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Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB C Adapter, with Dual 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, 1 Gbps Ethernet, 2 USB 3.0 Data Ports, SD and microSD Card Reader, for MacBook Pro, XPS and More?
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As I discovered that my desktop PC will not support Windows 11, I have decided to switch to my Surface Pro 7 for my primary work computer as I really want to be able to upgrade to 11. I bought this Anker dual HDMI USB-C hub that supports power delivery and Ethernet, and it works great. Really happy with this setup, and looking forward to Windows 11!
I have a similar setup, my screens have hdmi and display port on them. I use the dp for my desktop and then for my laptop I use an Anker USB-C dual hdmi adaptor https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-PowerExpand-Delivery-Ethernet-Pixelbook-Gray/dp/B0874M3KW4
And then a bluetooth keyboard from keychron that supports multiple devices.
My plan is to get a logitech master mouse that also supports multiple devices.
Even if I use a 65W power supply?
As like the Anker 8-in-1 supports 100W power delivery apparently. This is useful for having peripherals on the same dock too whilst using the Deck at full power usage.
The Steam Deck will only take 45W max itself, but what is left for USB peripherals with simultaneous usage?
I am using this hub that I use to attach my work computer to my desk monitors. I knew it was a feature of DP over USB-C but I was surprised to see it work so well. I guess it shouldn't surprise me.
I'm not so sure about the two-port connector on that one. I'd be likely to try picking up my laptop and torqing it and breaking something. The 553 seems close and has a cable: https://smile.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4
Anker has many, many hubs. I'm having a hard time figuring out the differences between all of these.
I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0874M3KW4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Here's my issues:
- You have to go into desktop mode to change it to at least 1080p.
- It’s about 50/50 on whether it will detect the TV and boot into it
- If it doesn’t boot into the TV, the screen stays black on the Deck and it refuses to respond until I hard boot
- The sound will randomly switch from the TV to the Deck. Can’t find out why that is.
- Sometimes it doesn’t seem to detect the right screen and it looks like an extension of the deck screen instead of the full UI.
there's a number of issues here:
- A hub connected to a hub which may be an issue in and of itself
- the M1 chip that only supports 1 external monitor
- the dell D3100 is a usb 3.0 dock
I would highly recommend that you get a usb-c dock like this
That’s the Anker model. To think of it, this problem started happening when I switched from 800mbps internet to 1280mbps internet as the first week of having this thing I never had any issues downloading
You can get usb-c hubs which could have dual hdmi outputs such as this: Dual hdmi output, Ethernet
As for the laptop, webcam, windows based with ssd, i do recommend a dedicated gpu to avoid system lag during a dual or triple display setups. Also for screen resolution of FHD quality at least with 300 notes brightness if using the laptop in an external setting. Depending on the travel I would recommend a numberpad so that throws the model to 15” to 16”.
I don't think having a Surface connector justifies the price when there are USB-C devices that are much cheaper and function about the same. For example, this costs about a third of the price: https://amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4/ref=sr\_1\_5?dchild=1&keywords=anker+usb+c+hub&qid=1631382362&sr=8-5
Dude, you can get a USB-C hub with all those ports for well less than $100, and a portable bluetooth speaker with mic for about $40.
There's nothing about this thing that justifies the price
>I've got a Macbook air available to connect via Apple TV / HDMI etc if necessary.
If your Macbook Air has enough ports, I'd hook up the webcam to the Macbook and connect the Macbook to the TV with HDMI. Because my Macbook only has two USB-C ports and I want three ports,
- Charger
- Camera
- HDMI
I got a hub to allow my Macbook to use more connections in general.
>But surely there should be a way of calling people with JUST the TV and webcam?
Smart TVs don't have the software capability to handle videoconferencing apps on their own, as far as I can tell.
