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RWitschger
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September 6th, 2023 05:29
Precision 7920 Compatible with ASM3142 Chipset?
I am trying to install a USB controller card based on the ASM3142 chipset into a Dell Precision 7920, but it isn't showing up in either the BIOS or the operating system. The system is a dual Xeon 8160 system and only has 2 GPU's (both Nvidia) taking other PCIe slots.
I have tried moving the card between PCIe slots, and that doesn't seem to help, even trying a known good PCIe slot (by way of moving one of the GPUs). The USB card wants a x4 slot and I have tried it in x4, x8, and x16 slots. I have tested the card in a different system and it works in a HP 870Z with no issues. I also tried a second USB-C card with dual ASM3142 controllers behind a bifurcation controller, and the OS can see the bifurcation controller, but not the ASM3142 chips, so I know that the card is working through the PCIe interface.
I have tried forcing PCIe Gen 1 and PCIe Gen 2 modes. I have tried disabling internal USB controllers. I have tried enabling the internal Thunderbolt stuff. I tried moving the card to a slot devoted to the second CPU. I have powered the additional power input of the card (though I know from a different system that isn't required). I have tried different combination of virtualization settings.
I have tried booting to a Linux Live boot CD based on an updated Ubuntu image and also do not see the device with lspci. I received that system on the most up to date BIOS, but have tried downgrading to several version back to 2.4.0 and can't go back to 1.x due to downgrade limits. The system is running VMware ESXi 7, so I am not sure that there is a specific driver for xHCI, but since the Linux boot disk didn't have anything I am assuming it's not just a driver, as I don't even see the device listed in lspci.
At this point it seems like there is a compatibility issue with this specific USB chipset (which is very popular) and the 7920 board. What else could be the issue?
RWitschger
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Posted September 6th, 2023 23:38
@Gatto Sama Thanks, but I already asked generative AI as well!
Gatto Sama
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Posted September 6th, 2023 07:01
The fact that you've tested the USB controller card in a different system successfully suggests that the issue may be related to compatibility between the ASM3142 chipset and the Dell Precision 7920. Compatibility issues can sometimes arise due to various factors, including firmware, chipset support, and system architecture.
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the compatibility issue:
BIOS/UEFI Update: Make sure that your Dell Precision 7920 is running the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware available from Dell's official support website. Sometimes, firmware updates include enhancements and improvements for hardware compatibility.
Check PCIe Slot Speed: Verify that the PCIe slot you're using for the USB controller card is running at the expected speed (e.g., PCIe Gen 3 x4). The BIOS/UEFI settings should allow you to confirm and set the speed for individual PCIe slots.
BIOS/UEFI Settings: Check the BIOS/UEFI settings for any options related to PCIe configurations. Ensure that the PCIe slot you're using is enabled and not set to a specific mode that could affect compatibility.
System Documentation: Review the documentation for the Dell Precision 7920 to check if there are any specific restrictions or recommendations regarding PCIe card compatibility. It's possible that certain slots are designated for specific types of cards.
Contact Dell Support: If you've exhausted all troubleshooting options and still can't get the USB controller card to work, it's advisable to contact Dell's technical support. They may have specific insights into compatibility issues with the ASM3142 chipset on the Precision 7920 or provide guidance on any potential workarounds.
Alternative Card: Consider testing an alternative USB controller card with a different chipset to see if it works in the Precision 7920. This can help determine if the issue is specific to the ASM3142 chipset or if it's a broader compatibility problem.
Operating System Compatibility: Although you mentioned that you tested the card with a Linux Live boot CD, it's essential to verify that the operating system you're using on the Precision 7920 has the necessary drivers for the ASM3142 chipset. In some cases, you may need to manually install or update drivers to enable support.
Hardware Conflicts: Ensure that there are no hardware conflicts or resource allocation issues in the system. Sometimes, multiple devices sharing resources can cause compatibility problems.
VMware ESXi Considerations: If you're using VMware ESXi, ensure that it recognizes and supports the USB controller card. VMware provides a hardware compatibility list (HCL) that can help you check if your specific USB card is compatible with your ESXi version.
Consult the Manufacturer: You can also contact the manufacturer of the USB controller card (e.g., ASMedia) for any specific guidance or driver updates related to compatibility with Dell systems.
Given the complexity of compatibility issues, it's essential to go through these steps systematically to identify and resolve the problem. If you've tried all these steps and the issue persists, reaching out to Dell's support team with detailed information about your setup and the problem is the best course of action to get expert assistance.