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vpr611

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 2, 2011
52
47
Saint Louis, MO
Has anyone found a decent USB-C Hub that has additional USB-C Ports? I have a hard drive that I would like to use while I have power connected to my Macbook, any thoughts?
 
There are not many multi-function hubs out there with both a functional USB-C port for peripherals and USB-C power passthrough, but they do exist. For example, there is the Kingston Nucleum:

https://www.kingstongo.com/us/hub/nucleum-usb-type-c-hub

It has power passthrough and both USB-A and USB-C, as well as other ports.

However, if for a hard drive, I don't understand why you wouldn't just use USB-A. There are a bazillion hubs out there with USB-A support and power passthough.
 
Have a look in the accessories forum. See sticky on top

This thread is now 49 pages... it’s not the simplest place to find info.

There are not many multi-function hubs out there with both a functional USB-C port for peripherals and USB-C power passthrough, but they do exist. For example, there is the Kingston Nucleum:

https://www.kingstongo.com/us/hub/nucleum-usb-type-c-hub

It has power passthrough and both USB-A and USB-C, as well as other ports.

However, if for a hard drive, I don't understand why you wouldn't just use USB-A. There are a bazillion hubs out there with USB-A support and power passthough.

I’m surprised this seems the only USB C hub that has 2x USB C ports on it AND includes USB PD (pass through power) on 1 of these ports. At 4K, will it support 60Hz?

Amazon review says there is an inherent design flaw that should you turn off the USB PD with other devices connected, I.e. a disk, it force ejects the device which errors on macOS.

Are there other devices?
 
I’m surprised this seems the only USB C hub that has 2x USB C ports on it AND includes USB PD (pass through power) on 1 of these ports. At 4K, will it support 60Hz?
No 4K 60 Hz and USB 3.0/3.1 possible in the same USB-C hub.

If you want 4K 60 Hz + USB, you will have to accept a hub that only does USB 2.0.

If you want USB 3, you will have to accept a hub that only does 4K 30 Hz.

I personally have a multi-function hub with HDMI that does 4K 30 Hz (or 1080p 60 Hz) plus USB 3, and a separate HDMI adapter that does 4K 60 Hz with no USB at all except for a USB-C port for power delivery only.

In the end I actually only rarely use my multi-function hub. What I really need is just a USB-C to USB-A non-powered adapter for occasional use with USB drives (and I keep one on my keychain with me at all times), and then separate VGA and HDMI adapters for when I give presentations. I only very rarely need video and USB at the same time.

Amazon review says there is an inherent design flaw that should you turn off the USB PD with other devices connected, I.e. a disk, it force ejects the device which errors on macOS.

Are there other devices?
Ejecting connected devices or other problems when using other devices is a common problem with these USB hubs, even when power is connected. I have the same problem with my Anble multi-function hub. But like I said, I almost never use this anyway for the reasons mentioned.

---

So, while I have this, I rarely use it:

download.jpg


Instead, I just use these as needed:

61vkxx-SXBL._SL1001_.jpg


71UUOkpcAlL._SL1500_.jpg
 
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Amazon review says there is an inherent design flaw that should you turn off the USB PD with other devices connected, I.e. a disk, it force ejects the device which errors on macOS.

MacOS requires that a disk be properly unmounted/ejected. If you just pull the power plug or cable on a mounted device you get an error . If the USB hub is turned off then you have effectively pulled the cable. Why is this a design flaw?
 
I was being brief with the review’s full wording. This was for an unpowered flash storage device, which should continue in either case. And it was something the reviewer asked of the vendor.

I presume if external power is provided to the hub, you have to accommodate it within how you use it.
 
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