I’m using the Anker hub with 8 ports. I have never connected it to the display-port (the usb-c port on the left) and I have never put anything into its power delivery port out of fear for the same reason you’ve stated. Otherwise I’ve only faced an issue with the HDMI port (I think this may be a manufacturing defect pertaining to my hub). I don’t use the hdmi port anyways so that wasn’t a deal-breaker for me.
Product is:
Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB C Adapter, with Dual 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, 1 Gbps Ethernet, 2 USB 3.0 Data Ports, SD and microSD Card Reader, for MacBook Pro, XPS and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0874M3KW4/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_3Q0033G3KZDWEMZNZJWW
Just found this thread a month late but I actually have the exact same laptop and am trying to avoid this exact same issue. I'm trying to find a hub that supports dual external monitors that I can use interchangeably with either my work laptop or personal laptop.
Laptop A is the Vivobook S510UN. It has one HDMI port and one USB-C 3.1 (Gen 1) that, like you mentioned, doesn't support DP Alt.
Laptop B is a Dell XPS 15 9510 with three USB-C 4.0 ports.
Monitor A is a Dell 2421HSX and Monitor B is an older ViewSonic VA2446M. I'm fine upgrading the Viewsonic to a newer monitor if I need to. The Dell has an HDMI output and I have a VGA/HDMI adapter for the Viewsonic.
Most of the hubs I'm seeing out there take USB-C as the input, something like this
- Would a product like this work with my setup if I plug it directly into Laptop B's USB-C port?
- Would a product like this work with Laptop A if I connect to the USB-C port, via a USB-C/HDMI adapter?
- If not, do I need to find a hub that can support two inputs from Laptop A?
Thanks in advance if you're still out there. I'm so confused by all of this and am worried my personal laptop might just be a little too old for this to even work.
I wasn't aware the USB-C docks could cause such an issue. I have the 2021 model, RTX 3060, 5900HS. I ordered the Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 (link) mainly to move the USB-A ports to the right so my hand doesn't bang against it when using mouse and to allow for ethernet connection. After a lot of research Anker seemed to be best quality in <$100 price range. I'll try it out and let you know if there's anything strange about it
If both computers has USB-C buy Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C Adapter, USB-C Media: Amazon.de: Elektronik and you have everything from that dirtcheap dock (ive been using mine for a year with no problem). But both screens needs to be 1080p not above that. If you have more resolution on the screens get thunderbolt dock.
Huh. Perhaps your machine is performing better because of the docking station. I have my laptop connected to two 1080p 75Hz monitors and a USB keyboard and mouse via an Anker USB hub.
Is there some reason why a docking station would be better? I was resisting the idea of buying the WD19TB because it is so expensive and I am on a bit of a budget. Where did you buy yours?
Buy a USB C Dock that supports dual monitors. Something like this.
I'm using this hub:
Hopefully it doesn't cause any issues. It does have USB PD but I don't have the hub connected to a power source. I have 2 HDMI cables and a separate USB Hub which has my keyboard, mouse, mic, and webcam connected to it. The reason for the second USB A hub is because this setup is also where I work (you can see my work laptop right behind the right monitor). This allows me to quickly move all the peripherals from one laptop to the other by just moving one cable.
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And yes, the monitors are extended, not mirrored. I just found out I can add a different wallpaper to each screen, so I'll probably do that next.
This one has worked great so far.
€63
I've also been using some of the Anker models, as long as the wattage the laptop needs is less than 100 watts.
They have some with ethernet and dual hdmi, 70$
just remember that the adapter itself uses about 10-15 watts of power itself, so you might need to oversize the PD charger going into it.
Something like this should work fine with your two 1080p monitors: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3O2VYS6LPPVW3&dchild=1
It's worth noting that if you ever move up to dual 4k monitors then the above device can only drive them at 30hz; it can't do dual 4k displays at 60hz. If you need 4k60 you'd need to spend about twice as much.
