Recommendation for USB C hub which doesn't run excessively hot

[cfm56d7b]

I purchased a well known 9-in-1 USB C hub from Amazon. Several users reported excessive heat even when the hub was plugged in with the computer in sleep mode. Others reported that a replacement hub did not exhibit this issue.

It's important to note that this hub is not attached to the MacBook Pro directly via USB C ports. It's a a single USB C port hub with a short cable. I would be even more concerned if this hub - running as hot as it were - would be in the position to transfer the heat to the MacBook Pro body.

Configuration details:

- USB C cable (100W) from the charger to the USB C PD port in the hub
- 1 monitor via HDMI cable
- 1 printer cable via USB A port

I understand that charger is always sending power to the USB C hub. However, even in sleep mode the heat is excessive. It seems the hub has no ability to regulate extra power when not needed.

In short - the hub which I received generated so much heat that it became a fire hazard. I cannot see how this hub would survive while being plugged in for weeks and months. I just ordered a replacement - same brand and model.

What has been your experience with USB C hubs and heat dissipation? What brands / models generate less heat?

 

[IceStormNG]

Every USB-C hub I had with PD-Passthrough ran excessively hot.

Hubs with Ethernet also run hot because of the Ethernet. Ethernet needs 3.3V and USB delivers 5V. Most hubs use a a cheap converter for getting the 5V down to 3.3V which results in lots of heat. I have a simple Aukey USB-C hub with just 4 USB-A ports and that thing never runs noticeable warm or hot.

Otherwise... Most Anker Hubs are great. But their USB-C hubs with PD-Passthrough also run quite hot when using it. That's simply a problem of the USB-C PD-Passthrough and how it's implemented. There's up to 100W routed through the hub.

Better use simpler adapters (with less ports) from reputable manufacturers (e.g. Anker).

It's acutually better to not use PD-Passthrough. Either connect the charger separately or use a TB3 or USB-C dock that has its own power supply.

 

[cfm56d7b]

Every USB-C hub I had with PD-Passthrough ran excessively hot.

Hubs with Ethernet also run hot because of the Ethernet. Ethernet needs 3.3V and USB delivers 5V. Most hubs use a a cheap converter for getting the 5V down to 3.3V which results in lots of heat. I have a simple Aukey USB-C hub with just 4 USB-A ports and that thing never runs noticeable warm or hot.

Otherwise... Most Anker Hubs are great. But their USB-C hubs with PD-Passthrough also run quite hot when using it. That's simply a problem of the USB-C PD-Passthrough and how it's implemented. There's up to 100W routed through the hub.

Better use simpler adapters (with less ports) from reputable manufacturers (e.g. Anker).

It's acutually better to not use PD-Passthrough. Either connect the charger separately or use a TB3 or USB-C dock that has its own power supply.

I am also leaning towards not using PD-Pasthrough.

 

[MacDividend]

I have had a good experience with my NOVOO 5 in 1 USB-C Hub. I have had it for almost a year now and while it will sometimes get warm it has never gotten so hot that I have become worried that it might overheat. NOVOO makes different sizes, depending on what you are looking for in your USB-C Hub. I have read lots of good things said about Anker in the forums though.