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Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub
$119.95 USD
SKU: USB4-HUB3AAmazon Rating : (342 Reviews)
Features
- Thunderbolt 4 and More—The Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub is the only device of its kind to be certified as Engineered for EVO by Intel. Built on the Intel Goshen Ridge Chipset for maximum USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt 4 functionality and compatibility
- Powerful Ports—This Thunderbolt hub adapts to your laptop by providing USB-C ports that can function as Thunderbolt 4 / 3, USB4, or USB-C. Supports up to 2x 4K screens, 40Gbps of data bandwidth, and up to 15W power. One USB-C to HDMI video adapter included
- Compatibility—Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 systems, including Apple M1, M2, M3 , M4 (Pro or Max, 11+), and Windows PCs (10+). Thunderbolt 4 dock supports up to 2x 4K screens at 60Hz, one 8K screen or 1x 6K on Apple silicon Macs. Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems not recommended
- Expandable—3x Thunderbolt 4 Ports ideal for high resolution Thunderbolt or USB-C displays & high speed NVME SSD storage devices to make room for all of your gear, or use as a standalone USB-C charging hub. Also provides one 10Gbps USB-A port for legacy devices
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support—Every Plugable product, including this USB hub, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
The Plugable USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 Hub With 60W Charging Automatically Detects and Adapts to Your Computer
Fast and Reliable Wins the Race
Built around the Goshen Ridge chipset from Intel, the USB4-HUB3A gives you access to everything Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 have to offer. That means high speed—each port is capable of data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, the maximum rate available. But data isn’t the only thing flowing through these ports. Thanks to intelligent power handling, you’ll also get up to 15W of charging power for each of your connected devices, evenly distributed across the ports to ensure a balanced load. And because this hub is certified by Intel, you can count on smooth operation.
USB4 and More
Because the hub is Thunderbolt certified and built around a Goshen Ridge chipset, your USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 devices are supported.
This means you can connect a variety of different Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C devices to make room for all of your gear. For example, fast Thunderbolt or USB-C storage drives, an additional display via the included USB-C to HDMI adapter, or even DisplayLink-based docking station.
The Beauty of 8K is on Display
Don’t limit yourself to the confines of a little laptop screen. With this multiport hub, connect up to two 4K 60Hz displays or one 8K 30Hz display to a Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 PC or a Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 Mac. It even comes with a USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter to make connecting that second screen all the easier. It’s worth noting that external display support is dependent on host computer’s capabilities.
All Boxed Up
- Compatible With
- Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Windows systems
- Thunderbolt 4 / 3 and USB4 Macs, including M1, M2, M3 Pro, Max
- Included USB-C to HDMI Adapter
- 3x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 downstream ports
- Up to 40Gbps transfer speed on every port
- Provides up to 15W of power to connected devices while connected to a computer or as a stand-alone charger
- Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C peripherals
- Up to 10Gbps of bandwidth
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Laptop Compatibility |
Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB-C, and more* |
Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB-C, and more* |
Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB-C, and more* |
Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB-C, and more* |
Product Type |
USB4 Hub |
Pure USB-C Hub Design |
Full Feature Docking Station |
USB-C Hub |
Power Delivery to host |
60W to host and 15W for each attached device |
60W to host and 15W for each attached device |
100W (96W Certified) |
87W pass-through charging |
Number of displays supported |
2x 4K or 1x 8K (1x USB-C HDMI 2.0 adapter included) |
2x 4K or 1x 8K (1x USB-C HDMI 2.0 adapter included) |
2x 4K 60Hz |
1x 4K 30Hz |
Video output types |
3x USB4 Thunderbolt 4 ports (1x USB-C to HDMI adapter included) |
3x Thunderbolt USB-C ports (1x USB-C to HDMI adapter included) |
2x DisplayPort or HDMI |
1x HDMI |
Downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
USB 3.0 ports |
1 |
0 |
6 |
3 |
Included USB-C to HDMI Adapter |
Filter Help Articles and Frequent Questions by Category
Choose one or more filters within each category to narrow down the articles. Each selection will result in only displaying articles that include all of your choices.
Important Articles
Docking Station Power Adapters
Below is a list of power adapter models used by Plugable docking stations. We offer refurbished replacement power adapters on eBay as they are available for purchase, however, we may not have replacement power adapters available for all of our docking stations.
