Tested: USB-C Hub with USB-C Data Port

[sparksd]

There have been previous posts from people looking for USB-C hubs that have both USB-C power and USB-C data ports. I just got this 7-in-1 hub from Anker -

Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5 Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader

A8346

www.amazon.com

I tested it with my 2018 12.9 Pro on iPadOS 13.7. I simultaneously attached a 500GB Samsung T5 SSD via USB-C, a 4TB Western Digital My Passport via USB3, and inserted a 256GB SanDisk SD card. All are formatted exFAT. I connected to an LG 4K monitor via HDMI. All devices were visible and usable in both Files and FileBrowser. Pass-through power from a RAVPower 45W USB-C charger also worked. I did try a USB-C to DisplayPort cable with the monitor but video is not supported (HDMI was fine). Looks like a winner. $36 on Amazon. A pricier version with Ethernet is also available.

 

[0128672]

There have been previous posts from people looking for USB-C hubs that have both USB-C power and USB-C data ports. I just got this 7-in-1 hub from Anker -

Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5 Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader

A8346

www.amazon.com

I tested it with my 2018 12.9 Pro on iPadOS 13.7. I simultaneously attached a 500GB Samsung T5 SSD via USB-C, a 4TB Western Digital My Passport via USB3, and inserted a 256GB SanDisk SD card. All are formatted exFAT. I connected to an LG 4K monitor via HDMI. All devices were visible and usable in both Files and FileBrowser. Pass-through power from a RAVPower 45W USB-C charger also worked. I did try a USB-C to DisplayPort cable with the monitor but video is not supported (HDMI was fine). Looks like a winner. $36 on Amazon. A pricier version with Ethernet is also available.

Wow, thanks for posting this! I'm rather amazed and very pleased to know such an inexpensive hub works fine. I have the same iPP and might just go for it.

 

[sparksd]

Wow, thanks for posting this! I'm rather amazed and very pleased to know such an inexpensive hub works fine. I have the same iPP and might just go for it.

I didn't need it but the retired engineer in me wanted it just to test and play with.

 

[joevt]

That Anker 7 in 1 only supports 5 Gbps.

Here's one from Juiced Systems that support 10 Gbps (I haven't tried it):

Juiced Systems QuadHUB - USB-C 4 Port Portable USB Hub - 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Ports | 2 USB-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports

The QuadHUB is a compact and powerful travel hub featuring two USB-A and two USB-C 3.2 Generation 2 10 Gbps ports. Move data faster than ever and keep your peripherals connected to your USB-C device.

www.amazon.com

They have more expensive, larger hubs:

Powered USB 3.2 Hubs

Find the best-powered USB 3.1|3.2 Hubs to fit your needs at Juiced Systems. Free Shipping + 1 Year Warranty. Browse our entire selection today.

juicedsystems.com

On the expensive side are Thunderbolt 3 docks that also support USB-C, like the HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 (includes three ports that support 10 Gbps - two USB-C ports with one of them also supporting DisplayPort, and a USB-A port; the Thunderbolt port only works when connected as Thunderbolt; includes two 5 Gbps USB type A ports, an Ethernet port, and a built-in DisplayPort 1.4 MST hub for up to three displays).

Going back to Anker, they have a slightly more expensive hub supporting 10 Gbps:

PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD 10Gbps Data Hub

Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB C Adapter, with 100W Power Delivery, 4K 60Hz HDMI Port, 10Gbps USB C and 2 USB A Data Ports, Ethernet Port, microSD and SD Card Reader, for MacBook Pro and More

www.anker.com

And a much more expensive dock also supporting 10 Gbps:

Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station (13-in-1)

Compatibility Information: Works with Windows 8, 10, and 11, and macOS 10.12 or later. Requires a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Huge Expansion: Equipped with an 85W laptop-charging USB-C port, an 18W Power Delivery USB-C port, a USB-C data port, 3 USB-A ports...

www.anker.com

They also have Thunderbolt 3 docks that also support USB-C. Here's one:

PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock

Anker Docking Station, PowerExpand 7-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock for USB-C Laptops, Max 45W Charging for Laptop, 4K HDMI, 1Gbps Ethernet, USB-A Gen 2, USB-C Gen 2, SD 4.0 (Power Cord Included)

www.anker.com

Here's a more expensive one:

Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station (13-in-1, Thunderbolt 3)

Compatibility Information: Works with Windows laptops or non-M1 MacBooks equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port. Not compatible with M1 MacBooks or Linux or Chrome OS laptops. Incredible Expansion: Equipped with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, 2 USB-C ports, 4 USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet...

www.anker.com

 

[sparksd]

That Anker 7 in 1 only supports 5 Gbps.

