Framework Laptop 13 AMD AI 300 Series – Right-Side USB-C Port Periodically Stops Working

System Information

  • Framework Laptop 13
  • AMD AI 300 Series (AI 5 340)
  • Windows 11
  • 32 GB DDR5-5600 RAM
  • 2 TB SSD

Hi everyone,

I purchased a Framework Laptop 13 with the AMD AI 5 340 motherboard about 2 months ago, and I’ve recently started experiencing an issue with one of the USB-C ports.

The affected port is the 4th USB-C port (the second port on the right side). I normally have a USB-A Expansion Card installed there with my wireless mouse dongle connected to it.

Occasionally, the mouse suddenly stops responding, as if the port has stopped working. Initially, I thought the USB-A Expansion Card itself was faulty, so I replaced it with another USB-A Expansion Card, but the problem still occurs.

To rule out the mouse, I also tested with a different wireless mouse from ASUS, and the behavior was exactly the same. My primary mouse is a Logitech M171, which I used for almost a year on my previous computer without any issues.

When the problem occurs, the only way to restore functionality is to remove the Expansion Card and plug it back in. After that, everything works normally again until the issue randomly reappears.

I’ve already tried:

  • Updating Windows 11
  • Installing the latest AMD drivers
  • Reverting to older Framework driver packages
  • Updating back to the latest Framework drivers

Unfortunately, none of these steps have made any difference.

At this point, I’m not sure whether this is:

  • A problem with that specific USB-C port
  • A Windows power management issue
  • A driver or firmware issue
  • Or a hardware fault with the motherboard

Has anyone else with an AMD AI 300 Series Framework 13 experienced something similar? If so, were you able to identify the cause or find a solution?

Any troubleshooting suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

anyone had similiar issue .?

I have a similar problem with an amd ai 300, on mine (just bought to put into an empty Framework 13) the bottom right USB port is dead, that is it won’t power or recognize any device connected to it, I tested multiple USB-C and a USB-A expansion cards (all working on other ports) with mice, usb sticks, a USB hub and AR glasses..

And unfortunately for me the functionality doesn’t come back when changing the cards, it just stays the same.

I use CachyOS on that laptop, so it is not a windows problem.

The weird thing is, I can still run the laptop from mains on that port.

When I connect a power adapter there it charges the battery and even powers the laptop without the battery connected.

Edit

What BIOS version is on your laptop? Is it 3.0.4?

Have not seen widespread issue of this happening. Start a ticket with support though so they have it documented that something is not going right.

We have seen cases where the controller on that side shuts down (though I thought it was both ports) ports usually to protect itself.

Sometimes they will not be reactivated again until the EC is fully reset. (This is for ports that stop working entirely).

The intermittent issue is harder to troubleshoot here.
Clearly something is triggering it to disconnect, ideally it is a software thing with Windows and not a hardware fault. Though there could be something going on with the controller on that side which is causing the shutdown only to come back once a card is reinserted.

Support will be the best to help in this situation though.

opening a ticket is a self harresment, few customer services agents start speaks with you via email and everyone say the same, to open the top cover test few tings, last time i was doing this i had stress a screw mount on the top cover and plastic broke in that ticket process, and framework dont want to replace or atleaset share the 3d printable file for screw mount, they simply suggested me to buy a new top cover

My BIOS version was 3.0.4, I updated to 3.0.5 and the problem is gone for now, maybe check your BIOS version?

I think I’m the latest bios, there is an beta version, but will not be risking that for now

Understandable!