If the power adapter for your docking station or region is not listed, out of stock on eBay or if you have any other questions regarding replacement power adapters for our docks please contact us at support@plugable.com and we will be happy to assist further.
We offer a 30-day return period for our replacement power adapters listed on eBay.
| Dock Models | Power Supply Model Number | Replacement Power Supply (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| USB 3.0 / USB-C Docking Stations | ||
| UD-3900 UD-3000 UD-5900 UD-PRO8 UD-3900C |
DSA-24PFS-05 |
|
| UD-3900H | P120W2000U |
|
| UD-3900PDZ | ADS-110CL-19-3 2000090E |
|
| UD-3900Z | ADS-26SGP-12 12024E |
|
| UD-6950 | A16-045N3A |
|
| UD-6950H | P200W2000UG |
|
| UD-6950Z | ADS-40SGP-19 20040G |
|
| UD-CA1 UD-CA1A |
EA10953D-200 |
|
| UD-ULTCDL (MK1 original and MK2 updated version) Note: Check here to determine what version of dock you have |
A16-065N2A (MK1 model) A18-135P1B-Rev3 (MK2 model) Note: MK2 model adapters will work with MK1 docks |
|
| UD-ULTC4K (MK1 original and MK2 updated version) Note: Check here to determine what version of dock you have |
A16-100P1A (MK1 model) A18-135P1B-Rev3 (MK2 model) Note: MK2 model adapters will work with MK1 docks |
|
| UD-3900C4 |
A18-135P1B-Rev3 |
North America plug |
| UD-3900PDH |
PS200D06500G1 |
North America plug |
| UD-768PDZ |
PA-1131-72 v2 |
North America plug |
| UD-6950PDZ |
A16-100P1A rev 3 |
North America plug |
| UD-MSTH2 |
ADS-110DL-19-1 200110E |
North America plug |
| UD-MSTHDC |
ADS-110DL-19-1 200110E |
North America plug |
| UD-CAM |
A16-100P1A |
|
| UD-CUBE |
EA1024CR-050 |
|
| UD-6950PDH |
PS200D06500G1 (v1 of dock*) F-J-SW202720006700 (v2 of dock with serial numbers 4157 or newer*) *For more details about v1 and v2 UD-6950PDH docks visit our Knowledge Base article |
North America plug (v1) North America plug (v2) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 Docking Stations | ||
| TBT4-UDZ |
PA-1131-72 v2 |
North America plug |
| TBT3-UDC1 | PA-1131-72 v1 |
|
| TBT3-UDV | A18-135P1B-Rev1 |
|
| TBT3-UDZ | PA-1171-72 |
|
| TBT3-UDC3 | PA-1171-72 |
|
| TBT4-HUB3C | ADS-110DL-19-1 200110E |
|
| USB4-HUB3A |
ADS-110DL-19-1-200100E |
North America plug |
| TBT4-UD5 | FJ-SW202720006400 |
North America plug |
| TBT4-UDX1 | A18-135P1B-Rev4 A18-135P1B-Rev3 (Large Barrel) |
|
| TBT-6950PD | YW180A2-2100858 |
|
| UD-4VPD |
PA-1171-72 |
North America plug |
Which USB-C port on this product can be used to connect it to my computer?
For products which have multiple USB-C ports, normally only one port is capable of connecting the product to a computer. USB-C ports capable of connecting the product to a computer are sometimes called “Host” or “Upstream” ports.
On Plugable products with multiple USB-C ports, the dedicated port for connecting to the computer will be marked with a small laptop icon or the words “To host”.
A product may not be able to function if it is connected to a computer through a different USB-C port. These ports are also known as “Hub" or “Downstream” ports.
Additional Articles
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You can always contact support if you need help too!
USB Port Types
USB-A
pietz, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This is the standard USB connection that most computers offered prior to the introduction of USB Type-C (USB-C). Even after the introduction of USB Type-C, this is still quite common.
It can provide data transfer rates up to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 gbps) specification depending on the host and device, but does not directly support video in the way that USB-C Alternate Mode does. This limitation makes DisplayLink USB graphics adapters and docking stations ideal on systems that do not have USB-C, or in instances where more displays are needed beyond available video outputs of a PC.
