USB Ports die when using external HDD

[Captain Beer]

So I'm running a fairly ancient PC, it's a 3rd gen i5, but it does everything I need it to and I just don't have the budget to replace it currently.
Here's the issue. When I have my external HDD plugged into one of the rear USB ports, it doesn't power up and causes other devices like the mouse to intermittently disconnect, if I plug it into one of the ports on the front, it runs 100% and Bob's my Auntie.
I'm guessing the rear ports aren't getting enough current to run the HDD + other peripherals at the same time? Could it be my PSU? Or is the MB on its way out? Thanks for any tips

 

[ld13]

What is the model number of your motherboard?

 

[Captain Beer]

What is the model number of your motherboard?

Asus H61M-K

 

[ld13]

A bad PSU would make all the USB ports act the same, so I would personally rule that out.

There are 4 usb ports at the back, and 2 headers on the board that support an additional 4 USB ports (to support the front ports). Could simply be that the 4 ports at the back are overloaded. Have you tried plugging in the mouse etc in the front, and then plugging in just the drive at the back as a test?

In the end a simple powered usb hub should solve this problem.

 

[Rickster]

HWinfo32 should show you the 5v rail, run it on sensors only, look for 5v and plug the drive in, does it tank?

 

[ld13]

HWinfo32 should show you the 5v rail, run it on sensors only, look for 5v and plug the drive in, does it tank?

It probably tanks bad!

 

[Captain Beer]

HWinfo32 should show you the 5v rail, run it on sensors only, look for 5v and plug the drive in, does it tank?

Thanks man. I tried two different programs and can't see the 5V on either of them. Plugging everything in doesn't seem to affect any of the voltages I can see.

 

[ArmatageShanks]

Thanks man. I tried two different programs and can't see the 5V on either of them. Plugging everything in doesn't seem to affect any of the voltages I can see.

View attachment 1078083

View attachment 1078085

Even if it reports 5v status there are 6 5v inputs on the motherboards connector, not sure where it will read from or at what point.

Should have the same current available on the read ports as on the front, usually the front has less current at the port because of the long wire run.

Your board has jumpers for the usb ports power states for rear and front, is the rear panel configured differently to the front?

 

[RyanPCMR]

RIP