Ubuntu Server 22.04 Installation Hangs on ASUS WRX80e-SAGE Series
Root Cause:
The XHCI-HCD function in the BIOS is designed to manage USB 3.0/3.1 ports and enable dynamic USB speed switching between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.
During the boot process, this functionality may interfere with USB recognition, causing the USB installation media to disconnect or fail to initialize correctly.
As a result, the system hangs while attempting to access the USB device.
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:
Create the installation media on a USB 2.0 device (low-speed USB).
Plug the USB 2.0 device into a USB 2.0 port on the motherboard.
Proceed with the installation.
Restart the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Press the appropriate key during boot (usually Del, F2, or F10).
Locate the XHCI Hand-Off or XHCI Support setting in the BIOS.
This is typically found under Advanced USB Configuration.
Disable the XHCI function.
Save the changes and reboot the system.
Begin the installation process.
If available, connect the installation media to a legacy USB 2.0 port.
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.
Conclusion:
This issue stems from USB compatibility challenges during the boot process on ASUS WRX80e-SAGE motherboards. By using a low-speed USB device, disabling the XHCI function in BIOS, or leveraging legacy USB ports, you can ensure a smooth installation of Ubuntu Server 22.04.
Related Articles
ASUS Server ESC-N4A-E11 - Expansion Card Installation
Server Rear Panel Features The expansion slots, system power socket, liquid cooler connectors (on selected models) are located on the rear panel of the server. The right part includes the I/O shield with openings for the rear panel connectors on the ...ASUS Server Stress Testing Guide for INTEL and AMD Platforms
Creating a Bootable USB with Asus Test Tool Step 1: Download Required Files Download Asus Linux Image: Save the Linux image file provided by Asus. Download Memtest Tool: Open a browser, search for "Memtest," and download the free version from the ...How to Remove and Reinstall NVIDIA Drivers on Ubuntu
This article provides step by step guide to completely remove existing NVIDIA drivers and reinstall specific version of the NVIDIA driver on the Ubuntu system Prerequisites Administrative (sudo) access to the Ubuntu system. Internet access to ...Intel VROC Installation and RAID Creation on ASUS Server
Intel VROC Installation and RAID Creation on ASUS Server Intel Virtual RAID on CPU, or Intel VROC, is a hybrid RAID storage solution for NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs) that connects directly to Intel Xeon Scalable Processors using the PCIe expansion ...Setup noVNC on Ubuntu 20.04/Gnome 3.36
VNC (Virtual Network Computing) enables you to control your Linux installation from another computer on the same network, by viewing and interacting with the desktop from the other computer. To learn more about VNC, click here noVNC allows you to ...