USB-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
IngenieroLoco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This type of connection comes in a couple different styles depending on whether USB 3.0 and higher transfer rates are supported (bottom graphic). Usually this type of connection is used to plug into USB devices that do not have a fixed cable connected, such as USB docking stations, USB hubs, printers, and others.
USB Mini-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
One of the first connectors for charging a smartphone, wireless game controller (such as the Sixaxis and DualShock 3), and other small devices such as external hard drives. Not commonly used today, but is still used in some cases. Most devices using USB Mini B are using USB 2.0, though a USB 3.0 variant does exist. This specification also added USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, though it is more commonly implemented with Micro USB.
USB Micro-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
IngenieroLoco, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
A smaller connector that serves many of the same uses as the Mini B connector, with added optional features such as Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) to allow devices like smartphones to output video to larger displays without requiring a dedicated port for video output.
The larger variant of USB-B is most commonly used for external hard drives for higher 5Gbps transfer rates.
USB-C, Thunderbolt™ 3, and Thunderbolt™ 4
Niridya , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The most recent USB connection, USB Type-C (USB-C), represents a major change in what USB can do. The connector is smaller, can be connected in two orientations, is able to carry substantially more power and data, and can directly carry video signals of multiple types (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) Intel has also adapted the USB-C connector for use with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.
It is important to note that while all Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 connections are USB-C, not all USB-C connections can be used with Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 devices.
More details regarding physical USB connections can be found on Wikipedia . The graphics depicted here are adapted from Wikimedia Commons by various artists under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Self-Powered vs Bus-Powered USB Devices
While all USB ports provide some amount of power for attached devices, the available power may not be enough for certain high-current devices such as USB hubs or external hard drives. High-current devices usually come with their own power adapter, making them self-powered, in contrast to a bus-powered device that draws all of its power from the host computer's USB interface. Bus-powered devices can cause issues if they need more power than is available from the host machine.
Many of our devices that include power adapters, especially USB hubs, will function in either self-powered or bus-powered mode. However, even though the device may function, each additional device attached to the host computer reduces the total available bus power. If the power runs out, any USB device attached to the computer may suddenly disconnect. If this were to happen to a USB storage device, such an event could result in permanent data loss.
If a device comes with a power adapter, we recommend that the adapter stay connected at all times, otherwise the device may not function as designed.
Self-powered USB device - A device that takes all of its power from an external power supply
Bus-powered USB device - A device that takes all of its power from the host computer's USB interface.
Can I Use a Thunderbolt 4 Cable to Connect to a Thunderbolt or USB-C Device Such as a Phone, iPad, or Docking Stations?
Yes, this Thunderbolt 4 cable is compatible with any USB-C port for data transfer, charging, or video (capabilities will depend on peripheral used).
Do Thunderbolt 4 Cables Support USB-C Power Delivery for Host Charging?
Yes, Thunderbolt 4 cables can support up to 240W of power allowing you to keep your devices charged, but some cables may not offer the full 240W capability and instead offer a maximum of 100W of Power Delivery.
Are Thunderbolt 4 Cables Compatible With Thunderbolt 3 Computers and Devices?
Yes, Thunderbolt 4 cables are backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C devices.
Does the USB4-HUB3A Hub Charge the Host PC?
The USB4-HUB3A hub can provide up to 60W of power to charge the host PC, provided that the PC supports being charged via Thunderbolt or USB-C.
Please note - not all Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB-C systems can be charged via their Thunderbolt or USB-C ports. Please consult your PC’s manual or technical specifications in order to determine if your PC supports charging via Thunderbolt or USB-C.
What Are the Capabilities of the USB4-HUB3A Hub Ports, and What Types of Devices Can Be Connected?
You can then connect many different types of Thunderbolt and USB-C devices to the three ‘downstream’ Thunderbolt/USB-C ports on the back of the hub. The type of functionality provided by the three ports on the back of the hub is ultimately determined by the capabilities of the host computer.
To put that another way, if the host computer has Thunderbolt 4 technology built-in, then all three ports on the back of the hub will function as Thunderbolt 4 ports.
If the host PC has USB-C technology built-in, then all three ports on the back of the hub will function as USB-C ports.