Here's one from Juiced Systems that support 10 Gbps (I haven't tried it):

Juiced Systems QuadHUB - USB-C 4 Port Portable USB Hub - 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Ports | 2 USB-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports

The QuadHUB is a compact and powerful travel hub featuring two USB-A and two USB-C 3.2 Generation 2 10 Gbps ports. Move data faster than ever and keep your peripherals connected to your USB-C device.

www.amazon.com

They have more expensive, larger hubs:

Powered USB 3.2 Hubs

Find the best-powered USB 3.1|3.2 Hubs to fit your needs at Juiced Systems. Free Shipping + 1 Year Warranty. Browse our entire selection today.

juicedsystems.com

On the expensive side are Thunderbolt 3 docks that also support USB-C, like the HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 (includes three ports that support 10 Gbps - two USB-C ports with one of them also supporting DisplayPort, and a USB-A port; the Thunderbolt port only works when connected as Thunderbolt; includes two 5 Gbps USB type A ports, an Ethernet port, and a built-in DisplayPort 1.4 MST hub for up to three displays).

Going back to Anker, they have a slightly more expensive hub supporting 10 Gbps:

PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD 10Gbps Data Hub

Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB C Adapter, with 100W Power Delivery, 4K 60Hz HDMI Port, 10Gbps USB C and 2 USB A Data Ports, Ethernet Port, microSD and SD Card Reader, for MacBook Pro and More

www.anker.com

And a much more expensive dock also supporting 10 Gbps:

Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station (13-in-1)

Compatibility Information: Works with Windows 8, 10, and 11, and macOS 10.12 or later. Requires a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Huge Expansion: Equipped with an 85W laptop-charging USB-C port, an 18W Power Delivery USB-C port, a USB-C data port, 3 USB-A ports...

www.anker.com

They also have Thunderbolt 3 docks that also support USB-C. Here's one:

PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock

Anker Docking Station, PowerExpand 7-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock for USB-C Laptops, Max 45W Charging for Laptop, 4K HDMI, 1Gbps Ethernet, USB-A Gen 2, USB-C Gen 2, SD 4.0 (Power Cord Included)

www.anker.com

Here's a more expensive one:

Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station (13-in-1, Thunderbolt 3)

Compatibility Information: Works with Windows laptops or non-M1 MacBooks equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port. Not compatible with M1 MacBooks or Linux or Chrome OS laptops. Incredible Expansion: Equipped with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, 2 USB-C ports, 4 USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet...

www.anker.com

Yeah, I went with Anker as I've have good experience with their devices and with this device as I didn't want to spend more. Nice thing is that these working options are now available.

 

[sparksd]

Yeah, I went with Anker as I've have good experience with their devices and with this device as I didn't want to spend more. Nice thing is that these working options are now available.

This also got me wondering as to what the actual data transfer rates to/from the iPad are as opposed to the theoretical. More to the point, what's overkill on the accessory side? Would 10Gbps have a real-life advantage with the iPad and available storage options? With a Samsung T5 SSD directly connected to the iPad via USB-C, it took 90 secs. to transfer 14.5GB from the SSD to the iPad (6.2 sec/GB or about 1.4Gbps). Other speed data here:

https://barefeats.com/ipad-pro-ipados-external-usb-storage.html

 

[macdogpro]

On the expensive side are Thunderbolt 3 docks that also support USB-C, like the HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 (includes three ports that support 10 Gbps - two USB-C ports with one of them also supporting DisplayPort, and a USB-A port; the Thunderbolt port only works when connected as Thunderbolt; includes two 5 Gbps USB type A ports, an Ethernet port, and a built-in DisplayPort 1.4 MST hub for up to three displays).

I watch some where in YouTube that the iPad Pro USB C doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3 hubs.

