USB support

Hewlett Packard Enterprise node s support both USB 2.0 ports and USB 3.0 ports. Both port types support installing all types of USB devices (USB 1.0, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0), but might run at lower speeds in specific situations:

  • USB 3.0 capable devices operate at USB 2.0 speeds when installed in a USB 2.0 port.
  • In UEFI Boot Mode, Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides legacy USB support in the preboot environment before the operating system loading for USB 1.0, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 speeds.
  • In Legacy BIOS Boot Mode, Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides legacy USB support in the preboot environment before the operating system loading for USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 speeds. USB 3.0 ports can be used with all devices in Legacy BIOS Boot Mode but are not available at USB 3.0 speeds in the preboot environment. Standard USB support (USB support from within the operating system) is provided by the OS through the appropriate USB device drivers. Support for USB 3.0 varies by operating system.

For maximum compatibility of USB 3.0 devices with all operating systems, Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides a configuration setting for USB 3.0 Mode. Auto is the default setting. This setting impacts USB 3.0 devices when connected to USB 3.0 ports in the following manner:

  • Auto (default)—If configured in Auto Mode, USB 3.0 capable devices operate at USB 2.0 speeds in the preboot environment and during boot. When a USB 3.0 capable OS USB driver loads, USB 3.0 devices transition to USB 3.0 speeds. This mode is compatible with operating systems that do not support USB 3.0 while allowing USB 3.0 devices to operate at USB 3.0 speeds with state-of-the-art operating systems.
  • Enabled—If Enabled, USB 3.0 capable devices operate at USB 3.0 speeds at all times (including the preboot environment) when in UEFI Boot Mode. Do not use this mode with operating systems that do not support USB 3.0. If operating in Legacy Boot BIOS Mode, the USB 3.0 ports cannot function in the preboot environment and are not bootable.
  • Disabled—If configured for Disabled, USB 3.0 capable devices function at USB 2.0 speeds at all times.

The pre-OS behavior and default operation of the USB ports is configurable in the UEFI System Utilities. For more information, see the UEFI System Utilities user guide for your product on the Hewlett Packard Enterprise website.