If the host PC has Thunderbolt 3 technology built-in, then all three ports on the back of the hub will function as Thunderbolt 3 ports ***
*** Please note, the specifications of a Thunderbolt 3 host system can have an impact on the level of functionality of the hubs’s downstream ports ***
When a Thunderbolt 3 host system that has:
A. An Intel Titan Ridge Thunderbolt host controller
B. A DCH variant of the Thunderbolt host controller driver higher than version 1.41.613.1 installed
C. An internal Thunderbolt NVM firmware version of 41 or higher
Is connected to the hub, then all of the downstream ports will function as Thunderbolt 3 ports.
When a Thunderbolt 3 host system that has:
A. An Intel Alpine Ridge Thunderbolt host controller
B. A DCH variant of the Thunderbolt host controller driver installed
Is connected to the hub, then one downstream port will function as a Thunderbolt 3 port, and the other remaining ports will function as a USB Type-C port.
Devices that use a USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 Type-A connection can be connected to the USB 3.2 Type-A port located on the front of the hub.
Can I Use My Display With a Native USB-C Video Input With the USB4-HUB3A Hub?
External displays that have a native USB-C video input can be used in conjunction with the Plugable USB4-HUB3A hub.
However, in our experience helping others we have found that some portable USB-C displays may not work as expected when an external USB-C power source is connected to the display.
If your portable USB-C display has an external USB-C power source, please disconnect the external power source from the display when using the display in conjunction with the hub.
The hub can provide up to 15W of power to the portable USB-C display, which will take the place of the external power source.
An example of such a display would be the ViewSonic VG1655 display → https://www.viewsonic.com/us/vg1655.html
A video that demonstrates the capabilities of this display is here → https://youtu.be/ferq4xz_A3M
What Amount of Power Can the USB4-HUB3A Hub Provide to Connected Devices?
What amount of power can the USB4-HUB3A hub provide to connected devices?
Each of the three ports on the back of the hub have the ability to provide up to 15W of power to connected devices, and this is typically used to power an external device (such as a Thunderbolt or USB-C storage drive).
However, this power can also be used to charge devices that have an internal battery, for example a mobile phone or a tablet.
An additional useful component of this feature is that the charging capability can be used even when the hub is not connected to your PC.
To put that another way, when your PC is not connected to the hub, the hub can be used as a charging station for up to three different devices.
The USB 3.2 Type-A port on the front of the hub can provide up to 5V 900mA of power to connected devices. The USB 3.2 Type-A does not support any other device charging standards (such as BC 1.2)
Do I Need To Install Any Drivers To Use the USB4-HUB3A Hub? Does the Hub Need To Be ‘Approved’ in Windows?
Speaking in general, there are no driver installations necessary in order to use the hub in macOS or Windows.
If the PC you are connecting the hub to is running Windows and has Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 technology built-in, when you first connect the hub you may be prompted to ‘Approve’ or ‘Authenticate’ the device via the Intel Thunderbolt software that should already be installed on your Windows PC.
We have a video that demonstrates how to ‘Approve’ the device using the two different types of the Intel software (known as either the ‘Intel Thunderbolt Software’ or the ‘Intel Thunderbolt Control Center’) here → https://youtu.be/aRN2aEzmsyo
Depending on how your Windows PC is configured, the Approval process may happen automatically and as a result you may not be prompted to Approve the hub.
** Note - we have had reports that the hub needed to be manually Approved when used with some Windows Thunderbolt 3 systems before USB devices connected to the hub would function properly. If USB devices are not working properly via the hub, please check the Approval status and manually Approve if necessary. Please note that the USB4-HUB3A is officially supported in conjunction with Windows PCs that have Thunderbolt 4 technology built-in. **
If the PC you are connecting the hub to is running macOS and has Thunderbolt 3 or USB4 technology built-in, the approval process will happen automatically.
If the PC you are connecting the hub to has USB-C technology built-in, the hub does not need to be approved (device Approval is not part of the USB-C standard).
Can I Connect External Displays to the USB4-HUB3A? What Are the Hub’s Display Capabilities?
Included in the box with the hub is one Plugable USB-C to HDMI video adapter. You can connect this adapter to the hub in order to attach one HDMI display (up to 3840x2160 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate) to the hub using a HDMI to HDMI video cable (a cable with a HDMI connector on both ends, not included).
Please note that the amount of displays that can be connected to the hub is ultimately determined by the capabilities of the host PC.
A PC that has Thunderbolt 4 technology will be capable of driving two displays via the hub. This is because the Thunderbolt 4 specification requires a single Thunderbolt 4 port to be capable of driving two displays.
