Shock Happy Cases?

[chesleywan]

I've had a slight issue with my 500R for a while now. Once in a while, I'll connect a device like a phone, USB drive, headset external hard drive, etc. to one of the front USB 3.0 or audio ports and my system will freeze and become unresponsive, even when the reset button is pressed or the power button is held. It will eventually shut itself off within a minute or so. Is this due to the case or perhaps the motherboard? Motherboard is a GA-Z68XP-UD3.

[Conelton]

Probably more likely to be a fault with the motherboard, or a compatibility issue (although that's unlikely). Check that all your connectors are plugged in correctly and that you have the latest drivers installed. If that doesn't solve it then the best way to diagnose the problem would be to try the motherboard with a different case and vice versa if you can. Might be worth checking the power supply as well.

[Brian]

Probably more likely to be a fault with the motherboard, or a compatibility issue (although that's unlikely). Check that all your connectors are plugged in correctly and that you have the latest drivers installed. If that doesn't solve it then the best way to diagnose the problem would be to try the motherboard with a different case and vice versa if you can. Might be worth checking the power supply as well.

Agreed about checking power supply or motherboard. Build the system out of the case, preferably in the open air on a non-conductive surface like wood or cardboard. then plug the USB header into the motherboard and try it. If it works fine I'd say you have a grounding issue.

Also could try using different power cord and surge protector if possible.