Alternative to a USB hub?

Ultrarunner22 · Dec 9, 2022

Hi;
Windows 11 Pro (latest build) on Asus Tuf Gaming X570 Plus WiFi mobo, AMD Ryzen 7 3700X.

I have gone through several cheap USB hubs, all of which became intermittent or stopped working after a relatively short time. My latest is a Tripp Lite 10-USB 3.0 model I purchased on Amazon in April. It was working fine until recently, when I started hearing the notification for USB disconnect/connect repeatedly for no reason; I wasn't plugging or unplugging anything at the time.
It doesn't seem to matter whether anything is plugged into the hub for the notification to occur.
I found that wiggling the cable plugged into the root port (which connects the hub to the computer) causes the disconnect/connect notification.
I have a trackball plugged into the hub, and it has repeatedly stopped working.
The end of the USB cable that plugs into the hub has a proprietary plug, so I cannot simply switch the cable. The connector on the hub is very flimsy, which appears to be the root of the problem. Why not just use a USB A or USB C connector?

It seems to me that all USB hubs are worthless, so I thought maybe a PCIE to USB card could be the solution.
I need at least 4 USB A ports, but having a couple USB C ports would be nice.
There are lots of these devices on Amazon, but which one (if any) should I try?
Unfortunately, my Asus Tuf Gaming X570 Plus WiFi mobo only has 8 total USB ports, and I need more.

Any suggestions?
Thanks
Ultrarunner

DigitalGoat · Dec 9, 2022

I would say you get what you pay for essentially, but you can probably avoid the obviously pointless stuff like 'diamond encrusted USB cable for stronger connections'.

Try to find add in cards that have seperate controllers for each additional port, they are more expensive but they are better when using a lot of devices.
Icy Dock, Star Tech, Akasa are some common brands that seem to combine decent price with good overall quality, there may well be many more depending on your region.

hsehestedt · Dec 9, 2022

I feel that it might be worth mentioning here the difference between a passive (or bus-powered) USB hub and a self-powered USB hub.

I know that you mentioned that you had difficulties even when no devices were connected, but when shopping for a hub, consider what types of devices as well as the quantity of devices that you want to connect to the hub.

A passive hub (also known as a bus-powered hub) gets its power from the USB port that it is plugged into. In addition, ALL devices connected to that hub will get their power from that same USB port on the computer. This may be okay for devices such as a keyboard or mouse, and maybe a single external 2.5-inch HDD. However, if you plan to connect multiple devices, especially power-hungry devices such as external HDDs into the hub, you should definitely opt for a "self-powered" USB hub. A self-powered hub will come with a power supply to supply power to all the connected devices, eliminating the possibility of drawing more power than the single USB port on the computer can provide which in turn will lead to disconnections and reliability problems.

kelper · Dec 10, 2022

Another possible reason is that the USB socket on the computer is loose. Does a single gadget 'come and go' when you wiggle?

cereberus · Dec 10, 2022

Ultrarunner22 said:
Hi;
Windows 11 Pro (latest build) on Asus Tuf Gaming X570 Plus WiFi mobo, AMD Ryzen 7 3700X.

I have gone through several cheap USB hubs, all of which became intermittent or stopped working after a relatively short time. My latest is a Tripp Lite 10-USB 3.0 model I purchased on Amazon in April. It was working fine until recently, when I started hearing the notification for USB disconnect/connect repeatedly for no reason; I wasn't plugging or unplugging anything at the time.
It doesn't seem to matter whether anything is plugged into the hub for the notification to occur.
I found that wiggling the cable plugged into the root port (which connects the hub to the computer) causes the disconnect/connect notification.
I have a trackball plugged into the hub, and it has repeatedly stopped working.
The end of the USB cable that plugs into the hub has a proprietary plug, so I cannot simply switch the cable. The connector on the hub is very flimsy, which appears to be the root of the problem. Why not just use a USB A or USB C connector?

It seems to me that all USB hubs are worthless, so I thought maybe a PCIE to USB card could be the solution.
I need at least 4 USB A ports, but having a couple USB C ports would be nice.
There are lots of these devices on Amazon, but which one (if any) should I try?
Unfortunately, my Asus Tuf Gaming X570 Plus WiFi mobo only has 8 total USB ports, and I need more.

Any suggestions?
Thanks
Ultrarunner

How about buying a wireless usb hub?

Ultrarunner22 · Dec 10, 2022

The Tripp Lite hub is self-powered, but will function without its psu. I normally do have it plugged in.
I did test the hub on another port on the rear of the computer, but got the same results. The cable has a USB A on one end and the proprietary plug on the other end. It's that end which goes into the hub that is bad; it is loose, much more so than any other USB device I own.
I'm going to look for a PCIE device, as suggested by DigitalGoat. There is one USB C port on the mobo, along with 6 USB A ports, and 2 more USB A ports on the front of the box.

As for wireless, I don't use it on my system, except for Bluetooth. I have never had any luck with wireless USB devices such as keyboards and mice.
Maybe too much interference from the WiFi router which sits about 3ft away from my PC?

kelper · Dec 10, 2022

For some of my backups, I use a tiny Sandisk Ultrafit as it won't protrude far and is far less likely to weaken the USB port. There are available up to 256GB and are quite cheap. They are up to 130MB per second. I might stick this in my router.

Sandisk Connect is a wireless version of 200GB capacity. £66 on Amazon UK.

In USA it's up to 512GB 400MBb/s and $43!

Ultrarunner22 · Dec 10, 2022

I found a suitable PCIE USB card, but not 4x4; it's 2x2 (2 ports on 2 root controllers); I couldn't find anything that is 4x4.
This one is expensive enough, at $114.70 on Amazon.

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B08W58HZ1T/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I think this will do, but I'll need a couple more USB extension cables.
I would really like to have a 4-port USB panel near the front of my PC, but I haven't found anything that would be suitable; only what is available for automobile & marine use.
I guess I could build something myself, but I'm not really into all of that right now.
I guess I could just buy the USB 3.x extension cables, and bundle them into a sort of panel using electrical tape to hold the connectors together. Seems a bit rough, but I'll probably be changing my entire setup within 1yr, so I don't want to invest my time and $ into something elaborate right now.

DigitalGoat · Dec 10, 2022

If you are going to use extension cables (I use one myself, works fine for me) look for USB Certified & get an active cable, only a couple of £/$ more, they improve signal quality for higher speed devices, especially over 3M distances, so good for read/write flash drives etc.
4 port cards do exist, I have found 2 on Scan UK.
£59.00

£169.00

Haydon · Dec 11, 2022

Perhaps an alternative to disappointing USB hubs are industrial USB hubs

Industrial USB Hubs | StarTech.com

StarTech.com industrial USB hubs expand the connectivity of USB host devices

www.startech.com

Ultrarunner22 · Dec 11, 2022

I just realized that my mobo has more USB ports than I thought; There are some available headers on the board, which I can run to the RP, if I can find the proper adapters.
This one should work. The IDC I have available is only USB 2.0, but that's all I need, so I think I'll give it a try.

https://smile.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Port-Female-Plate-Adapter/dp/B00015Y0FK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

NormanF · Dec 11, 2022

If your laptop has only one USB port, you will need a USB hub. Particularly when you need to plug in a USB keyboard and a USB mouse.

hdmi · Dec 13, 2022

I have the European version of this, it works:

Amazon.com

➜ the European version:

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Aluminium-Multiport-Professional-Business-RSH-A16/dp/B09YH7VPKR

Alternative to a USB hub?

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