Random mouse and keyboard freeze through USB dock

[antoinantoine]

Hello,

I am connecting my USB keyboard and USB mouse to my HP monitor (HP E24u G4 FHD USB-C) and I get random mouse and keyboard freezes (up to 5 a minute). When I'm typing during a freeze, the keyboard keeps typing the last letter I typed for a while. This is very bothersome, actually driving me mad...

The two devices are connect through "old" USB to the monitor, and the monitor is connected through USB C to the front plug of the computer. Now is a good time to mention also that the video is not working through that USB C port, and I have to use a side HDMI. Hence only the keyboard and mouse are used by the USB C.

This occurs with my personnal desktop computer, but not with my work Dell laptop. When I plug the keyboard a mouse directly on the computer through the two "old" USB cables, there is no issue (but I really want to use the USB C cable to switch easily from personal to work computer). For these two reasons, I mainly suspect the front USB C port of my personal computer. I have considered installing an other USB card but there are no PCI port available.

I have seen other people with the same issue, but couldn't find any solution that applies to me.

Thanks a lot for your support,

Antoine

[erico · Accepted solution]

I took a look at the motherboard specs  and see that the USB 3.1 type-C port is Gen 1. That is why video isn't working.

The motherboard has, for USB Type-C, lower bandwidth.   

The rear USB 2.0 Type-A ports  are the slowest ports on your PC.

The front ports 

(1) USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C

(2) USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A

(2) USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A

That is  likely to be the reason why you you would be experiencing issues  with the keyboard/mouse.

It always help if you provide detail on a device you are connecting that has issues. (Brand and model)

I don't like to assume, but suspect that you are using a wireless or bluetooth mouse/keyboard combo with a dongle connected to a USB port . 

[antoinantoine]

Hi Erico,

Thanks for the clarification on the Gen 1 Port. It's a shame for video, but it's acceptable as I can leave the HDMI always plugged in anyway.

Apologies for not being more clear on the devices I use: the keyboard is a very standard USB type A wired keyboard, delivered with the PC, and my mouse is a USB type A wired Logitech (G502 Hero).

Could it be that the bandwidth of the USB 3.1 gen1 type-C port is so low that it causes the freezes ? For only a keyboard and a mouse ? It would be rather disappointing from this rather recent hardware... Or maybe the monitor is sending video even though the computer can't read it through that port ?

Anyway thanks a lot for your help

Edit: I saw this on the specs you provided the link for

Expansion slots:

• One PCIe x16 socket
• One PCIe x1 socket
• One M.2 socket 1, key A
• One M.2 socket 3, key M for SSD (PCIe x2)

Does that mean that I should be able to add a USB card ?

Edit 2 : I opened the computer again and saw the PCIe x1 socket. The PCIe x16 is already busy with the graphic card. I think I need to find a PCIe x1 USB C Gen 2 card now.

Edit 3: I'm thinking of buying this card :

https://www.alternate.fr/DeLOCK/PCI-Express-x1-Card-to-2-x-external-SuperSpeed-USB-(USB-3-2-Gen-1)-U...

I know that it's still Gen1, but I think I can expect better performances from this one, do you agree ?

Again thanks for your help

[erico]

If you unplug the display from the USB Gen 1 Type-C port the freezes should stop.

The fastest ports on your PC are the front ones. Pay attention to the logos printed near the ports. 

You can add a USB adapter card to the PCIe x1 slot to gain a few ports. The card  you asked about in your last edit should be fine.  I used Alternate frequently when I lived in the Netherlands. It is a great online store to buy from.

[antoinantoine]

The issue is that I use my monitor as a docking station. I cannot separate display, mouse & keyboard.

Since you mentioned the bandwidth limitation, I assumed that maybe the display was overflowing the bandwidth, even though it's not processed by the computer in the end since the port is USB Gen 1.

I will try with the PCIe x1 card and see what happens.

Thanks for your help !

[erico]

The chipset on the motherboard  with a Ryzen 7 processor would allow more USB Gen 1 Type-A ports. 

Adding an adapter card will help.

[antoinantoine]

Sorry Erico, I am a bit confused, I'm not looking for more USB Type-A ports, I'm looking for one more performing Type-C port. I will be using my monitor as a USB dock, I bought it to make it simple to switch from my personal desktop to my professional laptop.

Thanks for your help

[erico]

I did not mean to confuse you.

You can add a PCIe x1 USB Type-C adapter card to give yourself more ports as well, but don't expect an upgrade to Type-C Gen 2.

The Front USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 is as good as it will be.

[antoinantoine]

Thanks Erico, have a nice day 🙂

[erico]

You're welcome. 

Have a great evening!