Hi folks I’m running Ubuntu 24.04 on a recently purchased Framework 16.
I have a USB-A module plugged into the second slot down on the right (as seen from the top or lid). It is occasionally unresponsive, and will not return to service until I remove the module and reinsert it. This happens about once every 1-2 days. Should I ask for an exchange, or is there some known issue with a workaround?
Hi @Jeff_Trull ,
can you check if the USB-A expansion card is working with other expansion bays without problems?
I swapped slots 5 and 6 and now the USB-A module (formerly in slot 5) is stable. The audio cable was moved from slot 6 into 5 and is now very sensitive, as though it were loose! So I think it’s slot 5 and not the USB-A module.
I have same prob, am using Slot5.
First happened in Slot 6, still happens after I swapped to Slot5.
Haven’t tried a different expansion card yet.
Running Win10Pro, safely remove or eject then drive is still listed in Explorer but cannot be browsed, unplugging the drive makes no change.
Plugging in a different drive, the new USB drive isn’t seen, still the usb drive that was ejected/safely removed.
Also had similar occurrence in Kubuntu (22.04 I think).
Doesn’t happen every time and doesn’t seem USB drive specific (I’d have to check this thoroughly tho’), but still persists every now and then.
I have the same problem on FW16 with Manjaro.
USBA in port 2 and 5 got unresponsive after a few days or so. reinserting fixes this.
I did not try to change these USBA modules to slots 3 and 6. Will try that now.
@Loell_Framework any thoughts? Do I have a defective device?
hi @Jeff_Trull ,
kindly try filing a support ticket and go through different repetitive tests request by support to fully identify the failure, they will escalate you for possible replacement of either the board or just the module if it’s deemed identified as faulty hardware.
I switched these usb-A modules to port 3 and 6 and since then I had no unresponsiveness from these ports. So they do not work well in port 2 and 5.
Yeah I have come to the conclusion that the USB-A module has some issue. This doesn’t happen with my microSD module. Also: it’s not a mainboard issue. Support sent me a replacement (!) but the problem persists.
If anyone is interested, the problem persists - Framework has now sent me both 1) replacement USB-A modules and 2) an entirely new motherboard, and USB-A still stops working around 24-72 hours after being (re)plugged in. I have sent them a video of this happening, even, but the support channel never escalates it to engineering.There’s a workaround (reinsert module) so it’s OK I guess but still annoying.
I guess I will just live with it.
This is my continued experience as well. Well actually they never sent me replacement USB-A modules, but I did a mainboard swap and the issue remains.
These continued USB problems have made me decide not to buy another Framework laptop. I’m going to go with either ThinkPad or System76 for my next work device next month, and when it comes time for my next personal laptop it’ll probably be back to ThinkPad.
I love Framework’s mission, but poor support for USB devices that has remained unsolved for this long should be a dealbreaker for anyone.
While the retainers are supposed to hold those cards in place, something tells me that there’s still a bit of a gap, enough that frequent plugging in and out of the expansion card ports will move the expansion card back-and-forth enough to eventually wear out the USB-C port on the motherboard itself. That’s a tolerance thing.
My only idea will require a redesign of the mech, though - maybe instead of sliding in and out, the retainer clips grips onto it with hard rubber ends, so it’s passively pulling the card towards the card into the motherboard connector, reducing strain and wear as the user plugs and unplugs things on the card’s ports.
I have a Framework 16 running Ubuntu 24.04 and have the same issue on ports 2,3,5. I haven’t tried port 6 yet. Mostly this happened to me for a security key that I generally keep plugged in, but it also happened once for an USB mouse (Logitech).
Same here. I have a logitech dongle (unify), some days does not work on boot-up. The two ports most to the screen (one left and right) do always work. Seems like the the four most furtherst from the screen are unstable. Display port does not work on the furtherst away from the screen at all.
If you are referring to HDMI display ports, only 1,2 and 4 are supposed to work as such, see Framework Knowledge base Expansion Card Slot functionality on Framework Laptop 16
I have the same problem with the logitech dongle (unify), I need to unplug then plug it in to get it to work, on Windoze10.