The VIA USB Problems Keep Filtering Through

VIA Releases New USB Filter Driver

VIA has released a new version of it's USB Filter Driver. Dubbed version 1.10 the new version replaces the long standing version 1.08. The driver is intended to correct problems with onboard VIA USB host controllers.

Previous versions of the VIA USB filter driver, including the 1.08, have been far less than effective at correcting problematic VIA USB. Compounding the ineffectiveness of the driver is the controversy that surrounds its use. The VIA web site often says one thing while VIA technicians, when you can talk to one, say exactly the opposite. The official written information changes as often as the links on the web site.

CHINA USB has never been a strong suit for any non-Intel based motherboard. Onboard USB 1.1 function is controlled by the Southbridge of a motherboards chipset. Therefore, Intel boards have Intel USB host controllers and VIA boards have VIA USB host controllers etc.. All newer AMD systems use motherboards with either VIA, ALi, SiS or AMD chipsets. VIA is, by far, the most popular among these platforms and as such, the most problematic. For the most part, non-Intel based motherboards are cheaper, offer a wide variety of overclocking and tweaking features and last, but certainly not least, they support AMD processors.

Unfortunately, far too many of these screaming, new, highly rated, overclockable, AMD systems are plagued by their inability to provide proper connectivity for USB game controllers, scanners, printers, cameras, modems or even optical mice.

Although, overclocking is often part of the problem, (setting the FSB to a higher value increases the speed of the PCI bus to a value greater than default, the increased speed often causes USB to choke), far too many non-overclocked VIA systems have non or mal-functioning USB as well. Making matters worse, VIA has never admitted to having a problem with USB. Alas, the forum boards tell a different story.

In the last two years, I've personally written dozens of emails to VIA tech support, left my card at their show booth, talked to their representatives in person and even wrote several times to the President of VIA, WenChi Chen. VIA has yet to follow-up or properly respond.

Hopefully, the new VIA USB Filter Driver will provide a fix for some users. I have my well founded doubts.

To the owners of VIA boards with problematic USB: Good Luck, with the new filter driver, you'll need it.

From the credit where it's due department: SiS and ALi are equally troublesome when it comes to respective onboard USB offerings. Neither has provided a fix or acknowledges the problem.

Read the Readme File Attached to the Driver

Download latest VIA USB Filter Patch v.1.10