Question:

What could cause the USB ports on my x570 Aorus Elite motherboard to damage my wireless mouse dongles? >
> I have tried two different dongles for my Razer Viper v2 Pro mouse, and both of them stopped working after a few minutes of plugging them into the USB ports on the motherboard. The warranty team confirmed that the dongles were fried. I also experience problems with other USB devices not being detected or disconnecting randomly. I have ordered a new motherboard, but I am wondering if I can use the front USB ports safely in the meantime. Is there a risk of damaging my mouse or other devices? What could be the reason for this issue? How can I prevent it from happening again?

Answer:

How to Fix USB Ports That Fry Your Devices

If you have ever plugged in a USB device and found out that it stopped working or got damaged, you are not alone. Many users have reported that their USB ports on their motherboards or cases have fried their wireless mouse dongles, flash drives, external hard drives, and other devices. This can be a frustrating and costly problem, especially if you have important data or expensive peripherals.

In this article, we will explain what could cause the USB ports to damage your devices, how to identify the faulty ports, and how to prevent this issue from happening again.

There are several possible reasons why your USB ports could fry your devices, but the most common one is a power surge. A power surge is a sudden increase in the voltage or current that flows through an electrical circuit. It can be caused by external factors, such as lightning strikes, faulty wiring, or power outages, or by internal factors, such as faulty components, overclocking, or short circuits.

When a power surge occurs, it can damage the USB controller chip on the motherboard or the case, which regulates the power and data transfer between the USB ports and the devices. If the chip is damaged, it can send too much power or incorrect signals to the devices, causing them to overheat, malfunction, or burn out.

Another possible reason why your USB ports could fry your devices is a ground loop. A ground loop is a situation where there is more than one path for the electrical current to return to the ground. This can create a loop of current that flows through the USB ports and the devices, causing interference, noise, or damage.

A ground loop can be caused by using different power outlets for your computer and your devices, or by using poor quality or incompatible cables, adapters, or hubs. A ground loop can also affect the audio quality of your speakers or headphones, causing humming or buzzing sounds.

How to Identify the Faulty USB Ports?

If you suspect that your USB ports are frying your devices, you should stop using them immediately and try to identify the faulty ones. Here are some steps you can take to do that:

• Check the USB ports for any physical damage, such as bent or broken pins, cracks, or burns. If you see any signs of damage, do not use those ports and contact the manufacturer for a replacement or repair.
• Use a multimeter to measure the voltage and current of the USB ports. A standard USB port should provide 5 volts and up to 500 milliamps of current. If the voltage or current is too high or too low, the port is faulty and should not be used.
• Use a USB tester or a USB power meter to monitor the power and data transfer of the USB ports. These are devices that plug into the USB ports and display the voltage, current, power, and data speed of the connected devices. If the readings are abnormal or fluctuate too much, the port is faulty and should not be used.
• Use a known working device to test the USB ports. Plug in a device that you know works well and does not draw too much power, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a flash drive. If the device works normally, the port is likely fine. If the device does not work, shows errors, or gets hot, the port is faulty and should not be used.

How to Prevent USB Ports from Frying Devices?

If you have identified the faulty USB ports, you should avoid using them and try to fix them or replace them. Here are some tips on how to prevent USB ports from frying devices in the future:

• Use a surge protector or a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to protect your computer and your devices from power surges. These are devices that plug into the wall outlet and filter the power that goes to your computer and your devices, preventing spikes or drops in voltage or current. They also provide backup power in case of a power outage.
• Use high-quality and compatible cables, adapters, and hubs for your USB devices. Make sure they are certified by the USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum), which is the organization that sets the standards for USB devices. Avoid using cheap or counterfeit cables, adapters, or hubs, as they may not comply with the USB specifications and may cause damage to your devices.
• Use the front USB ports or the USB ports on the case instead of the USB ports on the motherboard. The front USB ports or the USB ports on the case are usually connected to the motherboard via a cable, which acts as a buffer and reduces the risk of power surges or ground loops. However, you should still check the front USB ports or the USB ports on the case for any damage or faults before using them.
• Update the BIOS and the drivers of your motherboard and your devices. The BIOS (basic input/output system) is the software that controls the basic functions of your computer, such as the boot process, the hardware configuration, and the power management. The drivers are the software that allow your computer to communicate with your devices. Updating the BIOS and the drivers can improve the performance and the compatibility of your USB ports and your devices, and fix any bugs or errors that may cause problems.

Conclusion

USB

ports are essential for connecting various devices to your computer, but they can also cause damage to your devices if they are faulty or malfunctioning. To avoid losing your data or your peripherals, you should always check your USB ports for any signs of damage or faults, and use a surge protector, a UPS, a multimeter, a USB tester, or a known working device to test them. You should also use high-quality and compatible cables, adapters, and hubs, and update the BIOS and the drivers of your motherboard and your devices. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for assistance.