Why do my USB ports keep dying?

Joe Redifer · Sep 22, 2011

I have the world's worst computer... a Mac Pro (tongue-in-cheek, not a troll). Quite often for no reason that I can discern, the front USB ports stop working. A reboot usually fixes this. Nothing feels loose. the only things I usually plug in to the front ports are external hard drives (on occasion), memory card adapters, Xbox 360 controllers and my iPod Touch. If I were to put my finger on any of these devices being at fault, it would likely be the Xbox 360 controller.

Is this a common problem? Are there any known fixes?

Kevriano · Sep 23, 2011

The only reason I can think of is that the controller is sapping too much power from the USB, causing that circuit to shut down. Do they all shut down at once, or individually?

Joe Redifer · Sep 24, 2011

It's usually just the front ports (both are always affected, it's never just one or the other). The mouse and keyboard which are plugged into the back continue to work. I have had them ALL die before and had to cold-restart the computer because I couldn't even move the mouse.

Kevriano · Sep 24, 2011

Does this only happen when you have used the xbox controller~~?

Joe Redifer · Sep 24, 2011

I'm not sure, but looking back on it that is the only probable consistency that I can see. I have never heard of anyone having issues using a wired Xbox controller before. There are even Mac drivers for the thing.

Kevriano · Sep 25, 2011

Ok. I will do some digging around for you and report back.

Kevriano · Sep 25, 2011

Ok, having read around a bit for you, I think that resetting SMC on your Mac may solve the problem for you.
Here's how to, please report back if it works.

Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

Joe Redifer · Sep 27, 2011

Thanks for looking that up. According to that, I reset my SMC by powering down, disconnecting the cord for at least 15 seconds, plugging the cord back in, waiting a few seconds and then powering back up. I have done this before (though not for this reason) when I was investigating another problem with my computer related to the optical drives. The problem existed before and after I did that. I really do think it is somehow the Xbox 360 controller, weird as that may be. The ports are still working fine and I have not plugged in a controller since the last reboot. I'll try to do so again soon and see if that makes them stop working.

Joe Redifer · Sep 27, 2011

Yup. It's the 360 controller. I plug it in, works fine. I unplug it, front USB ports stop working. I would use PS3 controllers instead, but I must press the center button for the Mac to recognize them and that turns on my PS3 as well.

Stupid 360.

Kevriano · Sep 28, 2011

Well it is made by Microsoft.....

EvenStranger · Sep 28, 2011

You might want to consider a powered USB hub connected to the rear ports. The front ports are on a lower powered board connected by a thin copper wire and aren't going to be as robust as the rear ports which are part of the main system board. You may also be looking at an intermittent issue with the front panel board. If the unit's under warranty, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have it replaced due to intermittent failure.