Question

Front USB not grounded properly

Asked by: jhuntii

So there are few computers at the office that are new builds, and the front USB's don't seem to be grounded properly. Anytime we put in a USB device without touching the case or what not, it short and turn off the computer. Now is there a way to make the front USB grounded better? Any suggestions? Thanks!

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Asked On
2009-10-08 at 15:15:08ID24797799
Topics

Personal Computers

,

General Computer Systems

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: edbedbPosted on 2009-10-08 at 15:31:15ID: 25530895

Most front USB ports plug into the motherboard with 8 wires. I would guess that they are not connected where they belong.

 

by: burrcmPosted on 2009-10-09 at 00:14:32ID: 25532876

If you post the motherboard details - manufacturer and model, we can give you the correct connections.

Chris B

 

by: nobusPosted on 2009-10-09 at 00:36:43ID: 25532952

if you don't have that problem on the back usb's, yes, it seems a connection problem with the front ones.
but if you have it there too, then it is the whole PC that is not grounded.
also, it can come from static electricity; do you notice that when touching the case ?

 

by: jhuntiiPosted on 2009-10-12 at 16:05:43ID: 25555834

I know it's static, because if I ground myself and touch the device to the outside of the case, then insert the device in, it'll work just fine. The back USB's seem to be just fine too. But I know it isn't a connection problem to the motherboard. So I was just curious if there were any fixes of any time, or is it just a crappy case?

 

by: edbedbPosted on 2009-10-12 at 16:24:33ID: 25555922

I don't know about a "crappy case". Could be the motherboard or even the device itself. I wouldn't use a USB device that can build up enough of a charge to zap a computer.
If you think it's the case you could try installing a front USB panel that mounts in a 3.5 or 5.25 bay.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=usb+panel

 

by: nobusPosted on 2009-10-12 at 23:26:56ID: 25557355

it is possible the ground from the front ones are not connected properly - that would be the "crappy case"
btw - it's not the usb device that builds up the charge, it's you...

 

by: burrcmPosted on 2009-10-13 at 03:49:49ID: 25558556

These new builds wouldn't by chance be fitted with insulating washers between the mobo and case and/or screw heads and mobo I suppose? If so, remove them unless the manual specifically requires them. The mobo generally needs to be connected to the case on both sides.

Chris B

 

by: jhuntiiPosted on 2009-11-04 at 07:37:40ID: 31639037

Thanks  for all your help.  We're just telling the users to ground themselves before inserting a USB device and that seems to work-around for now.  

 

by: nobusPosted on 2009-11-04 at 08:18:01ID: 25740860

tx for the fedback !

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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