I have run into many USB 3.0 problems across multiple devices and computers running Windows 8 Pro 64-bit. After many headaches and sleepless nights I think I have narrowed all the problems down to one thing in Device Manager: 'Intel (R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller -0100 (Microsoft)” The controllers (Multiple Computers) have had problems with all the Microsoft Drivers including the most resent: 6.2.9200.16548 3/1/2013 The problems: • USB 3.0 External Optical Drives (labeled Windows 8 compatible) not recognized or continuously disconnecting/reconnecting with or without manufacturers drivers. • USB 3. Whip Sound Effect here. 0 Flash drives running slow and/or disconnecting often with data corruption/loss • USB 3.0 Flash drives not recognized My solution: “Intel xHCI Mode” or “XHCI Pre-Boot Mode” in BIOS/Firmware This solution Takes the 'Intel (R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller -0100 (Microsoft)” out of Device Manager and eliminates all the problems stated above across multiple machines running Windows 8 Pro 64-bit. However: This is not a fix.

USB 2.0 Host Controller driver download. All the latest manufacturer's drivers available for free from Software Patch. Extensive database updated regularly with new. Driver & Tools, USB3.0, All-in-one PCs, AIO Drivers. Get Help Fast. Microsoft Support. Windows 7 64bit. Client Management Solutions - HP Client Windows PE 3 x86. Intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver. LSI 2308/9217 SAS Driver - Windows 7 64, version 2.

The Intel USB 3.0 controllers on the machines seam to only run at 2.0 speeds. (Before they were also slow but much less functional, often not recognizing devices) Non-Intel USB 3.0 controllers are fully functional at full USB 3.0 speeds. (Before they had limited or no function depending on the controller) This appears to be a fix for non-Intel USB 3.0 controllers but what about the Intel controllers that take the lion’s share of USB 3.0 controllers on the market? Dose Microsoft have a fix for 'Intel (R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller -0100 (Microsoft)” Is there a new Microsoft driver coming out soon? How about an Intel driver for Windows 8 like the one they have for 7? Am I the only one who is being slammed with this problem from every windows 8 machine I touch? I have not seen a large amount of discussion on the internet with such a seemingly big thing like USB 3.0 not working with Windows 8!

You are not the only one. I have been fighting this issue with USB 3.0 for almost a year. I built a new machine with a gigabyte UD5H motherboard.

This motherboard uses an Intel Z77 chipset. It has an intel xhci controller and uses a via VL810 hub for distribution. It has 10 USB 3.0 ports. I am running Windows 8 professional 64.

I have been using 12 Seagate Backup Plus drives of various sizes with USB 3.0 interfaces for external storage. My problems consisted of the following. Failure to connect at all.

Connecting but running at USB 2.0 or lower speeds. Connecting and starting to transfer and then disconnecting. I finally traced this issue to faulty USB 3.0 cables. I tested all 12 of my cables and found 6 of them to be bad. And the other 6 to be intermittent. I bought a package of 5 of these 3 foot micro B cables on Ebay for 14 dollars and have tested each on each drive on each port of my machine with no issues. Write speeds to each of these drives from an internal drive averages 95 mbs.