Thunderbolt docks can do a bit more on Thunderbolt laptops as you have (https://www8.hp.com/h20195/v2/getpdf.aspx/4AA7-4326EEAP.pdf, https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_xps_laptop/xps-13-9350-laptop_reference%20guide_en-us.pdf - both appear to have TB3 with DP1.2).
TB3 docks are useful if you want more than dual 1920x1080 60Hz + USB3 on these machines. For example, dual 2560x1440 60Hz + USB3 would work with HP Thunderbolt Dock G2, but not HP USB-C Dock G5 for these laptops. Similarly with Dell docks (WD19TB/WD19TBS for Thunderbolt and WD19/WD19S for USB-C-only). The only real downside of TB3 docks for you - slightly higher price, while dual 1920x1080 60Hz + USB3 still works with cheaper USB-C-only docks (BTW even 40$ https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 USB-C-only dock works, doesn't have to be more fancy HP USB-C Dock G5 if you don't need all ports and up to 85w pass-through charging is fine).
It depends on what monitors you want to connect. Need to know the resolution and refresh rate of each and what input ports available.
You can get dual 1440p 60Hz over HDMI + USB3 with https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4. Lenovo 40AS is a newer, more capable dock that should work too. DisplayLink is not advisable since your laptop supports DisplayPort 1.4 over USB-C. (Platform Spec says DP1.2, but might be a typo; worst case scenario if it's actually DP1.2 - only dual 1080p will work with https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 and Lenovo 40AS).
The adapter you linked to has one HDMI output, so what was the plan for 2nd monitor? Do you want to connect 2nd monitor via HDMI on the laptop directly? Single 1440p 60Hz over HDMI will likely work, but I don't have this dock to check (Philips SWV6117G). Try both USB-C ports for the dock if you use the HDMI port on the laptop.
So this worked great : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0874M3KW4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I have it powered by a dell dock as of now for my test. I would like to buy a PD power supply adapter. The website says rapid charge through 65w AC. Should I stick to the 65W PD adapters or do I spend some more for the 100w options?
WD19TB kind of makes more sense (TB3 docks are more expensive in general, at least new; also, it supports DisplayPort 1.4 that requires a newer TB controller).
For USB-C docks, many non-brand cheaper alternatives may be enough though (2 lanes for video + USB3 with dual HDMI 50$ Anker, 4 lanes for video + USB2 with dual DP 60$ Cable Matters). But be careful figuring out if you need TB3 or whether a USB-C dock with 2 lanes for video will handle your displays - see here.
WD19 does have some more advanced features like triple display output (only 1080p 60Hz on DP1.4, even less on DP1.2 though), USB-C DisplayPort output, and (as u/mwritx mentioned) 130w Dell non-standard power delivery over USB-C to the laptop. (standard allows up to ~100w, Dell has some proprietary extension)
What exact laptop and monitors (resolution and refresh rate) do you have?
macOS will work in "extended desktop mode" only with Thunderbolt 3 docks, not USB-C with DisplayPort docks. In other words, a USB-C dock that has multiple displays connected to it on macOS will at best mirror the displays (but the internal laptop's screen can show a separate picture).
For Windows/Linux USB-C docks for USB-C with DP can support multiple monitors via MST. USB-C can provide up to 1x DisplayPort bandwidth (1.2 or 1.4 depends on the devices involved), and to get USB3 (instead of USB2) you lose 50% of DP bandwidth. So it's possible via USB-C docks, but the amount of bandwidth is slightly more limited (vs. Thunderbolt 3 docks). Example dock with dual HDMI + USB3 (dual 1080p 60Hz would work on USB-C+DP1.2 with this dock).
PS: ignoring DisplayLink "USB video card" option for now.
