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hajime

macrumors G3
Original poster
Jul 23, 2007
8,136
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Hi, I already have a USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter from Anker which supports 4K at 60Hz. I am looking for an adapter for my up-coming MBP 16". Apple has:

1. USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
2. USB-C to USB Adapter

Are they both capable of powering up USB devices such as external hard drive and Apple's superdrive? Does the Digital AV Multiport Adapter support 96W/100W passthrough while driving a 4K external display at 60Hz?
 
Read that post again. It is reported that the ADAPTER is providing 90W passthrough power delivery (PD) with no other USB devices attached. You are NOT going to get get full 94W/96W passthrough when using any adapter in a single-cable solution. You would need to connect the adapter to a USB-C and the 96W power to a separate USB-C on the MBP16,1 for full power delivery (PD).

Another interesting finding to report is that, in my case, the combo of Apple USB-C 96W power adapter + Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (A2119 model) is able to deliver 90W power to the 16 inch MBP. I'm very happy with that. The HDMI and USB-A ports are empty though.
 
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Read that post again. It is reported that the ADAPTER is providing 90W passthrough power delivery (PD) with no other USB devices attached. You are NOT going to get get full 94W/96W passthrough when using any adapter in a single-cable solution. You would need to connect the adapter to a USB-C and the 96W power to a separate USB-C on the MBP16,1 for full power delivery (PD).

Thanks.

Taking PD asides, which would be better?

1. USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter alone or
2. USB-C to USB Adapter + USB-C to Hdmi 2.0 Adapter from Anker

Not sure if both adapters can handle power hunger devices such as the superdrive. Apple does not list the power output. Both AV Multiport and Anker adapters can drive 4K display at 60Hz.
 
If you're not considering PD, these are just "dumb" USB-C adapters. If you specifically need superdrive support, seek those out specifically. A cheaper option may be to look at other external optical drives that have their own PSU, but that's not the answer you probably want to hear.
 
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