SSD causing lag?

Stuffu

I decided to go for an SSD since I needed a bit more space as well as it’s more stable than a SD card.

Since the switch, there is a noticeable lag both in ES as well as in games. The lag is not constant, it comes and goes both when there is lag it sticks for a while. I think it mostly controller input lag, not the actual system that’s slowing down. When running a game, I don’t notice anything different on screen except the controller is lagging about 0,5 sec. same in ES.

When I previously used sd card only I never noticed any of these problems.

To narrow it down I use Retroflag nespi 4 case with ssd, sn30 pro controllers.

Pi Model or other hardware: pi4
Power Supply used: original
RetroPie Version Used 4.6 (script updated today as well as os updates)
Built From: pre made SD Image from retropie
USB Devices connected: ssd controller (part of retroflag, as far as I know it’s VIA branded) and usb extension to the case.
Controller used: sn30pro

I realize that it’s hard to point out a solution but where should I start looking?

Just to mention it. I used the guide to add quirks for usb 3.0 to usb 2.0 for ssd’s on pi4.

mitu

USB Devices connected: ssd controller (part of retroflag, as far as I know it’s VIA branded) and usb extension to the case.

The USB controller(s) on the Pi4 are VIA, the NesPi controller appears to be JMIcron.

Can you run the following 2 commands and post the output:

dmesg | grep -i blacklisted
lsusb -t

Do you get the same issue if you're running without the Nespi4 controller (i.e. disc directly connected to the PI, without the controller).

Stuffu

@mitu

Unfortunately, I don't have a way to connect it directly to the Pi. Wouldn't I always need a controller to connect it to the Pi? There is just the sata interface on the ssd itself.

The SSD is Micron, so I might have misinterpreted that VIA was the controller in nespi case.

Output:

[    1.527151] usb 2-1: UAS is blacklisted for this device, using usb-storage instead
[    1.527272] usb 2-1: UAS is blacklisted for this device, using usb-storage instead

and

/:  Bus 02.Port 1: Dev 1, Class=root_hub, Driver=xhci_hcd/4p, 5000M
    |__ Port 1: Dev 2, If 0, Class=Mass Storage, Driver=usb-storage, 5000M
/:  Bus 01.Port 1: Dev 1, Class=root_hub, Driver=xhci_hcd/1p, 480M
    |__ Port 1: Dev 2, If 0, Class=Hub, Driver=hub/4p, 480M

Nothing odd here, right?

mitu

Looks like the quirk has been applied - so the configuration should be fine. The SSD part could be a red herring, it's maybe the USB3 causes interference with the BT wireless connection ?

If your SN30 Pro is connected via Bluetooth, try connecting it via USB and see if the input lag is the same.

Stuffu

@mitu

Hmm, tried with a usb only controller and the lag was gone. So I guess it's not the SSD after all.

Strangely I haven't had any problems with the BT connection before. Also using the same setup of retropie.

The only difference I notice in general is when launching ES, the "loading config" part takes considerably longer time to load than before. Don't know if it's related but that's something new.

Is there something to do about the lagging BT connection?

mitu

@Stuffu said in SSD causing lag?:

Strangely I haven't had any problems with the BT connection before. Also using the same setup of retropie.

Including the USB3 drive controller ?

Is there something to do about the lagging BT connection?

Just to confirm it's the USB3 SSD controller that's causing the issue, try testing with Bluetooth and a SD card only system. If the lag is cause by the USB3 controller, then maybe an external (USB) Bluetooth dongle might help.

EDIT: if it turns out it's the controller, maybe drop RetroFlag an email and ask them if they know about this kind of issue.

Stuffu

@mitu

Just to confirm it's the USB3 SSD controller that's causing the issue, try testing with Bluetooth and a SD card only system. If the lag is cause by the USB3 controller, then maybe an external (USB) Bluetooth dongle might help.

When disconnecting the USB controller the lag disappeared on the BT controllers, also the config was loading at normal speed when launching ES.

EDIT: if it turns out it's the controller, maybe drop RetroFlag an email and ask them if they know about this kind of issue.

Yup, I will do that. Thanks helping out pinpointing the issue

Stuffu

I found a workaround that appears to be working.

Since I don't think this is an uncommon combo with nespi 4 case and BT controllers I can maybe help someone else out.

The issue with slow performance both with the SSD itself and interference with BT controllers disappeared when moving the USB controller for the SSD to from the USB 3.0 port to the USB 2.0 port instead and the connector for the front USB ports to USB 3.0 from USB 2.0.

Even the long ES loading time is gone.

Edit: the instructions for the case is to put usb controller to usb 3.

mitu

@Stuffu said in SSD causing lag?:

The issue with slow performance both with the SSD itself and interference with BT controllers disappeared when moving the USB controller for the SSD to from the USB 3.0 port to the USB 2.0 port instead and the connector for the front USB ports to USB 3.0 from USB 2.0.

Sadly, this negates all performance gains from using an USB3 port for your external disc.

Stuffu

@mitu true, but it seems that it’s related to improper shielding in the usb controller so I don’t think there will be a fix. I guess it’s better this way than having overall poor performance, so in this case it’s sadly better performance with usb 2...

luedi

I also had issues since using the ssd with the nespi 4. Previously it ran fine with micro sd card alone. So my conclusion was a poor RF design of the SATA controller board.
Since USB3.0 is commonly related to RFI in the ISM band (Wifi/Bluetooth) I tried my luck with installing RF shielding around the SATA controller board and unshielded cable end.
I used thin aluminium sheet around the PCB from my scrap box and aluminium tape for the cable (used in a/c repairs). I insulated the PCB with some Kapton tape.
It seems my troubles of laggy bluetooth are over. (fingers crossed).
See pictures below.

Stuffu

@luedi thanks for suggesting this, will try it out when there is time... :)