FAQ
TL;DR: Rival 110 launched in 2017; "linux is the best choice" to isolate OS issues. Try rear USB ports, disable USB selective suspend, adjust polling rate, update AMD chipset drivers, and test on Linux Live. If it still freezes, claim warranty. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18013018]
Quick Facts
- Typical gaming-mouse polling rates are 125/500/1000 Hz; 1000 Hz equals 1 ms response. Lowering rate can smooth stutter. [Razer, "What is Polling Rate?"]
- USB Selective Suspend can pause USB devices; disabling it often resolves intermittent disconnects and freezes. [Microsoft, "USB selective suspend"]
- Keep AMD Ryzen/B450 USB stable by installing the latest AMD Chipset Drivers for your board. [AMD, "Chipset Drivers"]
- A Linux Live USB test cleanly separates hardware faults from Windows driver/software issues. [Ubuntu, "Try Ubuntu without installing"]
- In the EU, a 2‑year legal guarantee covers defects; claim with proof of purchase. [European Commission, "Legal guarantee"]
How can I quickly tell if the cursor stutter is hardware or Windows?
Boot a Linux Live USB and test the mouse outside Windows. If it’s smooth there, focus on Windows drivers and settings. If it still freezes, suspect hardware, cabling, or the surface. How-To: 1. Create a bootable Ubuntu USB. 2. Boot "Try Ubuntu" (no install). 3. Move the mouse for 5–10 minutes and observe. [Ubuntu, "Try Ubuntu without installing"]
Which Windows 10 setting most often causes mouse cutouts?
USB Selective Suspend can power down ports briefly and disrupt mice. Disable it: open Power Options, edit plan settings, Advanced settings, USB settings, then set USB selective suspend to Disabled. Apply and reboot. This change often stops intermittent cursor freezing or brief disconnects. [Microsoft, "USB selective suspend"]
Will switching USB ports or avoiding hubs help?
Yes. Connect the Rival 110 directly to the PC, preferably a rear motherboard port. Avoid unpowered hubs and front-panel extensions during troubleshooting. Try different ports to rule out a flaky connector. Also remove other USB devices temporarily to reduce bus contention, then add them back one at a time. [Microsoft, "Troubleshoot USB devices in Windows"]
Should I lower the Rival 110 polling rate in software?
Yes. Set polling from 1000 Hz (1 ms) down to 500 or 250 Hz in SteelSeries software. A lower rate reduces USB and CPU load and can smooth stutter on marginal USB setups. Restore 1000 Hz once stability returns. As an expert note: "1000 Hz equals 1 ms." [Razer, "What is Polling Rate?"]
Do AMD Ryzen 3 1200/B450 chipset drivers affect USB stability?
They do. Install the latest AMD Chipset Drivers for your B450 board. These packages update USB controller components and can resolve intermittent device freezes. Reboot after installation and retest the mouse on a rear port. Update BIOS later only if your vendor recommends it. [AMD, "Chipset Drivers"]
Can a bad surface or dirty sensor cause the cursor to jam?
Yes. Reflective, transparent, or very glossy surfaces cause tracking failures. Try a plain, non-glossy mousepad or paper. Clean the sensor window with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Also remove hair or dust from the feet. This fixes many "stops/starts" that feel like freezes. [Logitech, "Mouse cursor behaves erratically"]
What should I write in my warranty claim for this issue?
Describe symptoms exactly and attach proof of purchase. Quote the behavior (e.g., “cursor freezes intermittently during normal use”). As one helper put it, “write what is actually the problem,” and include your receipt. Avoid inventing causes; stick to observable facts and frequency. [Elektroda, Kamil532, post #18013057]
Is this a sensor issue or just the cursor freezing?
In the thread, a helper clarified: “Not the sensor jamming, only the cursor.” Watch your drive-activity LED when freezes occur to spot storage spikes that can stall input. If the light is solid, check for background tasks or updates. [Elektroda, Robert B, #18042562]
What finally solved it for the original poster (same hardware)?
A replacement unit. After troubleshooting and an earlier swap that didn’t help, the next new mouse “works like a glove.” This points to intermittent hardware faults that may survive initial RMA and justify trying another replacement within warranty. [Elektroda, aragox078, post #18072748]
Can heavy background tasks or "crap" software cause cursor stutter?
Yes. High CPU, disk, or DPC latency from overlays, RGB apps, or antivirus can stall input. Close launchers, disable in-game overlays, and pause real-time scans to test. The referenced guide also suggests reducing polling rate and disabling USB power savings to stabilize input. [Przerywanie lub zacinanie myszki komputerowej — jest na to sposób!]
How do I disable USB Selective Suspend (step-by-step)?
- Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings. 2. Advanced settings > USB settings > USB selective suspend setting. 3. Set to Disabled (both battery and plugged in), then Apply and reboot. Test the mouse after the restart to confirm improvement. [Microsoft, "USB selective suspend"]
Is this covered under EU consumer law if the store warranty is unclear?
Yes. The EU legal guarantee is two years for consumer goods. Present proof of purchase and describe the recurring fault. You may request repair or replacement first, then a refund if fixes fail within a reasonable time. Keep all correspondence. [European Commission, "Legal guarantee"]