This also got me wondering as to what the actual data transfer rates to/from the iPad are as opposed to the theoretical. More to the point, what's overkill on the accessory side? Would 10Gbps have a real-life advantage with the iPad and available storage options? With a Samsung T5 SSD directly connected to the iPad via USB-C, it took 90 secs. to transfer 14.5GB from the SSD to the iPad (6.2 sec/GB or about 1.4Gbps). Other speed data here:

https://barefeats.com/ipad-pro-ipados-external-usb-storage.html

Read speed from external device to the iPad is okay in my experience, but on the other hand, writing speed to external device is some how throttled.

Also using a hub is draining my battery faster, even though I only connected a USB A mouse.
So I’m buying more cables and single adapters more and more lately, for both practicality and battery friendliness.

That is why Apple is not making more than 3-4 ports in a single hub I guess.
Also the heat on the hub might cause performance problem in my understanding, that’s why I’m using this one, as it has some kind of heat dissipation holes under it.

Baseus USB C Hub

 

[joevt]

This also got me wondering as to what the actual data transfer rates to/from the iPad are as opposed to the theoretical. More to the point, what's overkill on the accessory side? Would 10Gbps have a real-life advantage with the iPad and available storage options? With a Samsung T5 SSD directly connected to the iPad via USB-C, it took 90 secs. to transfer 14.5GB from the SSD to the iPad (6.2 sec/GB or about 1.4Gbps). Other speed data here:

https://barefeats.com/ipad-pro-ipados-external-usb-storage.html

Those benchmarks seem to indicate a USB 3.0 limit instead of USB 3.1 gen 2. I can't find any Apple specs that show it supports 10 Gbps. I suppose if you don't care about future proofing, then a USB 3.0 hub might be a better option.

I watch some where in YouTube that the iPad Pro USB C doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3 hubs.

Maybe they tested Thunderbolt 3 docks that do not support USB-C. Only later Thunderbolt 3 docks that use the Titan Ridge Thunderbolt controller can also support USB-C (non Thunderbolt) connection.

 

[sparksd]

I watch some where in YouTube that the iPad Pro USB C doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3 hubs.



Read speed from external device to the iPad is okay in my experience, but on the other hand, writing speed to external device is some how throttled.

Also using a hub is draining my battery faster, even though I only connected a USB A mouse.
So I’m buying more cables and single adapters more and more lately, for both practicality and battery friendliness.

That is why Apple is not making more than 3-4 ports in a single hub I guess.
Also the heat on the hub might cause performance problem in my understanding, that’s why I’m using this one, as it has some kind of heat dissipation holes under it.

Baseus USB C Hub

Heat was something I did watch for but at least during this testing it wasn't an issue.

 

[macdogpro]

Lately I’m beginning to notice significant battery drain when using my Baseus hub.
Do all USB type C hubs drain batteries?

I read on other forums some notice their hubs drains their batteries and some don’t.
Even when the hub just being plugged into the laptop / iPad without connecting to other devices And being left on standby overnight.
Other said it is only draining battery when connected to external monitor, which I sometimes do.

It’s something to do with USB type C hub that built with chip and transistors on its board, so that it requires more power from the host device.

Am I understand this correctly?

 

[sparksd]

Lately I’m beginning to notice significant battery drain when using my Baseus hub.
Do all USB type C hubs drain batteries?

I read on other forums some notice their hubs drains their batteries and some don’t.
Even when the hub just being plugged into the laptop / iPad without connecting to other devices And being left on standby overnight.
Other said it is only draining battery when connected to external monitor, which I sometimes do.

It’s something to do with USB type C hub that built with chip and transistors on its board, so that it requires more power from the host device.

Am I understand this correctly?

View attachment 952168

It's not something I've noticed but I'll do an explicit test with mine and report back.

 

[sparksd]

Lately I’m beginning to notice significant battery drain when using my Baseus hub.
Do all USB type C hubs drain batteries?

I read on other forums some notice their hubs drains their batteries and some don’t.
Even when the hub just being plugged into the laptop / iPad without connecting to other devices And being left on standby overnight.
Other said it is only draining battery when connected to external monitor, which I sometimes do.

It’s something to do with USB type C hub that built with chip and transistors on its board, so that it requires more power from the host device.

Am I understand this correctly?