A PC that has Thunderbolt 3 technology will be capable of driving one or two displays via the hub. This is because manufacturers have a choice when designing a Thunderbolt 3 system in regard to how many displays can be driven via a single Thunderbolt 3 port. Some Thunderbolt 3 PCs can support two displays, while other Thunderbolt 3 PCs can support only one display. ** Please note that the USB4-HUB3A is officially supported only in conjunction with Windows PCs that have Thunderbolt 4 technology built-in. **
A PC that has USB-C technology will be capable of driving only one display via the hub.
Please note that not all USB-C systems are capable of providing video output over USB-C. Please consult your PC’s manual or technical specifications in order to determine if your USB-C PC is capable of providing video output.
What Kind of Devices Can Be Connected to the USB4-HUB3A Hub?
It is possible to connect many different types of Thunderbolt and USB-C devices to the three ports on the back of the hub. You can also connect a variety of USB Type-A devices to the USB 3.2 Type-A port located on the front of the hub.
Devices that are Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C can connect directly to the hub using Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C cables, respectively. Examples of some of these various types of devices are:
Storage drives
- Thunderbolt 3 storage drives (INSERT LINK)
- USB-C storage drives (INSERT LINK)
USB-C video adapters
- USBC-HDMI (INSERT LINK)
- USBC-TDP (INSERT LINK)
- USBC-DVI
- USBC-VGA
USB 3.0 Type-C hubs
- USBC-HUB7BC
Devices that use a USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 Type-A connection can be connected to the USB 3.2 Type-A port located on the front of the hub.
Virtually any type of USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 Type-A device can be connected to the hub's USB Type-A port. Examples of some of these various types of devices are:
DisplayLink USB docking stations
- UD-3900Z
- UD-6950Z
Can the Plugable USB4-HUB3A Hub Be Used Without Connecting the Included Power Adapter? In Other Words, Can It Be ‘Bus Powered’ From the Host System’s Thunderbolt 4 Port?
The USB4-HUB3A requires that the included power adapter be connected to the hub in order for the hub to function properly. The hub will not work if the included power adapter is not connected.
The hub cannot be ‘bus powered’ from the host system’s Thunderbolt 4 port.
I Have Connected the Plugable USB4-HUB3A to My Windows PC With Thunderbolt 3. Video Output via the Included USB-C to HDMI Adapter Is Working, However USB Devices Connected to the Hub Are Not. Why Is This?
Please note that the USB4-HUB3A is officially supported in conjunction with Windows PCs that have Thunderbolt 4 technology built-in.
While the hub can work with some Thunderbolt 3 Windows PCs, the level of functionality of the hub when used with a Thunderbolt 3 Windows PC cannot be guaranteed.
That said, we have had reports that the hub needed to be manually Approved within the Intel Thunderbolt application when used with some Windows Thunderbolt 3 systems before USB devices connected to the hub would function properly.
If USB devices are not working properly via the hub, please check the Approval status and manually Approve if necessary.
We have a video that demonstrates how to ‘Approve’ the device using the two different types of the Intel software (known as either the ‘Intel Thunderbolt Software’ or the ‘Intel Thunderbolt Control Center’) here → https://youtu.be/aRN2aEzmsyo
Do Plugable products support the Apple SuperDrive?
Unfortunately Plugable products do not support the Apple SuperDrive.
The Apple SuperDrive has stringent power requirements that can only be met by directly connecting the SuperDrive to your host laptop. As a result at this time Apple recommends only using their USB-C adapter cables. You can find more information on that here → How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive
If you have purchased a Plugable product to use with your Apple SuperDrive, and would like some additional assistance please do not hesitate to reach out. You can do so by emailing support@plugable.com, or going to Plugable.com/Support.
Can I Use a USB-C to Barrel Adapter to Power My USB4-HUB3A?
In general, we only recommend using the included power adapters with all of our products, as it minimizes the risk of damaging the docks or hubs. However, with GaN chargers delivering higher wattages over USB-C in a more compact package, many people are wanting to use these chargers to power their hubs, as they tend to be more compact than the included charger.
We have gone ahead and done some limited testing with a 100W power delivery source and a 100W USB-C to barrel adapter to see if this is possible. Note that we tested here with a USB4-HUB3A, as the power supply it comes with has a maximum rating of 100W as well.
