Aurora R16, USB, annoying problems

Question

So I have the most annoying problem with an R16 and it revolves around USB ports. There are two main issues that are common.

The first is that occasionally, not always, the R16 gets to a black boot screen, no beep codes, no Alienware logo.

In order to boot properly, I have to unplug at least the keyboard (front USB port) and sometimes every USB device. That causes a no keyboard error, and then the system boots.

I then plug everything back in (same ports) and it boots fine for a few boots.

I always shutdown completely. I have tried turning off sleep and hibernate, keeping power on on everything in Windows i.e. no sleeping USB for example (I don't mind full performance always so that's not a problem).

Its random, and might be down to the amount of time the R16 is switched off. I haven't debugged it that much. But the Keyboard out (and then sometimes all other devices) is the way to get my system to boot properly.

Maybe connected is problem number 2. The USB-C ports at the back don't work well with USB C devices, but the front port does. It's only on devices that have a specific power need and/or are very chatty in bandwidth. This is directly plugged in. As far as I am concerned, there should be NO behavior difference but there is. Example Native Instruments Kontrol Keyboard. Works fine on the front port, back ports it has a very hard time behaving consistently.

My concern is that the drivers/firmware for the USB is not very reliable. As the two are quite different problems in a sense, but they point to a software issue not a hardware issue. When the system is up and working, everything is fine USB wise for example for 2.0 devices.

I've tried moving devices around (within what I can) and avoiding hubs. Unfortunately I need some hubs for low bandwidth devices like Midi Keyboards.

I have checked the Administration Logs and there are no obvious USB issues and/or critical boot errors. As I said on boot it doesn't even get to the Alienware logo.

redxps630 · Answer

Re: occasionally, not always, the R16 gets to a black boot screen, no beep codes, no Alienware logo.

that sounds like a bios issue. Occasionally it would not post. It is stuck on the usb device power on self test. Therefore unplugging all usb relieves the hang up. I would suggest try a simple usb mouse and keyboard preferably a brand new Dell or new generic brand and nothing else. Test those to confirm that the hang up never returns, then slowly add back your special purpose usb device one at a time. If you get lucky you can pinpoint one exact usb device that has beef w/ this R16 bios.

markcst · Answer

The issue I have with this is all those USB devices worked perfectly on a previous HP desktop as is, no changes to the devices, just ported them over to the new Aurora R16.  I have basically done away with any of the USB 3 and powered/sleep ports at the back, and stuck to the basic 2.0 ports and the problem isn't happening.   Its a Firmware issue I reckon.  The fact they all worked perfectly on another system, and behave on 'basic' 2.0 ports, suggests that.

lglunk · Answer

As you noted very similar to my problem.  I have an R16 and after going to BIOS menu (F2) it appears to reboot but the keyboard does not light up and the monitor remains blank.  Disconnecting some or all USB devices and powering on again fixes the problem.  As we used to say in the Air Force never fly the A Model.  Don't buy a Dell until they have had 12 months to work the bugs out. I have an i9-14900kf for a processor if you have something the same maybe we can help Dell troubleshoot.

QueenAngelus · Answer

I just got this pc like 2 weeks ago and I also have this! Like the pc won't turn on but if I unplug and plug things it will reboot. Also I have already had 2 pc crashes, also crashes while streaming on twitch and playing my game. Pc has completely turned off on and crash while twitch streaming. My pc is 2 weeks old. I am starting to regret my decision on going with dell

Vanadiel · Answer

here's a few other threads on the board regarding this issue:

Stability issues with the Aurora R15 or Aurora R16 desktops. This problem is impacting every manufacturer shipping products with the Intel 13th and 14th generations of the K CPU. For example, the 13900KF or the 14900KF. Replacing hardware will not fix this.

Current workaround =
* Open the BIOS
* Disable OC Control, Intel Speedshift and Speedstep options
* Once back into Windows, open AWCC and make sure all OC is turned off

Dell customer care/service. If already out of warranty, click here. Find your Service Tag
DELL-Chris M
#IWork4Dell

Jritter360 · Answer

@lglunk​ yup have the same issue. But it’s literally anything tbh. I just unplug one thing c or usb to make it boot up. lol

Alienware Desktops

Aurora R16, USB, annoying problems

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