View attachment 952168

I ran a short test and would agree that there is battery usage by at least some USB-C hubs. Using the hub in my review above, I saw 4% battery drain in 3 hours while idle, screen off. connected to WiFi (2018 12.9 Pro, 13.7). I started fully charged and ended at 96%. Over that time under idle conditions with no hub, I'd usually see little to no change in battery measurement. Since I almost always use a hub with connected power I'm not really concerned but it is interesting and unexpected. I think I'll test overnight but with a 500GB SSD attached to see what happens.

Edit: With a longer run, I definitely see slightly about 1.5% per hour drain with an unused hub attached to an idling iPP.

 

[macdogpro]

I ran a short test and would agree that there is battery usage by at least some USB-C hubs. Using the hub in my review above, I saw 4% battery drain in 3 hours while idle, screen off. connected to WiFi (2018 12.9 Pro, 13.7). I started fully charged and ended at 96%. Over that time under idle conditions with no hub, I'd usually see little to no change in battery measurement. Since I almost always use a hub with connected power I'm not really concerned but it is interesting and unexpected. I think I'll test overnight but with a 500GB SSD attached to see what happens.

Edit: With a longer run, I definitely see slightly about 1.5% per hour drain with an unused hub attached to an idling iPP.

Yeah when I got my IPP few months ago, I use it frequently under heavy usage (video editing and office apps) connected to hub, external monitor, cable mouse, external HDD and bluetooth speaker while being charged. So I didn’t initially realize this issue.

So I’m wondering if a hub with less ports will reduce this effect.

I now use my cable mouse with a USB OTG port and notice less to none battery drain compared to not using the mouse.

 

[Allan in T.Dot]

Really appreciate the review and other comments from other folks. Getting IPP soon and wanted to find a compatible hub. I've got plenty of Anker products and they do stand by their quality so this is great stuff. I actually have the below desktop dock and was curious about compatibility but the unit you mentioned along with the 7-in-1 someone else mentioned is fantastic and would even replace this desktop charger.

<b>PowerPort Speed</b> PD 5

Premium 60W 5-Port Desktop Charger with One 30W Power Delivery Port for Apple MacBook, Nexus 5X/6P, and 4 PowerIQ Ports for iPhone, iPad, and More

www.anker.com

The problem is and I'm not sure if this was addressed or not, Anker has specifically said that the 7-in-1 is not compatible with the 2018 IPP. What about 2020 version?

USB C Hub, 7-in-1 USB C Adapter

Anker USB C Hub, 7-in-1 USB C Adapter, with 4K USB C to HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB C Data Port, microSD/SD Card Reader, 2 USB 3.0 Ports, for MacBook Pro 2017/2018, Chromebook, XPS, and More (UPC: 848061043297)

www.anker.com

There have been previous posts from people looking for USB-C hubs that have both USB-C power and USB-C data ports. I just got this 7-in-1 hub from Anker -

Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5 Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader

A8346

www.amazon.com

I tested it with my 2018 12.9 Pro on iPadOS 13.7. I simultaneously attached a 500GB Samsung T5 SSD via USB-C, a 4TB Western Digital My Passport via USB3, and inserted a 256GB SanDisk SD card. All are formatted exFAT. I connected to an LG 4K monitor via HDMI. All devices were visible and usable in both Files and FileBrowser. Pass-through power from a RAVPower 45W USB-C charger also worked. I did try a USB-C to DisplayPort cable with the monitor but video is not supported (HDMI was fine). Looks like a winner. $36 on Amazon. A pricier version with Ethernet is also available.

 

[sparksd]

Really appreciate the review and other comments from other folks. Getting IPP soon and wanted to find a compatible hub. I've got plenty of Anker products and they do stand by their quality so this is great stuff. I actually have the below desktop dock and was curious about compatibility but the unit you mentioned along with the 7-in-1 someone else mentioned is fantastic and would even replace this desktop charger.

<b>PowerPort Speed</b> PD 5

Premium 60W 5-Port Desktop Charger with One 30W Power Delivery Port for Apple MacBook, Nexus 5X/6P, and 4 PowerIQ Ports for iPhone, iPad, and More

www.anker.com

The problem is and I'm not sure if this was addressed or not, Anker has specifically said that the 7-in-1 is not compatible with the 2018 IPP. What about 2020 version?

