Question USB-C port not working: ASUS Prime Z370-A

[sierra201107]

Hi guys,

I'm new here so I hope this is the right place to ask this.

I have recently purchased a Crucial X8 external SSD which features USB 3.1 gen 2 (type c). I tried to connect it to the USB-C port on my mobo (which is also 3.1 gen 2 according to ASUS) using a Thunderbolt 3 cable. But it just won't recognize the drive.

Why do I think the port is the problem? Well, I also tried to connect my phone instead of the drive and it wasn't recognized either. The cable itself was working when I charged my phone with it using a USB-A adapter. As a last test I tried to connect the drive to my work laptop which also features a USB-C port: it worked! I think the port on the laptop has a different standard though (USB Basic Type-C) but that's not supposed to make any difference, is it?

I have already updated Windows 10 to the newest version and reinstalled all USB drivers. In device manager none of the ports show any errors.

Any ideas? I really need help…

Thanks,
sierra

 

[rgd1101]

the drive come with usb-c cable, did you try that?

 

[sierra201107]

the drive come with usb-c cable, did you try that?

Yes I did, same result.

 

[clementttttttt]

Did u try to use a USB-A adapter and plug it to your mobo?

 

[sierra201107]

Did u try to use a USB-A adapter and plug it to your mobo?

Yes, that works. But I want to use the drive with the USB-C because the USB-A adapter only supports USB 3.1 gen 1.

 

[rgd1101]

chipset driver up to date?

 

[sierra201107]

chipset driver up to date?

Yes, just updated, didn't change anything. I also checked BIOS for disabled ports but they're all enabled.

 

[sierra201107]

I found the solution. The problem was in BIOS:

1. Enter BIOS
2. Go to "Advanced Mode"
3. Go to "Onboard Devices Configuration"
4. Scroll to "USB Type C Power Switch"
5. Change from "Auto" to "Enabled"

 

[cool_jeeves]

For my z170 bought in 2016, at least the blue light in my startech switch lit up when I did the above mentioned tweak to “enabled”. But from my startech to monitor no signal goes. But when I pluck out the type C from the z170 and plug into my ASUS laptop bought in 2021, the blue light in the star tech stays on and the monitor comes to life.

So the source => type c => startech => monitor works well only when source is a 2021 laptop and not when it is the 2015 z170.

Any thoughts on how I could make the z170 work? Needless to say the HDMI and DP out ports from z170 don’t supply power to startech. Wonder if there is a bios tweak for that too…🤔

 

[cool_jeeves]

I attempted a simpler solution for simultaneously connecting assembled z170 PC and laptop (both windows) to Monitor. I connected laptop via USB type C to the type C port of the monitor. PC is connected from HDMI port to HDMI port of the monitor . K & M (keyboard and mouse) are connected to the monitor. Everything works fluently when the monitor input is selected to USB Type C and laptop is operated fluentl. But when I select input as HDMI on the monitor, the display comes on, but the K&M dont work. I have to disconnect the K&M from monitor and plug into PC. How can one avoid this second step, of plugging and unplugging the K&M?