M4600 Performance of USB 3.0

It is not hot, it runs at USB 2.0 speed with message something like "this device can perform faster on superspeed ..."

It works as USB 3.0 if a USB 3.0 powered hub is used.

 

I stumbled upon this thread by searching with Google, so sorry for my late reply.

Which driver version did you use? On my M4600 the latest driver from Dell is v2.0.30.0, A01.

The latest driver working with both chips is the v2.1.25.0: Renesas Electronics USB 3.0 driver version 2.1.25.0 for Intel Desktop Boards.

Even though the Dell Precision M4600 uses the Renesas uPD720200A USB 3.0 Host Controller chip and not the Renesas uPD720200 used in my Sony Vaio VPCF13, I would like to point you to my post concerning the issues I had with the USB 3.0 on the VPCF13: Renesas USB 3.0 Issues/Problems & Solutions (F13).

There are two options which you can try:

1. "USB 3.0 Host Controller Utility" ("nusb3utl.exe") installed with the driver package. You can find this application by default in the following folder: "c:\Program Files (x86)\Renesas Electronics\USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver\Application\". Try if checking the "Disable USB 3.0 power management functions" check box helps (I don’t remember if you need to reboot or not after changing this option).



2. Try to disable the "USB selective suspend setting" in the Power plan’s ‘Advanced Power Settings’. This option is enabled by default even in the ‘High Performance’ power plan. Normally this should be fine, but on other forums people reported problems when this option was enabled. For the steps to disable this option see the following post: How to Turn On or Off "USB Selective Suspend" for Idle USB Devices.

I hope one of these will help!

I don’t think the BIOS update package includes the Renesas firmware updates. They usually came in different updates.

To get the current firmware version, use the "USB 3.0 Host Controller Utility" ("nusb3utl.exe") mentioned above. My M4600 came with the latest firmware.
The latest firmware is v4.0.1.5.0.2, see the following links:

Renesas (NEC) USB 3.0 Firmware 4.0.1.5.0.2 - Only for µPD720200A

NEC/RENESAS USB3 Controller (uPD720200 & uPD720200a) Drivers Version 2.1.19.0 + Firmware Version 3.0.2.8.0.8 & 4.0.1.5.0.2 (Windows 32 & 64bits)

You see this message when the negotiated communication speed is lower than the reported maximum speed in the device descriptor:

Code:

    wSpeedsSupported:
      Device can operate at Full Speed (12Mbps)
      Device can operate at High Speed (480Mbps)
      [B]Device can operate at SuperSpeed (5Gbps)[/B]

There are several reasons for this, but one of the most common one is an imperfect electrical connection: device plug, host socket, or both. This is also sustained by the use of the L shaped adapter used to connect the USB flash stick, which offers a better chance to make it work.

 

Thx for the help, I will try it once i get the stick back from warranty claim next week.

 

The unit is back from Warranty, they replace me a new unit.

I did not do any change to the system, just unbox it and plug in. Have tried few times and it is now working at USB3 speed after plugging in directly to M4600.
Will try a few more times after shutting down / restarting and if the USB3 speed is stable, it could be the earlier stick has problem.



Update 30/09/2011
It is confirmed to work flawlessly now on M4600 after replacing the stick.