Odd issue with F120 + AHCI + USB Hub(?)

[xtremis]

I just wanted to share an odd problem with an F120.

 

My system was hanging on boot (before BIOS splash screen), after I've installed and enabled AHCI on my F120.

 

For a couple of times, I've powered the system on and off, trying to make it boot properly. Eventually, it would pick up, but not after quite some power cycles.

 

I've tried to "troubleshoot" this issue a bit, and I unplugged my Sitecom USB Hub (with external power). I've tried leaving it on, with no power, but the system would still "lock up". Only after I unplug the USB cable between the hub and the computer, I was able to boot properly each and every time.

 

I have these connected to the hub:

 

- XBox 360 Controller;

- Logitech USB Headset (with microphone)

- plain Microsoft Mouse

 

I've only noticed this after enabling AHCI (I had the disk in IDE mode for a while before changing it), so my guess is that AHCI is, in some way, "colliding" with one of the peripherals or the hub itself (I haven't tried to unplug the stuff one by one).

 

I'm just sharing this as there might be other people having similar problems and the whole "unplug the USB stuff" might seem unexpected (it sure was to me, I was blaming my MB for the whole issue :laughing:).

 

If anyone is interested, I can test it more, to try to isolate which component is messing things up.

 

Cheers!

[Yellowbeard]

It may not matter but, update your F120 to firmware 2.0 if it does not already have it.

[RAM GUY]

You will want to take that up with the MB maker and see if there is a BIOS update that will over come that, but you can always just leave it in IDE mode if that works. I would suggest updating the SSD Firmware if you have not done so.

[xtremis]

Thanks guys :) I was sharing, more than complaining, as I got the "workaround" :)

 

Regarding my MB, I already have the latest BIOS on it... It's a good old Asus, back from 2007 or something :)

 

About the firmware on the SSD, I have version 1.1, but the update tool won't see my drive (even in "admin mode")... Could this be somewhat related to the mysterious AHCI+USB problem?

[RAM GUY]

You will have to run the update in AHCI Mode, I would image it to a spinning HDD and then install as a second HDD and if it still will not detect then secure erase it with parted magic or try it on another system if you can.

[xtremis]

Thanks, I'm thinking about re-imaging the SSD with Acronis, because of the alignment issues :)

 

About the connection on another system, can I do it over one of those SATA-to-USB devices, or should I plug the SDD straight into the SATA bus (as a secondary drive)?

[RAM GUY]

You can try it that way, but I think its best if its connected to the S-ATA Port.

[xtremis]

Ok, some updates.

 

I've found the "culprit" of my boot problem: when I unplug the Xbox 360 controller, the system boots just fine, with or without usb hub!

 

I haven't tried the firmware update again, as I've been messing around the partition alignment (on another thread).

 

Thanks for the help! :)

[RAM GUY]

NP Please let us know if you have any more questions!