My Rift arrived today (30:xx time, Colorado), and I made a surprising discovery about using the built-in USB ports on my ASUS X99E-WS motherboard with the Rift connections.
I repeatedly was unable to get the sensor to connect at 3.0 (super speed) rates plugging directly into these ports, even though the compatibility tool said they were acceptable. Ports were available from either an Intel C610 xHCI controller embedded in the X99 chipset, or from an ASMedia 3.1 second controller.
I know I can get 3.0 rates from either controller as I have both BD/RE drives as well as an external SATA box connected through them.
However, it turns out 3.x speed sensing with the default BIOS settings only occurs during POST (booting) and only for devices connected at POST time. Unused ports are locked to 2.0 speed before starting Windows. So you need to boot this motherboard with the Rift hardware connected if you expect it to set up speeds properly.
Fortunately I have a 3.0 hub on my desk that was connected before my last boot, and has been running at 3.0. In my configuration the Rift sensor worked properly even though it was through a hub.
Maybe this can help other folks with Xx9 ASUS motherboards who could not get them to work on first setup.
I have a Sabertooth x99, and although I didn't have any problems with my onboard USB 3.0, I did notice there were new drivers available that noted Rift compatibility specifically. Might see if they released new drivers for your board.
