KB 532001 - Ubuntu Server 22.04 Installation Hangs on ASUS WRX80e-SAGE Series

KB 532001 - Ubuntu Server 22.04 Installation Hangs on ASUS WRX80e-SAGE Series

During the installation of Ubuntu Server 22.04 on ASUS WRX80E-SAGE series motherboards, the installation process hangs during the boot phase. The issue is associated with USB disk recognition errors, particularly with devices managed by the XHCI (eXtensible Host Controller Interface) in the BIOS.

Root Cause

The XHCI-HCD function in the BIOS is responsible for managing USB 3.0/3.1 ports and dynamically switching between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 modes. During the boot process, this dynamic switching can interfere with USB device detection, causing the installation USB media to disconnect or fail to initialize properly. As a result, the system becomes unresponsive (hangs) while attempting to access the installation media.

Symptoms:

  • The installation process hangs during the USB initialization phase.

      

  • USB devices (e.g., installation media) are intermittently disconnected.

  • Errors related to xHCI-HCD or USB device recognition are observed in the boot logs.

Solution:

To resolve the issue, follow these steps:

Option 1: Use a Low-Speed USB Device

  1. Create the installation media on a USB 2.0 device (low-speed USB).

  2. Plug the USB 2.0 device into a USB 2.0 port on the motherboard.

  3. Proceed with the installation.

Option 2: Disable XHCI in BIOS

  1. Restart the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.

    • Press the appropriate key during boot (usually Del, F2, or F10).

  2. Locate the XHCI Hand-Off or XHCI Support setting in the BIOS.

    • This is typically found under Advanced USB Configuration.

  3. Disable the XHCI function.

  4. Save the changes and reboot the system.

  5. Begin the installation process.

Option 3: Use Legacy USB Ports

  1. If available, connect the installation media to a legacy USB 2.0 port.

  2. Ensure the BIOS settings prioritize legacy USB support for bootable devices.

Workaround:

If neither solution is feasible, consider the following:

  • Use a Ventoy-installed NVME SSD and put it into the 2nd slot of the motherboard, and boot it from there to prepare the Ubuntu installation.

  • Use a different motherboard to install Ubuntu and transfer the installed drive back to the ASUS WRX80e-SAGE system after completing the initial setup.

Additional Recommendations:

  • Ensure the BIOS firmware is updated to the latest version from the ASUS support site.

  • Verify the integrity of the Ubuntu installation media.

    • Use tools like Rufus or Etcher for creating bootable USB drives.

Resolution

This issue stems from USB compatibility challenges during the boot process on ASUS WRX80E-SAGE motherboards.
To ensure a smooth installation of Ubuntu Server 22.04, perform one of the following actions:

  1. Use a low-speed USB device (USB 2.0) for installation.

  2. Disable the XHCI function in the BIOS before beginning the installation.

  3. Use legacy USB ports if available on the system.

After installation, the XHCI function can be safely re-enabled for normal USB 3.0/3.1 functionality.