One USB3.0 port stopped functioning abruptly on my PH315-52-76WXwhile was switched ON PH

abhishekkumar1902
abhishekkumar1902 Member Posts: 22 Networker
edited September 2022 in Predator Laptops

Model Number:  PH315-52-76WX

Part Number:   NH.Q53SI.018

Out of the three USB-A type ports, one of the USB3.0 ports on my "Acer Predator Helios 300" laptop abruptly went defunct even though nothing was connected to this USB port. The system now is continuously showing an OVERCURRENT status on this port. When the laptop is turned ON, it perfectly gets 5v supply on this defunct port, the only problem is no USB device gets recognized by the system.

I checked:

1.) The ESD diodes and choke filter is fine on this USB board and there is no shorting within the data lines or with the power rails.

2.) The USB data lines show good connection with the PCH (cross-checked impedance to the ground with a working good USB port on the same laptop)

3.) Per the schematic, I also checked all resistor pull-ups and capacitors on the "overcurrent signal pins" on the HM370 PCH and they were perfectly fine with proper 3.3v on those PCH OVERCURRENT SIGNAL pins.

4.) Also, there was no updation of drivers noting so when this happened, and all other USB ports are otherwise working fine with full bandwidth.

Still not able to understand what is triggering overcurrent on this port? Any suggestion please 🙏😓



(Edited the title to add model name) 

Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer

    Still on factory Win10?

    Jack E/NJ

  • abhishekkumar1902
    abhishekkumar1902 Member Posts: 22 Networker

    Yes, still on factory Win10.


    On further research, I got to know that there is no way I can solve this from OS side or the hardware side as both seem to be pretty fine. The only last thing I believe is left is to disable the OVERCURRENT detection feature itself on the USB ports which can only be done on the BIOS level as BIOS will then instruct the PCH controller to stop looking for overcurrent on USB ports.

    Now for that I need to unlock the ADVANCED settings (the second advanced tab) in BIOS. I think there is a setting in PCH-IO setting under USB section to disable the overcurrent feature.

    Is there a tool like H20UVE or something else which I can access these ADVANCED BIOS settings or is there any process to unlock these in the bios?

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer

    The only documented hidden advanced features would be revealed by pressing Ctrl+S in each tab.

    Have you tried uninstalling the hub device yet, then cold boot?

    If yes, have you tried installing the updated chipset and i/o drivers yet? https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/support-product/7983?b=1

    Jack E/NJ

  • abhishekkumar1902
    abhishekkumar1902 Member Posts: 22 Networker

    I have tried everything uninstalling-reinstalling drivers, checking OC signal on the motherboard itself and a lot more. Didn't solve anything.

    It doesn't have a hub, it's a PCH inbuilt xHCI USB controller. Tried different drivers as well but nothing worked. Actually, all other USB ports are working so definitely it's not a driver problem.

    When I check the data line voltages, the PCH is not pulling them low when the system starts which it does on all other functional USB ports, that kinda means PCH has disabled this port due to some internal flagging.

  • MinniPurple
    MinniPurple Member Posts: 8

    Tinkerer

    I don't know if this is actually related to your problem, but I remember that some time ago a Windows update messed up one of my USB ports. It was an empty gate. I did several system scans and it found something there that fixed the issue. I don't remember more precisely, since it's been a while...

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer

    >>>It doesn't have a hub,>>>

    The root hub in Device Manager! Right click and uninstall it. Exit Device Manager without trying to reinstall anything! Then shutdown Windows normally. Then turn it back on.


    Jack E/NJ

  • abhishekkumar1902
    abhishekkumar1902 Member Posts: 22 Networker

    Already tried it brother, but nothing worked 🙂

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer

    Squash the end of a cotton swab or Q-tip. Slightly moisten it with rubbing alcohol. Gently but vigorously rub the USB port's contacts with the swab to try to remove any hygroscopic debris which might've gotten inside, causing intermittent issues depending on the humidity. Use a dry swab to absorb excess alcohol. Blow dry. Try it again.

    Jack E/NJ