USB C Hub, 7-in-1 USB C Adapter

Anker USB C Hub, 7-in-1 USB C Adapter, with 4K USB C to HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB C Data Port, microSD/SD Card Reader, 2 USB 3.0 Ports, for MacBook Pro 2017/2018, Chromebook, XPS, and More (UPC: 848061043297)

www.anker.com

I have the Anker 7-in-1 and it's fully compatible with my 2018 12.9 Pro. Anker said something about pass-through power not working for it but I can confirm that it does. In the questions section about it on Amazon, another user said it did so I was willing to try it. No problems or issues with any functionality with it.

Edit: I just saw that the link to Amazon on the Anker site takes you to a listing for the 7-in-1 that says it's unavailable. This is a link to the Anker 7-in-1 that I just bought:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZVKTP53

 

[Allan in T.Dot]

I'm Canadian...not that it's an excuse for anything but the link was supposed to be for the Canadian site where...wow!!! 70 Canadian versus your 30 USD and 10% off.

I have the Anker 7-in-1 and it's fully compatible with my 2018 12.9 Pro. Anker said something about pass-through power not working for it but I can confirm that it does. In the questions section about it on Amazon, another user said it did so I was willing to try it. No problems or issues with any functionality with it.

Edit: I just saw that the link to Amazon on the Anker site takes you to a listing for the 7-in-1 that says it's unavailable. This is a link to the Anker 7-in-1 that I just bought:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZVKTP53

 

[Allan in T.Dot]

Crumb. I mentioned in another post that I trickle charge all my devices to make the battery last as long as possible but that was completed by disabling fast charge via the software which the IPP cannot do. Is this Anker device a smart/learning charger?

You can’t. I would recommend Charging it with the Included Adapter, as that one Maximizes Battery Life. If you don’t need Fast Charging, it will learn that Over Time and Charge more Slowly.

I’ve been using the Included adapter for Charging Overnight and my 29 Watt Fast Charger when I need some battery life.

 

[sparksd]

Crumb. I mentioned in another post that I trickle charge all my devices to make the battery last as long as possible but that was completed by disabling fast charge via the software which the IPP cannot do. Is this Anker device a smart/learning charger?

Not clear that you're talking about the hubs here but no, the Anker hub is simply a power pass-through from whatever the power input is.

 

[jazz1]

HyperDrive GEN2 12-Port USB-C Docking Station

HyperDrive GEN2 is the next generation of USB-C Hub with 2X the speed and power of current 1st generation hubs. 2X video refresh rate (4K60Hz vs 4K30Hz), 2X USB speed (10Gbps vs 5Gbps), 3X memory card transfer speed (300MB/s vs 104MB/s) and 2X power delivery (100W vs 50W).

www.hypershop.com

I’m eyeing this up for my yet to be delivered 2020 M1 MacMini. I’m kind of bummed it has fewer ports than the 2018 version. Would this hyperdrive model work well with the 2020 M1 MacMini?

 

[joevt]

HyperDrive GEN2 12-Port USB-C Docking Station

HyperDrive GEN2 is the next generation of USB-C Hub with 2X the speed and power of current 1st generation hubs. 2X video refresh rate (4K60Hz vs 4K30Hz), 2X USB speed (10Gbps vs 5Gbps), 3X memory card transfer speed (300MB/s vs 104MB/s) and 2X power delivery (100W vs 50W).

www.hypershop.com

I’m eyeing this up for my yet to be delivered 2020 M1 MacMini. I’m kind of bummed it has fewer ports than the 2018 version. Would this hyperdrive model work well with the 2020 M1 MacMini?

It has 3 display outputs. You can use only one with the MacMini 2020.

It has a 10 Gbps port, which means that it only has two lanes of DisplayPort. It can do 4K60Hz so it at least support HBR3. It does not say it supports DSC, and we don't know if the M1 Macs support DSC except to the XDR display, so it may be limited to 4K60Hz 8bpc.

Why can't I get 4K60Hz?

USB-C devices rely on the DisplayPort protocol for display over USB-C, allowing DisplayPort, HDMI, and other display options to be displayed over USB-C. Devices can be DisplayPort 1.2 or DisplayP...

hypershop.zendesk.com

This page says the dock supports DSC so maybe it can do 10 4K60Hz bpc.

