Does Astro A50 charge when PC is off?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

The Astro A50 headset and the wireless Steelseries Sensei mouse charging issue you are experiencing after getting a new motherboard is indeed quite frustrating. Let’s delve into the possible reasons behind this problem and explore potential solutions.

1. Power Management Settings: The first thing to check is your computer’s power management settings. When your PC is turned off, it may be entering a low-power state that cuts off power to USB ports. To ensure USB power is available even when the PC is off, follow these steps:

A. Access your computer’s BIOS settings by pressing a specific key during the boot process. The key can vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer (common keys include Del, F2, F10, or F12).
B. Once in the BIOS settings, navigate to the “Power Management” or “Power Options” section.
C. Look for an option related to USB power or charging, such as “USB Power on Sleep” or “USB Power Charge Support.” Enable this option if available.
D. Save your changes and exit the BIOS settings. Restart your PC and test if the charging issue persists.

2. USB Port Configuration: Another factor to consider is the configuration of the USB ports on your new motherboard. Some motherboards have specific USB ports that provide power even when the PC is off, often labeled as “charging” or “powered” USB ports. Ensure that you are connecting the docking stations of your Astro A50 headset and Steelseries Sensei mouse to these designated ports.

3. USB Charging Support: Not all USB ports are designed to provide power when the PC is turned off. Some USB ports may only supply power when the computer is on or in sleep mode. Check the specifications or manual of your new motherboard to determine if it supports charging devices when the PC is off. If this feature is not supported, you may need to consider alternative charging methods for your headset and mouse.

4. Firmware/Driver Updates: It is also worth checking if there are any firmware or driver updates available for your Astro A50 headset and Steelseries Sensei mouse. Manufacturers often release updates that address compatibility issues and improve charging functionality. Visit the respective manufacturers’ websites and download the latest firmware or driver updates for your devices.

5. External Charging Options: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can consider alternative charging options for your headset and mouse. For example, both the Astro A50 headset and the Steelseries Sensei mouse come with USB cables that can be connected directly to a power adapter or a USB wall charger. This way, you can charge them independently of your PC’s power state.

The ability to charge the Astro A50 headset and the Steelseries Sensei mouse when your PC is turned off can be influenced by various factors, such as power management settings, USB port configuration, and USB charging support on your new motherboard. By checking and adjusting these settings and exploring alternative charging options, you should be able to find a solution that allows you to charge your devices even when your PC is off.

Please note that the specific steps and options mentioned may vary depending on your motherboard model and manufacturer. It is always a good idea to consult the motherboard’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s support for further assistance if needed.