Thunderbolt-port keeps crashing

[FM]

When using any external device over Thunderbolt (Linux kernel 5.0.9), it simple crashes after a while: xhci_hcd 0000:1f:00.0: xHCI host controller not responding, assume dead

When using the same device over USB 3.0, it works without any issues.

I already tried blacklisting any power management (using TLP blacklisting + udev), but this doesn't prevent the crashes from happening.

Any other workarounds I haven't tried? Firmware is up-to-date (flashed on Windows 10) and BIOS as well.

[Alberto_R_Intel]

FM, Thank you for posting in the Intel® Communities Support. In order for us to provide the most accurate assistance, we just wanted to confirm a few details about your system: What is the model of the NUC? What is the model of the monitor? What is the video port the monitor is using? What type of video cable are you using? Are you using adapters, converters or receivers? Just to make sure, the current OS installed in the NUC is it Linux or Windows*? Regards, Alberto R. Intel Customer Support Technician Under Contract to Intel Corporation

[FM]

Hi Alberto, thanks for your reply.

What is the model of the NUC? NUC7i7BNH

What is the model of the monitor? Non - headless computer

What is the video port the monitor is using? N/A

What type of video cable are you using? N/A

Are you using adapters, converters or receivers? USB 3.1 C

Just to make sure, the current OS installed in the NUC is it Linux or Windows*? Linux 5.0.9

[Alberto_R_Intel]

FM, You are very welcome, thank you for providing those details. Since you are not using a monitor, what is the model or what kind of device is the one that you are connecting to the NUC? Just in case, here is the latest BIOS version 0076 for the Intel® NUC Kit NUC7i7BNH, please make sure that is the version installed: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/28640/BIOS-Update-BNKBL357-86A-?product=95065 In the following link you will be able to confirm that Windows* is the Operating System that was tested an validated by Intel® as fully compatible with the Intel® NUC Kit NUC7i7BNH: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005628/mini-pcs.html There is Thunderbolt driver and firmware update but those were released for Windows as well: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/28735/Thunderbolt-3-DCH-Driver-for-Windows-10-for-Intel-NUC-Products?product=95065 https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/27679/Thunderbolt-3-Controller-Firmware-Update-Tool-for-Intel-NUC-Kit-NUC7i5BN-NUC7i7BN?product=95065 What is the Linux flavor that you are using? Do you have the option to download and install the Thunderbolt driver and firmware update for Linux? Additionally, in the link below you will find the list of the tested peripherals validated by Intel® for the Intel® NUC Kit NUC7i7BNH: http://compatibleproducts.intel.com/ProductDetails?EPMID=95065 Regards, Alberto R. Intel Customer Support Technician Under Contract to Intel Corporation

[FM]

Hi Alberto,

I have updated the BIOS and firmware(s) to the latest version you provided over Windows 10 (UEFI) by using a separated drive.

Both are reporting the latest versions are successfully installed.

I'm running Arch Linux (kernel 5.0.9) - Intel doesn't seem to support fwupdate (yet) - that's why I have used Windows 10 to upgrade the firmware.

The peripheral is an ICY BOX IB-3740-C31 and works fine when being connected over USB 3.0, but really slow and thus crashing over USB 3.1/Thunderbolt.

If more debug info is needed, please let me know.

[Alberto_R_Intel]

Hi FM, Thank you very much for providing those details. We will do further research on this matter, as soon as I get any updates I will post them on this thread. Regards, Alberto R. Intel Customer Support Technician Under Contract to Intel Corporation

[FM]

Thank you! If you need any more (debug) info, let me know.

[Alberto_R_Intel]

FM, You are very welcome, I just received an update on this matter, just to confirm: 1. Does the same issue occur when testing the unit with a monitor connected (not in headless mode)? 2. By any chance do you have or can you share the link to the ICY BOX enclosure from the manufacturer? We are not able to find any manufacturer links for ICY BOX and for ICY DOCK, we cannot find the part number provided: https://www.icydock.com/index.php If there is no link, could you please provide the specifications of the enclosure? 3. Do you have the option to test another Linux flavor other than Arch, such as Ubuntu? Regards, Alberto R. Intel Customer Support Technician Under Contract to Intel Corporation

[FM]

1. Yes, the same happens, even on non headless mode.
2. Direct link: https://www.raidsonic.de/en/index.php?we_objectID=5369
3. Yes, I'm able to test any other flavor, although I except the result to be the same as they all use the Linux 4.*/5.* kernel/firmware.

On both kernel versions I have crashes and slow file operations, the actual filesystem didn't make a differ: XFS, ext4 and ZFS. The same device works perfectly when being connected over USB 3.0.

It really seems the controller is dead, I need to shutdown the NUC (power-cycle) to recover it from it's deadlock.

For some reason it also locks the connected device, so I need to power-cycle this as well.

The same issue occured with this device: https://www.startech.com/HDD/Enclosures/USB-3-0-Enclosure-for-3-5-SATA-Hard-Drives-with-UASP~S3510BMU33

All being connected over PCI-e/Thunderbolt, when using the same device(s) over USB 3.0, no issues and performance lost occurs, although I only receive half amount of (possible) speed.

Thanks for investigating this issue.

[Alberto_R_Intel]

FM, Thank you very much for sharing that information. Since the firmware update was done using Windows* as the operating system, we recommend to test the Intel® NUC with Windows* 10 version 1709 or later and install the latest thunderbolt driver. If the issue persists, then it indicates that there is a hardware issue with the Intel® NUC itself, and the best thing to do will be to replace it. If you are interested in that option please contact Intel® Customer Support in your region for warranty options: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/contact-support.html#@6 If the problem is not replicated, then the next thing to do will be to visit the forums support for Linux since we have not validated Linux on this unit: http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/ Regards, Alberto R. Intel Customer Support Technician Under Contract to Intel Corporation