GEN2 USB-C Hub device specs & Quick Start Guides

6 port SD 4.0 UHS-II 300MB/s transfer speed Micro SD 4.0 UHS-II 300MB/s transfer speed 3.5mm Audio Jack (384 kHz, 32 bit in/out, TRRS) USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps transfer speed HDMI 4K60Hz* 2K60Hz DSC...

hypershop.zendesk.com

What's the 2018 version? They have this 18 port model:

HyperDrive GEN2 18-Port USB-C Docking Station

HyperDrive GEN2 is the next generation of USB-C Hub with 2X the speed and power of current 1st generation hubs. 2X video refresh rate (4K60Hz vs 4K30Hz), 2X USB speed (10Gbps vs 5Gbps), 3X memory card transfer speed (300MB/s vs 104MB/s) and 2X power delivery (100W vs 50W).

www.hypershop.com

 

[jazz1]

It has 3 display outputs. You can use only one with the MacMini 2020.

It has a 10 Gbps port, which means that it only has two lanes of DisplayPort. It can do 4K60Hz so it at least support HBR3. It does not say it supports DSC, and we don't know if the M1 Macs support DSC except to the XDR display, so it may be limited to 4K60Hz 8bpc.

Why can't I get 4K60Hz?

USB-C devices rely on the DisplayPort protocol for display over USB-C, allowing DisplayPort, HDMI, and other display options to be displayed over USB-C. Devices can be DisplayPort 1.2 or DisplayP...

hypershop.zendesk.com

This page says the dock supports DSC so maybe it can do 10 4K60Hz bpc.

GEN2 USB-C Hub device specs & Quick Start Guides

6 port SD 4.0 UHS-II 300MB/s transfer speed Micro SD 4.0 UHS-II 300MB/s transfer speed 3.5mm Audio Jack (384 kHz, 32 bit in/out, TRRS) USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps transfer speed HDMI 4K60Hz* 2K60Hz DSC...

hypershop.zendesk.com

What's the 2018 version? They have this 18 port model:

HyperDrive GEN2 18-Port USB-C Docking Station

HyperDrive GEN2 is the next generation of USB-C Hub with 2X the speed and power of current 1st generation hubs. 2X video refresh rate (4K60Hz vs 4K30Hz), 2X USB speed (10Gbps vs 5Gbps), 3X memory card transfer speed (300MB/s vs 104MB/s) and 2X power delivery (100W vs 50W).

www.hypershop.com

Thanks! I guess I’ll wait to see if manufacturers make something that works with the MacMini‘s hardware/software. To be up front, a dock is probably the least of my potential problems given all the reports of BT, monitor, and Wifi issues. So I guess I’d better wait to see what my in transit MacMini does when I set it up. Again many thanks!

 

[jazz1]

Today I received the OWC dock to use with my M1 MacMini. I'm not going to do a full review but I do have some early observations. Sorry long read.

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac & Thunderbolt PCs

Expand your workstation with the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Connect all your peripherals, displays, & devices with ease. Simplify your setup now!

eshop.macsales.com

Edit: https://eshop.macsales.com/blog/67935-big-sur-thunderbolt-devices/

I initially had some set-up problems that apparently were encountered due to Apple's BigSur 11.1's security protocols. A very helpfulOWC Tech. Support person named Jason (big thank you Jason!) helped me install the OWC dock ejector app. Evidently this is crucial, and Apple's upgraded security protocols don't make it easy.

The other temporary issue was my own fault. With ports on the front and back, I did not understand it was important to connect the USB-C cable from the the MacMini to the USB-C port on the front of the unit (NOT the backside USB-C ports).

Once Jason caught my mistake the "ready" OWC Logo Light on the dock went from white, to blue indicating it was communicating with the MacMini!

So right now I'm using one USB-A port to connect to an external HD (which happens to be an OWC device). I am also using a rear USB-C port to drive a Dell USB-C monitor. So far so good, no blackouts (I was getting some on the direct USB-C cable connection to the MacMini). I also successfully mounted an SD camera memory card.

I don't have an external SSD drive to test the ports yet, but I will eventually. I just use the USB-A mechanical HD for TimeMachine so transfer speed isn't vital.

So far the only thing I don't like is that the front USB-C port is taken up by the cable to the MacMini. IMHO a permanent cable sticking out the front doesn't look good, and it would be easier to temporarily slap on a portable SSD on the front port.

Jason, from OWC suggested it was probably designed that way to avoid set-up confusion as there is one specific port for the computer connection to the dock. I suppose he is correct, as he pointed out multiple USB-C ports on the back might be confusing when it came to identifying the computer connection only USB-C port (if the designers actually decided to place it there..

