I too have the same HDD as yours and I just copied 4.5 in it using USB ports on the right. It didnt get disconnected but the write speed was very low as compared to USB ports on the left.
actually there are 4 usb one usb3 powershare(on which mine doesn't work n i think that my harddisk doesn't support it) n the other 3 usb3 ports if your hard disk is working on 2 then it should work on third as they all are of same type if it was your hard disk then it shouldn't work on all the three.
most prob they will replace the motherboard as usb ports are attached to it.
btw i have another prob after upgrading to win 8 my dvd drive is not opening from the button on it but it does open from my computer but when i connect the powercord it does open for few minutes and after that the same thing happens it dowesn't open again.
then when i remove the cord it does open for few minutes but then again..
then when i click on windows media player there is a slight vibration on the dvd drive part n then it works again for some time.
does anyone have such a issue.
n my quick launch key doesn't open the windows mobility center instead a a dialog box which we get on right clicking the start corner
first one being in july when the button was too hard to press compared to other laptops, so i applied for an RMA, they sent refurbished one, which stopped reading CD's after a month, again replaced, from then working fine.. I think AMD will heat a lot compared to NVidia.
Did you noticed any heat on the back side of the display lid? Can you please let me know whether all portions are cool.
This is a forum where you need to mention the specifics. Don't make such generalisations here.
i think i will get my laptop replaced as i have got its motherboard replaced n now this its enough ...now that's what i don't want, as the motherboard will be refurbished then, if the problem can be solved by replacing daughterboard, then i might think of replacing it..
the powershare one is on the left side, one near the HDMI port, HDD works fine there..
and for the dvd drive, call for replacement, my DVD drive has been replaced two times..
for quick launch, have you installed dell quickset driver???
there's nothing as AMD will heat more than nvidia, it all depends on which models you are comparing, they have to be exactly same performing models in order to establish a relation for who heats more, specify for which model of nvidia you are referring to???
ok, so you are getting low speeds..
wtf is wrong with right side ports???
from Front only!
I haven't suggested to install Ubuntu in VM.
Just run it as a Live USB.
), and you were right, not only all four usb ports are working fine, they are giving ~10MBps transfer speed increase, i used to get 45-50MBps in windows, and i am getting 55-60MBps here, so laptop is fine... 
If you're getting it replaced only because of the USB ports problem with external HDD, then it is a driver issue. Not a motherboard issue.
ok, so as you suggested, i ran ubuntu from usb (writing this from the same..
Stupid usb3 drivers..
see my previous post bro, i said the one close to the HDMI port (will have a lightning bolt sort of sign on it)...
btw, gr8 pics bro..
why you got it's mobo replaced???
If you're getting it replaced only because of the USB ports problem with external HDD, then it is a driver issue. Not a motherboard issue.
ok, just one button lead to a refurbished mobo, that's weird...
they could have replaced the body of the laptop first to see if it works (the upper body, with which button is attached.)
they did that first n it wasn't working
, then replace the laptop now, that would be a good option.. 