If you have at most two 1080p or 1440p (2560x1440) 60Hz screens connected via HDMI - 50$ Anker should be good enough, it works as a hub without a charger. This dock provides half of the DisplayPort 1.4 bandwidth via USB-C, therefore to figure out what resolutions and refresh rates would work - check the calculator (e.g., 2560x1440 60Hz*2 monitors = 120Hz gives about 12Gbpbs which is less than 50% of DP1.4 bandwidth). Dual 4K would work only 30Hz with that dock. And to make dual 4K 60Hz + USB*3* work from a single cable, you need either a Thunderbolt 3 dock (more expensive)... or forego single cable requirement and add a second monitor via 20$ USB-C -> DisplayPort 1.4 dongle.
I posted about my current setup last night and go a bit more into detail about how I connected everything in the comments. You can check it out if you want to see how it looks, but I'll try to summarize it here:
I'm using this as my main hub:
I have 2 HDMI cables and a separate USB Hub which has my keyboard, mouse, mic, and webcam connected to it. The reason for the second USB A hub is because this setup is also where I work so this allows me to quickly move all the peripherals from one laptop to the other by just moving one cable. It also gives me more USB A ports to use.
The USB C hub does support USB PD, but I don't have a power source connected to it, so no extra power should be going to my laptop. It's worked great so far. Let me know if you have any questions, or check out my post as a few people have already asked questions you may have.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0874M3KW4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fLnDFbV6Y3AY1 here you go.
This only has power delivery if you plug power in to it
Cheap USBC hub .. buy one with USB C thunderbolt 4.0 connectivity or Thunderbolt 3.0.
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You get what you pay for most times with any tech gear .. Anker are definately one of the better options always.
There is one from Anker in the same product line:
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4/
I cannot vouch for it, of course - as I don't own it ... but on paper .. she looks good!
No problem! It's a great device but the controller schemes might need tweaking on a per-game basis to find your preference
Trying to get it working on an external monitor, I am using an Anker USB Type-C dongle (https://www.amazon.de/-/en/PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet-Pixelbook-gray/dp/B0874M3KW4/). I've tried plugging it in to an external monitor and the resolution stays at 1280x800, but it plays the same apart from that.
There's only two resolution settings 1280x800, and 1024x768. And the game decides to default to a minimum graphics profile.
Then for Civ 5, I wasn't able to launch it into touch mode. But the normal game with the controls work and it performs the same/slightly better than Civ:BE Playing it in touch mode would be a bit cumbersome since the Deck really is designed for holding with both hands. Unless you play it flat on a table.
So i bought a anker usb-c hub, this one.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0874M3KW4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and yet it still doesn work!!!
No image on the tv.
What am i doing wrong?
Can someone write a comprensive guide to docking the steamdeck
>Legion 5 15IMH05H
Erm, this doesn't even support Thunderbolt, that would be "fun" if you bought CalDigit TS3+ only to discover it's useless for your laptop.
https://psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PDF/Legion/Lenovo_Legion_5_15IMH05H/Lenovo_Legion_5_15IMH05H_Spec.PDF - "1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (support data transfer and DisplayPort™ 1.2)".
So USB-C with DP Alt Mode means older TB3 docks like CalDigit TS3+ won't work (no video or USB). This also applies to Monoprice cheaper docks I mentioned (TB3 Alpine Ridge chipset docks didn't support non-TB hosts, newer TB3 Titan Ridge and TB4 docks do, but don't provide full benefits vs. TB laptops so the price is not very justified anyway).
> Does that mean that the video output gets decided in its own dedicated software, and it not being limited by my DP Alt over USB-C only being able to have 1 external display.
Part of this makes sense - DisplayLink drives displays without DP Alt Mode.
Another part about single display - is wrong and likely inspired by articles about MacBooks (especially M1-based). Windows DP Alt Mode machines can actually drive dual 1920x1080 60Hz + USB3 (https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4) or dual 2560x1440 60Hz + USB2 (https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Multiport-Adapter-Ethernet/dp/B0746P6LPP) via USB-C DP Alt Mode (and DP1.2) as your laptop has. Both have dual HDMI2.0, none of them can drive at full bandwidth on your laptop at the same time (e.g., you cannot get dual 4K 60Hz 8bpc non-chroma subsampling natively even with a USB*2*-only dock, even worse if USB3 is present).