To be fair, and at the expense of making myself look foolish, a small computer icon on the front USB-C port should have registered with me. Well Duh on me Maybe it is also positioned the front for fast connections to laptops?

 

[joevt]

Today I received the OWC dock to use with my M1 MacMini. I'm not going to do a full review but I do have some early observations. Sorry long read.

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac & Thunderbolt PCs

Expand your workstation with the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Connect all your peripherals, displays, & devices with ease. Simplify your setup now!

eshop.macsales.com

I initially had some set-up problems that apparently were encountered due to Apple's BigSur 11.1's security protocols. A very helpfulOWC Tech. Support person named Jason (big thank you Jason!) helped me install the OWC dock ejector app. Evidently this is crucial, and Apple's upgraded security protocols don't make it easy.

The other temporary issue was my own fault. With ports on the front and back, I did not understand it was important to connect the USB-C cable from the the MacMini to the USB-C port on the front of the unit (NOT the backside USB-C ports).

Once Jason caught my mistake the "ready" OWC Logo Light on the dock went from white, to blue indicating it was communicating with the MacMini!

So right now I'm using one USB-A port to connect to an external HD (which happens to be an OWC device). I am also using a rear USB-C port to drive a Dell USB-C monitor. So far so good, no blackouts (I was getting some on the direct USB-C cable connection to the MacMini). I also successfully mounted an SD camera memory card.

I don't have an external SSD drive to test the ports yet, but I will eventually. I just use the USB-A mechanical HD for TimeMachine so transfer speed isn't vital.

So far the only thing I don't like is that the front USB-C port is taken up by the cable to the MacMini. IMHO a permanent cable sticking out the front doesn't look good, and it would be easier to temporarily slap on a portable SSD on the front port.

Jason, from OWC suggested it was probably designed that way to avoid set-up confusion as there is one specific port for the computer connection to the dock. I suppose he is correct, as he pointed out multiple USB-C ports on the back might be confusing when it came to identifying the computer connection only USB-C port (if the designers actually decided to place it there..

To be fair, and at the expense of making myself look foolish, a small computer icon on the front USB-C port should have registered with me. Well Duh on me Maybe it is also positioned the front for fast connections to laptops?

I am curious about the devices inside the OWC dock. Are they all USB or are some PCIe? Can you show a screenshot of the Thunderbolt and PCIe and USB tabs in System Information.app?

The following command will dump the Thunderbolt info from ioreg of an M1 Mac to a text file (it includes info for all the devices inside the dock and connected to the dock):
{ ioreg -filrw0 -c "AppleThunderboltGenericHAL"; ioreg -filrw0 -c "AppleT8103PCIeC" } > ioreg_Thunderbolt.txt

 

[jazz1]

I am curious about the devices inside the OWC dock. Are they all USB or are some PCIe? Can you show a screenshot of the Thunderbolt and PCIe and USB tabs in System Information.app?

The following command will dump the Thunderbolt info from ioreg of an M1 Mac to a text file (it includes info for all the devices inside the dock and connected to the dock):
{ ioreg -filrw0 -c "AppleThunderboltGenericHAL"; ioreg -filrw0 -c "AppleT8103PCIeC" } > ioreg_Thunderbolt.txt

Does this tell you anything. I'm a little hesitant to run the terminal command. Note I do not have my external TimeMachine HD turned on when this was captured. But the dock is running my Dell USB-C monitor with no blackout issues so far. But even without the dock the blackout issues were intermittent and far flung. If the dock fixes that even better!!!

 

[joevt]

Does this tell you anything. I'm a little hesitant to run the terminal command. Note I do not have my external TimeMachine HD turned on when this was captured. But the dock is running my Dell USB-C monitor with no blackout issues so far. But even without the dock the blackout issues were intermittent and far flung. If the dock fixes that even better!!!

It tells me the dock has 3 ports, which I got from the product description. Can you show the PCIe and USB tabs?

The ioreg command does nothing but output info. If you're worried about info in your dock then add grep to the command to remove all info except the device names:
{ ioreg -filrw0 -c "AppleThunderboltGenericHAL"; ioreg -filrw0 -c "AppleT8103PCIeC" } | grep '+-o' > ioreg_Thunderbolt.txt