USB Ports

Has anybody else had an issue with the usb ports on the 8170 not being able to supply enough power to their devices? I have an old Xbox S controller that has an adapter to allow it to run off the usb port, but when I try to use it on this laptop it does not get detected at all. Sometimes I'll hear the little noise you get when you plug/unplug a usb device, and MAYBE it will show up in the device manager for like 2 seconds, but if it does then it immediately disappears. It's like it is not receiving enough power from the ports. I had a similar issue with an old HP laptop where the controller would work, but occasionally lose the connection due to power issues, especially while using other usb devices at the same time. However, my previous 15-inch Gateway powered it with no issues, even while other usb devices plugged in. I would think a laptop of this caliber would have no problems powering this thing. The controller is a USB 2.0 device, and I've tried ALL ports and combinations, even the USB 3.0 ports, and none of them work. I could always buy a hub or something but just wondering if anybody else has had an issue or experience with usb items that draw lots of power on this laptop.

 

I have been using a wireless Xbox 360 USB Controller in all USB ports as well as a USB hub that does not have its own power source. I have not had any problems at all and have also used a wireless PS2 Action Controller. You shoukd try another type of controller to see if that works or not. You should also consider updating your USB port firmware too. Buying a hub could make matters worse unless it has its own power source but you shouldn't have to resort to doing this for those reasons.

 

Oh wow, so you've used all of those devices with no issues. I guess it's possible that it could be controller, I was planning on getting a wireless 360 controller anyways. Now you said to try updating the USB port firmware, but I'm not sure exactly what you mean by that. I've installed the chipset drivers and the Renesas USB 3.0 driver, but I didn't realize that there were any firmware updates. I'm assuming by firmware that maybe you mean driver. Both of the drivers that I've installed were directly off the disc that came with the system, so maybe there is an updated driver out there? Or if it is a firmware update where exactly do I find it? Thanks.

 

@ TheGreatAnonymous

The USB firmware I was referring to was one I found in this thread. I installed two different files, one for the controller and one firmware, or you can download the exact same ones I used here. Some people said it fixed their issues while others say they still have problems.

Edit: You mentioned installing the Renesas USB 3.0 driver but since it was from the disk, it would have been an older version.

Edit:make sure you UNPLUG ANYTHING USB when you update the firmware otherwise it could ruin it.

 

Thanks for the links! OK, I've downloaded the files and have installed the updated Host Controller driver. Was about to do the firmware update but I'm getting a message from the installer that says: 'Caution, Please disconnect the device that is connected to USB3 Port.' Thing is I have nothing connected on any ports. Is this just some standard warning that it gives or is something wrong here? Don't want to click update without being sure...

 

I did not get a warning like that. In fact, I did not get any warnings at all so that is very strange. I guess try doing a reboot and checking again, very strange. If anything, it should only give you a general warning about removing all devices but since your warning is very specific, I would not go ahead until you can get rid of it or figure out what may be causing it.

 

on my usb 3.0 ports it was hit or miss. somethings would work, other times i'd have to restart the laptop with the device plugged in before it would recognize it.. might give that a shot

 

@LaptopNut

OK, tried restarting and still got the message. Even tried going into the device manager and disabling some items, and still no luck. Decided to go ahead and take a walk on the wild side and run the update anyway Got a message saying that it was successful. Computer seemed to hang at shutdown screen and had to press power button to shutdown, but everything still seems to be in working order. Opened up host controller utility and it now shows 3027 for firmware version. Still get nothing with the controller though, it's like it's not even plugged in. That is strange because I plugged it into my desktop and it works. Really wanted to get it working, but oh well, now I have an excuse to get the wireless 360 controller, and at least now everything is updated. Thanks for the help.

 

Yep, tried that too. The controller is a regular USB device so it should work on the normal 2.0 ports. It seems very strange for it to not even be detected.

 

As long as it is just the controller that is not working and not a hardware problem then it isn't so bad.

 

I know my re-seller sent me a bios that fixes USB 3.0 problems but this was on the NP8130. Do you have the lastest bios install?

 

I doubt it, haven't done any bios updates since I received it. Would a bios update have to come from my reseller? Also, how did you flash it? Was it done through Windows or did you have to do it from a usb stick or something? And is there a proven to work recovery method if it screws up somehow?

Is it possible this could be a hardware issue? I mean, all other devices that I've tried (iPhone, wireless keyboard + mouse, printer, external hard drive) all work flawlessly on all ports, even at the same time.

 

This thread has the latest drivers: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/573379-clevo-driver-thread.html

Latest USB3 Driver is 2.0.34.1

SONY/NEC/RENESAS Drivers & Firmwares

BIOS Updates and Instructions on how to flash it: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/416916-clevo-bios-thread.html

 

Just updated the BIOS. Haven't tried the controller again but when I hit F2 at boot it reports BIOS version as v1.01.02 and EC version as 1.00.03, which are the latest from the BIOS thread. Just curious, did anyone else notice a different boot logo after updating? Instead of the Sager logo it now shows 'Style Note'.

**EDIT** Nvm, just read through the BIOS thread postings and discovered that apparently the generic Clevo BIOS displays the StyleNote logo instead of the customized Sager one.