> (Got 2 rn, another one over HDMI).
> Horizontal + vertical resolution and refresh rate of your monitor would help too
For the sake of not making another mistake that potentially causes unusable or suboptimal dock purchase - can you actually share the resolution and refresh rate for each, please? Is it dual 1920x1080 60Hz? (need horizontal and vertical + refresh rate, not just "1440p" - but "2560x1440 144Hz")
If you don't see more answers, please recheck that enough details are provided on monitors.
Like you, I'd rather pay more for a brand known for the quality of its products than pay less for an unknown brand, although sometimes a lesser known brand may have a product that is better and cheaper than that of a better known brand.
I toured Amazon Spain and found some interesting hubs from Anker:
It has 2 USB ports, if you needed more ports you could chain an Anker USB 3.0 hub or one that you already own.
Or, since the MSI Summit E14 has 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, you could buy two 1x HDMI hubs which cost less than the 2x HDMI hub for 6 USB ports in total:
I think the hubs that failed you when you connected both a mouse and a keyboard did so because they weren't getting enough power from your laptop to meet the demand for your peripherals.
This time, you'll have to connect the MSI Summit E14 USB-C charger to the USB-C PD port of one of the hubs for it to charge your laptop. In the process, the hub will deduct some power, 10 to 15 W, to supply its ports.
I hope you have the 90W charger, because the 65W charger won't be able to power both the laptop and the hub(s). In the latter case, you'll have to buy a more capable USB-C charger, for example a 100W one.
yes, it's the Anker USB-C hub.
extend...?
If you mean connect, https://psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PDF/ThinkPad/ThinkPad_T14_Gen_2_AMD/ThinkPad_T14_Gen_2_AMD_Spec.pdf says
> 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4a)
For sure two 1080p@60Hz will fit your bandwidth budget easily, you can even squeeze USB 3.0 next to them. If USB 2.0 is enough, it's easier. If faster USB is needed,https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0874M3KW4/ would do it. Or https://www.reichelt.com/de/en/usb-type-c-to-mini-displayport-usb-3-0-and-pd-adapter-equip-133463-p282061.html will do it with an appropriate MST hub off eBay.
It looks like your machine supports DisplayPort 1.4 over USB-C, so you should be able to drive your monitors with any hub that supports two 4K30 displays. That Cable Matters dock will work great, but I might suggest something like this Anker model.. By moving to HDMI you gain USB 3.0 and gigabit Ethernet, and you can use the M27Q’s DisplayPorts with a personal desktop and take advantage of their FreeSync support and KVM, if you’d like.
Does this work and fulfill everything I need it to do?
>since you have 2 monitors, DP-ALT wont be enough( not sure if DP on usb c hub support daisy chain)
There is DisplayPort MST for that - it allows DP Alt Mode + multiple video outputs. It is harder on macOS because there is no MST support and then you are forced to go with other options, but for Windows / Linux - Thunderbolt or DisplayLink is not necessary to get two displays running. Most of the cheap dual video output docks are DP Alt Mode -e.g., https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4.
