I built a PC last year, and I'm facing a frustrating issue with my setup. Since I installed a second GPU, I can't use it without losing USB connectivity. When I connect a second monitor to my second GPU, my wired keyboard stops working immediately. The computer doesn't crash or shut down, but it acts as if I'm continuously pressing a key if I was typing at that moment. This problem also affects my Xbox wireless receivers, wired connections to my Xbox controller, and webcams. The only USB devices that seem unaffected are my mouse, an external USB hard drive, and a backup wireless keyboard.
If I unplug and replug my wired keyboard, it faces the same freezing issue. The other USB devices won't respond or turn on until I disconnect the second monitor, then unplug and reconnect them to get them working again. Thankfully, I don't see any error messages—just the usual sounds indicating USB disconnections and connections.
Initially, my keyboard would also randomly disconnect while only having one monitor. This was overcome when I disabled the "USB Selective Suspend" setting, which fixed that issue permanently for the keyboard.
I even got a watt meter to check my system's power draw. With each GPU driving its own monitor, it showed around 150W. However, with only the primary GPU handling the display, it jumped to about 400W. There's also this "watt overload" reading of 3680W that I'm unsure about.
I'm worried my motherboard might not be supplying enough power for both GPUs alongside my USB devices. Although the watt meter and PCPartPicker suggest my PSU is sufficient, I'm seeking assistance in diagnosing whether that's the case or if the issue lies elsewhere. If more details are needed, just let me know; I'm pretty quick to respond!
2 Answers
Honestly, it might be time to consider upgrading to Windows 11. Windows 10 isn’t receiving updates now, and that could be causing compatibility issues with your new hardware. Also, have you tried switching the USB ports for your keyboard? Sometimes moving them to different ports can resolve weird conflicts.
It sounds like your system is having some serious power management issues. When you enable that second GPU, it's likely drawing more power than your motherboard can manage, thus affecting USB ports. I’d recommend checking your motherboard’s specifications on power delivery, especially regarding PCIe slot power. Also, have you looked into updating your motherboard firmware? Sometimes such updates can fix compatibility or power issues.
Thanks for the advice! I’ll check the firmware and see what my motherboard can handle regarding power.
I see your point about Windows 11... might have to bite the bullet soon. I’ll try swapping USB ports and see if that does anything!