddrive attached AND data running across the cable my mouse ( Mac Mouse with BT ) and kb instantly had issues, like seconds of interrupted comm, sporadic mouse spikes, missing keys while yping (t).

 

They seem to have fixed it asI dont have that issue anymore. Hard to believe they could fix this with software only but apperently it worked.

 

It's sad to hear that just such super high priced X99 boards and matching CPU's give such a badly behaving end result. Glad I dont own one, I'd rip Asus phone off till they fix it.

 

The next Intel chipset is said to have USB-C natively built in. The story goes on...

 

 

 

Fix a hole with a fix that causes another hole....speaking of it....just getting my Retina #3 from Mac....after 3.5 years that aint bad. They screwed the Retina screen twice and still pay for fixing it, even that I had 1y warranty only. Not bad Apple !

 

Ask Asus if they are as kind as Apple 2.5y after warranty ends !

 

I'd throw that board in front of their feet and ask for a refund. Bad thing is the CPU that only fits 2011v3...that you cant give back, but with the board I am sure u can get a full refund if you just ask pwerfull enough and dont give up.

[BitMaster]

Have you ever tried updating the firmware of the USB 3.0 controller?

I have fixed an issue with my mobo just updating the latest renesas FW.

 

When I installed 10 on this now running Ubuntu Asus G73-JW laptop I also used the newest renesas driver and firmware to bypass a nasty freeze.

 

Add a 3.x card and disable onboard if that cures it, not elegant but may help stability.

 

Actually, to see if it is Windows/Mac OS driver related ( in my case it was, on Asus G73 and Mac too ) I suggest installing or just booting the newest Ubuntu 16.04 as it nicely supports USB 30 now, even the rensas chips.

 

If it works in Linux, it is only a software problem you can ask and hope to get fixed. If it still malunctions under linux you are back to square 1.

Edited May 11, 2016 by BitMaster

[Odinochka]

I have Asus X99 Deluxe, works fine. Had some boot problems at first but it was one of the overclocked memory modules problem.

[cichlidfan]

I am about to put together a new machine and between this issue and the Rift not being happy with certain USB chipsets/drivers I am pulling my hair out trying to pick out hardware. :cry:

[slicker55]

I have Asus X99 Deluxe, works fine. Had some boot problems at first but it was one of the overclocked memory modules problem.

 

Same here... constantly getting a 'overclock failed' message when shutting down the computer... resolved by removing the memory overclock in the BIOS

 

ASUS boards have served me well in the past but I will think very carefully before finally choosing my next motherboard.

[Nooch]

Coming from my own experience the brands I would go for are MSI and AsRock. They are the best overall and easiest to work with. Regarding Asus boards, they are not bad, they have great components and manufacturig quality but a horribly confusing BIOS (in my opinion) and their tech support... well... we all know how it is :cry:

 

I've heard EVGA boards are quite good but I can't comment on that since I've never had one myself.

 

The only big brand I would avoid no matter what is Gigabyte. Many of their boards have had major issues throughout the years.

[cichlidfan]

ASUS boards have served me well in the past but I will think very carefully before finally choosing my next motherboard.

 

There is the heart of my problem. I have not used anything but ASUS Mobos in many years.

[Nemax]

I use the ASrock Fatality X99X Killer motherboard. I do have some minor problems with it.

First when I start the PC it starts then shuts off only to start up again within 3 seconds, and it does this every time. Secondly sometimes I need to change the USB port on my K95 corsair keyboard to get it to work.

[Dudikoff]

I'm used to the Asus motherboards, but their initial releases can have BIOS issues which they iron out over time with updates.

[slicker55]

(Dudikoff)....and then they bring the next one out... hahahahahahahaha!

[f-18hornet]

I have my 3rd X99 chipset motherboard now and this chipset just has massive USB problems.

First I had a Gigabyte GA-X99 Gaming 7 WIFI (two of them) and now I have an ASUS X99-WS/IPMI.

 

The issues stay the same:

-boot loop when using certain USB devices (I have an internal card reader)

-system instability

-being unable to handle USB 3.0 (depends on BIOS settings)

-absolutely no solution to come around (it all started in mid-2014)

 

I built my first system with the X99 chipset in December 2014, none of the BIOS firmwares fixed the issues, since one week I have the ASUS board (latest firmware) same problem.

You will find all sorts of threads around the Internet, describing things like "boot loop", "USB problems" etc.

 

TL;DR

 

If you are planning to build a new system DON'T get a X99 motherboard, it has various issues with USB devices.

 

Does still X99 platform have the boot loop and USB problems?

[mig29movt]

Does still X99 platform have the boot loop and USB problems?

 

To me: yes, I've just downloaded the newest BIOS last week.

Didn't try the USB drivers for quite a while now.

[slicker55]

Hi Guys,

 

I also suffered the 'well-documentated' X-99 USB issues and found a solution by following the advice in this video:

 

 

Hope this helps you too :)