Computer reboots when I unplug a USB

BinaryChaos

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Jun 29, 2014
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I built a new PC yesterday, and it works wonders. However, today I noticed that when I plug in a USB drive (especially devices with a battery), my computer reboots. After some quick googling, it appears this is a common problem, often associated to short circuits between the case and the motherboard.

My problem however, is that there is no sign of contact between the Mobo and the case. Additionally, and unlike many threads I've seen online, this happens on both the front and rear USB ports, and exclusively when theg were plugged in (the PC runs fine if it only made contact with the port).

I've heard that Windows could be the cause, but all my drivers are up to date. The only solution I haven't tried is to reinstall W10, but I would like to avoid that if possible (It's a long process).

Here are the specs:

CPU: i7-5930K
GPU: Nvidia Geforce 980
MOBO: Asus X99 A II
Cooling: Corsair H110i
PSU: Corsair CX750M
Case: Corsair Obsidian 750D
OS: Windows 10 (Build 1511)

Any help would be great. I've seen plenty of threads about this issue for the front panel only, but my issue applies to both front and back panels.

I should also mention that I verified the Front I/O panel, and couldn't see loose connections, or metal parts touching the case (the wiring is wrapped in rubber).
 
Solution
It's the board's USB design along with the dry air in your residence. Carpeted floors? Stocking feet? Some boards have this issue more than others. USB components are subject to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)*. Some boards have better ESD prevention than others. I don't think there is yet a standard for ESD protection for USB. Either get used to touching ground before inserting/removing a USB device or try a different board.

* http://blog.premiumusb.com/2011/05/how-esd-affects-usb-flash-drives-and-computers/
Well if that's the cause.... It would be rather annoying to "touch" another part of the PC to remove static electricity before and after plugging in a USB drive. Surely there must be a permanent fix to this...

*Edit* it hasn't fixed the problem. Although it didn't reboot when I tried once or twice, it rebooted after the 3rd or fourth. Maybe it was just dumb luck, or maybe we're onto something. I can't tell yet.
 


If you find one, let me know....
 
If it happens with all USB ports, with multiple USB devices, you can't find any evidence of a short and you have ruled out static electricity, then I have to think there is something defective with your motherboard. Simply put, this shouldn't be happening, and there isn't much left to describe it.
 
Ok so today I tried to run the computer from outside the case, and the problem persisted. So my bet was on the motherboard. I brought the motherboard back to the store, which they exchanged for a new one. I install the new one, and surprise, surprise! The problem is still there. Once more, I tested on both the front and back ports, and the problem persists on both sides.

Could it possibly be related to the case or PSU? As mentioned previously, my PSU is 750W, which I believe is more than enough to power the rest of my build.
 
It's the board's USB design along with the dry air in your residence. Carpeted floors? Stocking feet? Some boards have this issue more than others. USB components are subject to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)*. Some boards have better ESD prevention than others. I don't think there is yet a standard for ESD protection for USB. Either get used to touching ground before inserting/removing a USB device or try a different board.

* http://blog.premiumusb.com/2011/05/how-esd-affects-usb-flash-drives-and-computers/
 
Solution