Below is a diagram of the setup that we used with our USB4-HUB3A:
We used our USBC-VAMETER3 to measure wattage outputs at the 100W PD supply as well as the host connection from the hub to the host.
Below is the connection from the 100W PD power supply to the USB4-HUB3A through the USB-C to barrel connector with all peripherals connected to the hub:
Below is the connection from the USB4-HUB3A to the host (M2 MacBook Air):
With our limited testing, the hub was able to function and output to a display as well as charge both the host MacBook and a phone, all while being powered by a USB-C PD power supply. It even seems that there was a little bit of headroom for the power supply to supply a little bit more power if needed.
While the testing shows a proof of concept, it is still not recommended to connect any other power supply besides the included one that comes with your hub or dock, as there is a serious chance that you can damage the device and it would not be covered by our warranty.
Understanding Heat Generation in Electronics
It's not uncommon for users to notice a certain level of heat generation from electronics and by extension, Plugable products during operation. In this knowledge base article, we'll explore the reasons behind this heat generation and why it is considered a normal experience within reasonable limits.
Electronics, by their nature, generate heat during operation. This is primarily a result of the electrical current flowing through various components, such as integrated circuits, transistors, and other electronic elements. As Plugable products are designed to efficiently process and transfer data (among other functionality), some level of heat generation is inherent.
Factors Influencing Heat Generation:
- Power Consumption: The power consumption of a device directly influences the amount of heat it generates. Higher power usage, especially during data transfer or charging processes, can lead to increased heat.
- Enclosure Design: The design of the product's enclosure and its ability to dissipate heat play a crucial role. Adequate ventilation and heat sinks are often incorporated to manage and disperse generated heat effectively. This is evident in our TBT3-UDZ and TBT4-UDZ designs. The metal case in these docks are designed to function as a heatsink with thermal pads placed throughout the enclosure. This allows heat dissipation from inside to the outside, but will also make it feel as if the device is “too hot”.
- Ambient Temperature: The external environment may also play a role. Higher ambient temperatures can contribute to increased perceived heat from the product. This means that summer temperatures may increase the heat generation of not just Plugable products, but many other electronic devices.
Normal Heat Levels: While it is normal for electronic devices to generate heat, Plugable products are engineered to operate within safe temperature ranges. We conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the heat generated during normal operation falls within industry-standard safety parameters. While not all products are or need to be UL certified, we try to go by UL guidelines for thermal readings. The UL threshold is 77C/170.6F, and we aim for around 71C/160F.
Tips for Users:
- Ventilation: Ensure that Plugable products have sufficient ventilation around them. Avoid placing them in enclosed spaces where heat dissipation may be impeded.
- Usage Patterns: Intensive tasks such as high-speed data transfer or charging multiple devices simultaneously may result in increased heat generation. This is generally normal but may be more noticeable in such scenarios.
- Accessories: A number of our devices will allow for the connection of USB accessories and as such, these will require power. If too many “power-hungry” devices are connected, this will cause the device to run much hotter than expected. Be sure to keep in mind the power limits of your dock/device.
In conclusion, experiencing heat from Plugable products is a normal aspect of their operation. Users can rest assured that we prioritize the safety and efficiency of our devices. By understanding the factors influencing heat generation and following simple usage guidelines, users can make the most of their Plugable products while ensuring a reliable and efficient user experience.
Will 60W Be Enough to Charge My Laptop?
A common question we receive is whether it is okay to use a dock or hub that provides different wattage compared to the power adapter included with the laptop, especially if the dock or hub provides less power than the OEM charger. Short answer: for most use cases, it’s fine! And when using standards-compliant docks, hubs, and chargers like those from Plugable, it’s always safe.
When considering whether a dock or hub has enough power to charge a host, it is helpful to understand how little power is consumed most of the time you’re using your system.
Some details why 60W charging is more than sufficient for typical workloads:
All laptops will come with a power supply directly from the manufacturer. This power supply usually supports the maximum charging rate that the host can support (45W, 60W, 100W, 140W, etc.). However, modern systems are designed to be power efficient while managing their power consumption dynamically, typically using just a fraction of their maximum power draw under typical workloads. Additionally, to preserve battery longevity, most devices will reduce charging rate even when a higher wattage charger is connected. Note that Gaming or Workstation laptops, typically including 180W+ power adapters, may have special power requirements.