I have my Surface Go 1 (8gb ram, 128gb SSD) for 2nd year at Electrical Engeneering and I find it more than enough. I'll be talking about Surface Go with both Pen and Type cover, because I think they are esential to it. Really the only things I needed to do in software was:
- Office 365 ( version doesn't really matter as long as the Uni gives a license to you)
- Onenote ( I prefer the one in Office pack, but Onenote for Windows from store has for example ruler)
- Setting up for as much battery life as possible ( I have battery saver up all time)
- I use Windows 11, which is much more optimized for touchscreen imo, so I had to do some thing inside to not ruin my muscle memory with Windows, but for Windows 10 it doesn't really matter ( Can't really 100% recommend Win11, because it's new, unstable and have a lot of bugs for some users)
- If your pen is jittery people recommend Lazy Neumi Pro or there is free alternative, that is not as used, but still delivers called Silky Shark
- For the love of god, don't use ~~Chrome~~, I use Microsoft Edge, which is build on Chromium and is basically the same thing with the same addons, but that's just your preference
I use pretty much just Office 365 apps with some internet browsing. Surface is for me just note taking notebook with quick acces to all my files on the go. For more intense computing I use my main desktop PC. For external things to carry around:
- USB-C to USB-A 3.0 adapter ( for flashdrives and External storages)
- SD card for expanding storage
- Power Bank with Power Delivery, atleast 30 W for charging with USB-C
- Some kind of USB-C Hub to compensate the lack of UI of these things (I use just USB-C to HDMI for external monitor, but more USB-A ports are nice to have and same goes for Ethernet port
tl;dr In your specific case - if your laptop and dock run dual 4K 60Hz 8bpc natively (no DisplayLink), then it will very likely support a single 2560x1440 144Hz 8bpc too, but this answer doesn't scale to other possible combinations (dual 4K 60Hz 8bpc doesn't mean you can run 4K 120Hz 8bpc). The best course of action - to describe your specific case in detail as a separate post/question, not on this thread: laptop - specific model and ideally configuration, like a link to the page where you bought it from or something that lists specs well; same with monitor and dock if you already have it; "1440p" marketing terms are not helping with estimates due to ambiguity, and if you don't have a specific monitor model - at least use the full resolution and refresh rate like 2560x1440 144Hz. Answering general questions may become unreasonably complicated vs. finding a solution for a specific case you have.
Bandwidth is important, but total bandwidth needed for all monitors is not the only constraint. It's not a great idea to try to summarize it all into one number and decide "bandwidth enough or not" as the only criterion, especially because you are comparing 2 monitors with 1. Dual 4K 60Hz may mean dual DP1.2 over TB3 with a TB3 dock and TB3 laptop that supports it (e.g., X1 Yoga Gen5 + 40AN0135US + dual 4K 60Hz via two DP outputs), and then you cannot bond it into one DP output and therefore cannot make it work as, say, 4K 120Hz 8bpc no chroma subsampling (at least unless the monitor supports dual DP inputs for some weird mode). And on other systems, dual 4K 60Hz means that the laptop supports DP1.4+DSC and the dock has an MST with DP1.4+DSC and can drive dual 4K 60Hz or single 4K 120Hz (because it actually had to use MST to split into 2 video outputs, and MST can drive a single output with 2x total bandwidth in this specific case). There are quite a few weird things possible there (as a random example - some monitors actually need DSC supported to get to max refresh rate and resolution and will not work well with most MSTs, others rely on chroma-subsampling to compress it and require less bandwidth than you may expect, there are even more weird ones with dual DP inputs or cases with dual DP over TB3 like on LG Ultrafine 5K).
