USB controller card/chipset compatible with macOS Mojave

[djx8605]

Are there any PCIE USB3 controller cards that work with macOS Mojave? I'm looking at one that has a VIA USB3 chipset, but can't find the chip's exact model. Are VIA USB3 chipsets compatible with Mojave, or can they be made to work with a kext?

Does anyone have any recommendations? USB3 prefered, but if not USB 2 is fine.

 

[Adrian B]

The only USB cards that work with macOS are the ones that use the Fresco FL1100 chip - any other Fresco version does not work. they have native support, but you should also create a custom SSDT for USB ports.
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/guide-creating-a-custom-ssdt-for-usbinjectall-kext.211311/

 

[djx8605]

O wow ok. Thx! I’ll take a look for some of those. I thought VIA or NEC would work, since I know some motherboards use those. Glad I asked

 

[Adrian B]

I don't think that VIA has ever worked. NEC worked through to the end of Mavericks before support was dropped.


Edit: Added Amazon US link
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...n:4853,k:MacPro+usb+pcie&tag=tonymacx86com-20

 

[djx8605]

Thanks for the info. Could you take a quick look at this one?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPIMJEW/?tag=tonymacx86com-20
I was almost set to purchase one, but I saw this (the third question in the Q/A section...

"Question:
how many controllers does this have
Answer:
It has one 4 channel Frisco Logic controller and one Via VL8120Q7 hub controller for sharing those ports. It is not completely clear which of the 7 possible ports are shared."

The description says it uses the FL1100 chipset, so we are good there, but I want to make sure that the VIA VL8120Q7 hub controller won't cause any problems. I'd imagine it wouldn't, but at this point, I'd rather check, confirm and make sure before buying

THX

 

[djx8605]

The only USB cards that work with macOS are the ones that use the Fresco FL1100 chip - any other Fresco version does not work. they have native support, but you should also create a custom SSDT for USB ports.
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/guide-creating-a-custom-ssdt-for-usbinjectall-kext.211311/

Thanks, I am in fact planning to use UIA and create a port layout for my setup, but here's another question:
Is the 15 port limit global to the OS? Or is it 15 ports per controller? So if I get this PCIE card, I'd have to use 15 ports max across the PCIE card and motherboard controller/ports? Or could each controller (PCIE card and motherboard/Intel) get 15 ports each?

I believe the limit is OS wide (since the kext handles that), but not too sure, thus my question. I'd rather plan twice and execute once

Thanks for all your valuable info!

 

[Adrian B]

Total is 15 ports maximum. But you can also use macOS supported external powered USB hubs in monitors or standalone desktop devices to increase available port numbers and ease access for connections.

These models both work:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I027GPC/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JFR2H64/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

 

[djx8605]

Total is 15 ports maximum. But you can also use macOS supported external powered USB hubs in monitors or standalone desktop devices to increase available port numbers and ease access for connections.

These models both work:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I027GPC/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JFR2H64/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

Thanks! They both say not compatible with Yosemite and later, is that something I can ignore? Sorry for the hassle, I just don't want to have to deal with Amazon's returns if I can avoid it, so want to be sure I'm getting the right thing

 

[Adrian B]

I have a similar (now not available) 2 or 3 port (don't remember) port Inateck card running with High Sierra. Many mods and other users bought these to give additional USB 3 port support in builds.

https://www.tonymacx86.com/search/80408188/?q=fl1100&o=date