Haswell's USB 3.0 Bug?

[KN301103]

Hi guys,

recently I've been checking out processors and motherboards and came across articles and posts the there's a design flaw was discovered in the chipset of Haswell processors causing devices connected to the integrated USB 3.0 controller to be disconnected when the system wakes up from S3 (suspend-to-RAM) state. Intel has already responded to the bug and has came up with C2 stepping conversion. I'm still confused with the info, whether is the MOBO design problem or something else and how to avoid it. Below is what intel replied to me.

Please be informed that a design flaw was discovered in the chipset, one that causes devices connected to the integrated USB 3.0 controller to be disconnected when the system wakes up from S3 (suspend-to-RAM) state.
With this, Intel is initiating a C1 to C2 stepping conversion for the Intel® 8 Series/C220 Series where products will undergo the following changes:
* Metal layers change from C1 to C2 to fix USB SuperSpeed device remuneration erratum.
* C1 stepping package is pin compatible with C2 stepping package.
* Revision ID will change from 04h to 05h.
* Compatibility revision ID will remain at 04h for Intel® Stable Image Platform Program
(Intel® SIPP).
* New S-specs and MM numbers for the converting products.
So regarding your concern, please visit this site below. From here you will find a table for the Products Affected / Intel Ordering Codes. Please check out the Post Conversion Material codes S-Spec and MM#.
http://qdms.intel.com/dm/d.aspx/C79FC2E6-6B75-4063-8687-660F4668FFC8/PCN112101-00.pdf

Anyone understand it?

 

[iKoori]

Not really a big problem. New batches of processor will fix this bug and if you kena that bug just restart computer. That one mostly for people going to sleep/hibernation mode.

 

[KN301103]

Cos i'm getting a new rig soon and hoping to avoid it.

 

[chong]

Exactly which part do you need clarification on?

To put it simply:
1. Haswell's chipsets with C1 stepping have the USB3 bug.
2. This bug requires a hardware fix that comes with C2 stepping of the chipsets.
3. All current Haswell motherboards in the market now have C1 stepping.
4. Intel (supposedly) started shipping C2 stepping chipsets to motherboard makers on 15 July 2013.
5. Motherboard makers need time to integrate these C2 chipsets into their boards. They will probably also want to clear out their C1 inventory before shipping C2.
6. Retail shops may also want to clear out their C1 inventory before selling C2.
7. Hence the general estimate for C2 boards to start appearing for us to buy is Aug-Sep 2013.
8. We do not know whether the motherboard makers will label C2 stock for our easy identification. We have to wait and see.

 

[commach]

If you want to avoid it, buy the new rig after 31st July 2013, a date released by Intel for board maker transition to C2 stepping to fix the issue.

But, do take note that after 31st July, you might still not getting the C2 stepping based on Intel projected the depletion of C1 stepping after 31st July, but subjected to inventory fluctuation and demand etc... C1 stepping will continue to ship until inventory depleted.

 

[iKoori]

I'm personally using Haswell and I have not encountered any problems with USB3.0 yet. (I don't use sleep/hibernation mode.)

 

[sHrike]

this bug is not a issue if you do not go into sleep or hibernation....and even if you do...just re-plugin lor...

 

[KN301103]

I read some where that it affects certain USB devices, not all. It's a small issue but it's annoying. I'm kind of confused by the term chipset, does it mean the parts on the motherboard?

 

[ipadxcell]

I read some where that it affects certain USB devices, not all. It's a small issue but it's annoying. I'm kind of confused by the term chipset, does it mean the parts on the motherboard?

The largest fixed chip with heat sink on the board usually.

 

[xkiller213]

It only affects usb3 storage devices, so your program might hang after resuming from hibernation.. Other devices like keyboard and mouse are not affected..

 

[haylui]

justdon't let your pc sleeps

 

[JoeMihar]

hmm.. strange, most company would do recall but not Intel...

this is not the first time from Intel.

look like we favour them too much, they intend to be arrogance.

 

[Encrypted11]

It is less of a problem for desktops but more of an issue that will be very annoying with laptops.

That's why I think certain OEMs have limited Haswell notebook offerings; wait for the chipset hardware revision before making more Haswell models.

 

[muddle]

hmm.. strange, most company would do recall but not Intel...

this is not the first time from Intel.

look like we favour them too much, they intend to be arrogance.

As mentioned by intel, this bug is officially an annoyance. Not something that will cause severe malfunction. As stated by others above, this only affect certain hardware, not all. To trigger this bug you need to go hibernate/sleep the pc. If you dont put your pc in this state then this bug will never surface. And this usb bug is due to the motherboard chipset. Not their cpu.

 

[iKoori]

TS just get it~ it won't affect you. You will most probably shut down your computer rather than hibernation/sleep mode.

 

[haylui]

As mentioned by intel, this bug is officially an annoyance. Not something that will cause severe malfunction. As stated by others above, this only affect certain hardware, not all. To trigger this bug you need to go hibernate/sleep the pc. If you dont put your pc in this state then this bug will never surface. And this usb bug is due to the motherboard chipset. Not their cpu.

the problem is the chipset also design and fabricated by Intel....

 

[KN301103]

Intel already solved it, just got this small annoyance for the c1 stepping and i wanted to know how to identify if it's C1 or C2 stepping chipset. Anyways it's true that people rarely use sleep mode for desktops, i guess it's just preference?

 

[Encrypted11]

Intel already solved it, just got this small annoyance for the c1 stepping and i wanted to know how to identify if it's C1 or C2 stepping chipset. Anyways it's true that people rarely use sleep mode for desktops, i guess it's just preference?

Utility like CPU-Z or Hwinfo (better) can tell you. Anyway C2 won't come so fast. It just shipped to OEMs earlier this month and it'll take some time for them to be built and reach the shelves as final computers/mobos.

 

[Bravon]

anyone know if the latest MBA 2013 laptop (Haswell) affected with this bug as well? I am using one right now but don seems to have this issue...hmmm

 

[KN301103]

I meant to identify C1 or C2 before buying and building the computer.