Front usb 3.0 port only running at 2.0 speed

[jn99]

I just replaced my case with one with SSD slots and a front USB 3.0 port to take advantage of the USB 3.0 header on my mb (Foxxonn H77MXV-D). However, it appears the front USB 3.0 port is still running at 2.0 standard. I have an external Toshiba drive that lights up blue when connected to a USB 3.0 port and white when connected to a USB 2.0 port and its white when I connect to the front USB 3.0 port. Any ideas?

 

[jn99]

Yep!

 

[halfemptymug]

A little late, but this might be related to this question which I just spent hours trying to solve and that thread's closed. Assuming you're using Windows, try selecting the properties of your USB host controller under device manager, then, under power management, disable "allow this computer to turn off this device to save power." You may need to do this for more than one controller, but it should improve your speed.

Edit: After more tinkering it turns out my answer is wrong, and that the issue/fix actually has to do with USB backwards compatibility. It turns out that if you put in a USB 3.0 device into a 3.0 port too slowly or partially, the port will read it as a USB 2.0 port (probably since it only needs around half the connections) and your USB controller will lock it in under the lower speed. in order to have it read properly, you'll need to disconnect the device and insert it fully before the controller decides which version to use (either physically or through software).