Even during high-power tasks such as video editing, hosts may only pull greater than 60W for brief periods of time. In these instances, you may notice the battery charges slower, or in some cases even slowly discharges. This is not indicative of a faulty power supply or a problem, just a difference in power consumption vs power delivery.
In some cases, for laptops that can charge at higher than 60W over USB-C, it can take longer for the 60W charger to fully charge a host from 0-100% than a 100W charger for example. However, this is usually only relevant for the first 50 or so percent, as the host limits the charging rate exponentially as the battery gets closer to being fully charged. In the 80-100% range, laptops are typically charging at less than 15W. This means that in a configuration where you are connected to the power adapter for long periods of time, like an entire work day, the 60W charger will be functionally identical to a higher wattage power adapter.
Windows laptops – particularly those from Dell, HP, or Lenovo – may send pop-ups in the OS or messages on boot warning you about a lower charging rate. The messages could be similar to the following:
- “You have plugged in a lower wattage power adapter, USB-C charging device, or power pass-through device. Your system will continue to work, but may not perform at its peak.”
- “Weak charging state, please check power charger.”
- “The AC power adapter wattage and type cannot be determined. The battery may not charge. The system will adjust the performance to match the power available.”
- “The connected AC adapter has a lower wattage than the recommended model – Please connect the AC adapter which was shipped with the system for best system performance”
- “For full performance, connect a higher power adapter”
Despite these warnings, most business and consumer laptops will indeed continue to charge with a lower wattage charger connected, and the messages can often be disabled in your laptop’s BIOS settings.
All this to say that in most use cases, the differences between 60W and higher wattage chargers are minimal, and 60W charging is likely enough to charge most laptops!
Plugable SKUs that feature 60W charging: TBT4-HUB3C, USB4-HUB3A, TBT3-UDC1, UD-3900PDZ, UD-6950PDZ, UD-MSTH2, UD-MSTHDC, USBC-PS-60W
Understanding Power Delivery vs. Pass-Through Power Delivery
When choosing a docking station or USB hub, it's important to understand the difference between Power Delivery (PD) and Pass-Through Power Delivery. While both terms refer to charging capabilities, they function differently and impact how power is distributed to connected devices.
What is Power Delivery (PD)?
USB Power Delivery (PD) is a fast-charging standard that allows devices to negotiate power levels dynamically. Key aspects include:
- Enables higher power transfer (up to 100W or more, depending on the device and cable).
- Ensures efficient charging by dynamically adjusting voltage and current.
- Commonly used in USB-C chargers, docking stations, and hubs that provide power directly to laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Example: A USB-C docking station with PD output can charge a connected laptop while simultaneously powering other peripherals. Additionally, these tend to come with their own AC adapter.
What is Pass-Through Power Delivery?
Pass-Through Power Delivery refers to a hub or docking station that does not generate power itself but instead allows power to pass through from an external power adapter. Key aspects include:
- Requires a dedicated power adapter (e.g., a USB-C PD laptop charger) plugged into the docking station or hub.
- Typically, a portion of the incoming power is allocated to the dock’s functionality (such as data transfer and peripheral connections), and the remaining power is sent to the connected laptop or device.
- May reduce the total power available to the laptop compared to direct charging.
Example: A USB-C hub with pass-through PD allows a laptop's original USB-C PD charger to be connected to the hub, which then distributes power to the laptop while also supporting external peripherals.
Choosing the Right Option
- If you need a docking station that can directly charge your laptop, look for one with dedicated Power Delivery (PD) support.
- If your laptop already has a high-wattage charger and you want to maintain power while expanding connectivity, a pass-through PD hub may be a better choice.
- Be mindful of power limitations with pass-through charging, as some hubs may reserve power for their own operation, reducing the power available for the laptop.
Some examples of hubs with PD pass-through would be our USBC-9IN1E with 140w pass-through charging or our smaller USBC-4IN1 with 100w pass-through.
On the flip side, we have our docking stations that power your devices by themselves. Examples such as our UD-7400PD which is capable of 140w of charge and 5 displays.
Understanding these differences will help ensure you select the right docking station or USB-C hub for your setup. If you have any questions or would like a recommendation, feel free to reach out to our support at support@plugable.com
