NZXT Internal USB Hub Troubleshooting

Updated October 27, 2023 19:16

Why are my USB devices not detected with the Internal USB Hub?

If your USB devices are not detected by Windows when connected to the Internal USB Hub, this can be due to a few reasons. In particular the two most common issues are:

The power connection to the Internal USB Hub is malfunctioning
- Disconnected SATA Power Cable
- Faulty Power Cable
- Faulty Extension Cable
- Faulty SATA power port
The Internal USB Hub is not connected directly to the Motherboard
- Disconnected or Incorrectly Connected USB to Motherboard cable
- Faulty USB to Motherboard Cable
- Faulty Motherboard USB 2.0 Header
- Faulty USB to Motherboard Header on Hub

Checking Power on the Internal USB Hub

An often overlooked aspect of the NZXT Internal USB Hub is that unlike many splitters or hubs, the Internal USB Hub is a powered hub. This means that instead of simply receiving power directly from the Internal USB 2.0 header on the motherboard, the hub directly powers devices which can help prevent too much current from being pulled through the internal header.

All NZXT Internal USB Hubs include a Power Indicator LED on the top face of the device as shown below:

For the Internal USB Hub (Gen 3), the power LED is located below the NZXT logo
For the Internal USB Expansion (AC-IUSBH-M1), the power LED is located to the right of the NZXT logo

If this LED is not illuminated while the system is powered on, this means that the hub itself is not receiving any power. To fix this, first start by checking the power connection to the hub. For our example, we'll be using the Internal USB Hub (Gen 3) which connects via a SATA power connection located at the upper face of the hub as shown below:

All Internal USB Hub (Gen 3) will also include a SATA Extension Cable for use with the hub. Make sure to check the following on for the power connection:

Is the SATA cable securely connected, either to directly from the Power Supply or using the included Extension Cable?
If you're using a Modular Power Supply, is the SATA power cable properly connected at the Power Supply?
If you are using the Extension Cable, are both ends securely connected?

After confirming this, try starting the PC again to see if there is any change. Additionally, if you are using the included Extension Cable you can also try connecting the SATA power directly to the hub instead. Lastly, try connecting the hub to a known working SATA power cable such as one being used for an SSD or HDD installed in your PC.

Note: If you have the older Internal USB Expansion, this will instead use a Molex power connection via a dedicated power cable.

If the hub is still not being properly detected and the power LED is off, this could indicate an issue with the Internal USB Hub that may require replacement.

Checking the Motherboard to Hub connection

Once you've confirmed the Hub is properly receiving power, the next step is to make sure that the hub is properly connected to your motherboard. All NZXT Internal USB Hubs will include a dedicated Motherboard (MB) header which is used to connect the hub to the motherboard.

For the Internal USB Hub (Gen 3), this port will be colored Purple with an MB indicator
For the Internal USB Expansion (AC-IUSBH-M1), this port will be colored White with an MB indicator

Using the included Internal USB 2.0 to Internal USB 2.0 cable, connect one end of the cable to the MB header and the other end to an open USB 2.0 Internal Header on your motherboard.

Do not connect any NZXT Internal USB Hub to another splitter or hub device, as this can overload the header and cause malfunctions. The NZXT Internal USB Splitter should only be connected directly to the motherboard.

Once connected properly, start the PC again and check if the connected devices are properly detected. If you are still experiencing connection issues, then this can indicate that there is still a connection issue. From here, try the following:

Reconnect the Internal USB Hub to another Internal USB 2.0 header.
- If this resolves the issue, there may be a dead or failing Internal USB 2.0 header on your motherboard
- If this does not resolve the issue, this can indicate either that the hub or the motherboard's USB 2.0 controller is malfunctioning.
Connect the undetected USB device directly to the motherboard's Internal USB 2.0 header.
- If this does not resolve the issue, this can indicate the connected device is failing.
- If this does resolve the issue, this can indicate that the USB hub is malfunctioning.
Connect the Internal USB Hub to another PC
- If the hub detects on another PC, this can indicate a failing Internal USB 2.0 header on your motherboard or a failing USB controller.
- If the hub does not detect on another PC, this can indicate that the hub is malfunctioning.

My Internal USB Hub has failed, what do I do now?

If after completing the above troubleshooting all signs point to a failed Internal USB Hub, we would recommend to check your Invoice or Proof of Purchase for the USB Hub to confirm if it is still covered under warranty or if you're still within the retailer's return policy. The warranty term for your device can be confirmed through the product page, with the Internal USB Hub (Gen 3) carrying a 2 year limited warranty.

If you are still covered under warranty, please reach out to our Customer Support team with a copy of your Proof of Purchase to request an RMA for replacement. If you are still covered under the retailer's return policy, we would suggest reaching out to the retailer first for a more immediate replacement.

Do you have any questions not covered by this guide or need further assistance? Please feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team and one of our friendly support agents will be there to assist you.

Are you looking to keep up on all things NZXT? Go ahead and join the Official NZXT Community Discord to keep up to date on our latest products, upcoming sales, and join in on discussions on everything from PC hardware to gaming.