Why are my USB audio devices flaky?

[sq225917]

Removing dust fixes ram because it allows convection and radiative cooling.

Your usb ports ain't overheating. So it didn't fix them, at least not directly.

 

[amano]

Removing dust fixes ram because it allows convection and radiative cooling.

Your usb ports ain't overheating. So it didn't fix them, at least not directly.

Dust carries static electricity which can cause errors.

 

[mcdn]

Removing dust fixes ram because it allows convection and radiative cooling.

Your usb ports ain't overheating. So it didn't fix them, at least not directly.

Dust can conduct. Especially if you live in a part of the world with high metal content in the earth.

 

[amano]

Especially if you live in a part of the world with high metal content in the earth.

My clothes aren't metal, but they conduct static electricity.

 

[mcdn]

My clothes aren't metal, but they conduct static electricity.

They can carry a static charge, but unless they are damp they shouldn't conduct - that's why the charge builds up instead of dissipating. Or did you mean to say something else?

 

[unpluggged]

Or did you mean to say something else?

I think that person's understanding of electricity had been shown here when they argued that reactive loads are better for your power grid.

 

[Roland68]

After vacuuming dust, my flaky USB ports became robust. Now, nudging USB plugs doesn't cause USB devices to drop in and out.

Considering the fact that dust was causing RAM errors, this is possible.

USB ports are not flaky after vacuuming dust.

This is possibly a sign of a failing power supply which lived years beyond its warrantee. However, after vacuuming dust, USB ports are not flaky anymore. My system seems stable.

UEFI sensors may not be accurate. If they are accurate, it's simply time to buy a new power supply. I don't expect power supplies to live long beyond warrantee without issues.

It floats above 4.9V. It is fine.

Based on your description, I assume you're just having a normal contact problem with a roughly 10-year-old motherboard.

Probably slight oxidation and dirt buildup on the USB contacts. If humidity or kitchen vapors are also present, then you have nice high-ohm contact resistance with a small contact area. I've seen this before with old PCs that were in an awkward position.

You've already vacuumed the system; unplug and plug in the USB connectors with the PC/devices turned off, and clean them with alcohol if necessary.
If nothing happens after that, there should be no other problems.

 

[amano]

I found a standard for low EMI residential (audio-grade) ActivePFC power supplies. It is EN55032 Class B. Class B is for residential devices. Class A is for anything outside residential settings. Imagine industrial settings for Class A. Class B produces cleaner power.

Thus, I will look for either PassivePFC or EN55032 Class B ActivePFC.