In your case, 2560x1440 144Hz fits into a single DP1.2 and has similar requirements to 4K 60Hz, so it's likely that something that handles single 4K 60Hz can do 2560x1440 144Hz as well, but it's not 100% - because ~14Gbit/s is slightly more than ~12.5Gbit/s and sometimes it's enough of a difference to cause issues (example: USB-C DP1.4 without DSC laptop and dock like https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 can handle single 4K 60Hz, but not 2560x1440 144Hz at least without some extra tweaks). But at least 2560x1440 144Hz fits into single DP1.2 (4x HBR2), most practical systems that run dual 4K 60Hz can do single 4xHBR2 at full bandwidth (TB3/TB4 with dual DP1.2 or DP1.4, USB-C with DP1.4 with no DSC as 4xHBR3 +USB2 or with DSC as 2xHBR3 + USB3 via MST - the answer comes from enumerating all practical options on dual 4K 60Hz and evaluating if each one can do 4x HBR2, not just by plugging a single number)
Dual 1920x1080 60Hz + USB3 is not hard for any USB-C with DP1.2 host (except macOS). Most USB-C DP docks with 2 video outputs and USB3 will actually support it, e.g., https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086DXLF37 (these are actually newer and supports USB-C DP1.4 for more, 2nd one even has DSC support; there are definitely even cheaper and older models around). For example, look at docks that have USB3 and non-mirrored 2+ video outputs in https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2021/01/03/4k60-monitor-plus-usb-devices-from-single-usb-c-laptop-port/ around "4K60 USB-C HUBS FOR LAPTOPS WITH DP 1.4" (you don't need 4K + USB3, only use the list of docks to find USB3 + dual ouputs)
For more or less generic cases I usually relay to https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2021/01/03/4k60-monitor-plus-usb-devices-from-single-usb-c-laptop-port/ by u/SurfaceDockGuy "4K60 USB-C HUBS FOR LAPTOPS WITH DP 1.4" filtered by 2+ video outputs and USB3, since I don't know a better well-kept public list that I would trust. With these, we get HBR3 support (that might be useful in the future, but technically not necessary), but the price is a bit on the higher side. So more or less I go with Anker 8-in-1 with dual HDMI outputs https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 (not the other one that has one HDMI + "data" USB-C 10Gbps downstream; captive cable, 15W "power reserve"), CalDigit SOHO (detachable cable, afaik has 10W "power reserve" but didn't try weird use cases, metal outer shell), https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086DXLF37 can do as well (DSC capable, triple DP outputs), HyperDrive 6-in-1 or 12-in-1 (a bit expensive, minimal experience with 12-in-1 personally), https://www.amazon.com/WAVLINK-Docking-Station-Display-Ethernet/dp/B08PPGYHW1 (this one is slightly cheaper than the rest, I bought one but still struggle to find time to try it). Anker 11-in-1 looks promising too https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B08NDGD2V5 (but Anker's prices jumped up over the last year, like by ~30$)
This leaves the question if there should be a list for cheaper decent DP1.2/HBR2 docks, but I stopped paying attention to this category. In theory, finding good ones here would prevent people from getting no-name garbage, but we are perhaps fighting for 30-60$ category (like https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2021/08/17/compat-usb-c-hub-quick-review-ep00/) while there are decent with HBR3 support at 70$ even today.
>And I want to connect both through HDMI/DP from a dock to the laptop
PC Desktop will most likely have to go through different inputs and not via dock (e.g., if dock uses HDMI inputs, PC has to be connected via a different set of inputs - potentially via DP to each monitor), adding USB-C with DP Alt Mode on a PC is usually not worth it - https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2020/07/20/add-usb-c-with-dp-alt-mode-to-your-desktop-pc/ (to make dock work with PC as well, even fewer options for DP1.4 + USB3 if you go through what options the article presents). And even if you want to ease switching between two - there are solutions like https://haim.dev/posts/2020-07-28-dual-monitor-kvm/ (30$ USB KVM for keyboard/mouse + software to switch monitors between inputs automatically).
> 2560x1440 at 60hz
Lots of options with power from the laptop (to avoid issues like in https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/inrdx3/usbc_power_delivery_power_adapter_issue/) - e.g., Anker 8-in-1 with dual HDMI https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 (to leave DP for PC, note that USB-C PD should be ignored + the other downstream USB-C is for "data", not monitor), Anker 11-in-1 https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B08NDGD2V5, CalDigit SOHO https://www.amazon.com/CalDigit-USB-C-Gen2-10Gb-SOHO/dp/B08FF3BDW5, and HyperDrive 12-in-1 that you found too. Looking through https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2021/01/03/4k60-monitor-plus-usb-devices-from-single-usb-c-laptop-port/ options for "4K60 USB-C HUBS FOR LAPTOPS WITH DP 1.4" that have dual video outputs also works (single 4K 60Hz has similar bandwidth requirements as dual 2560x1440 60Hz) - e.g., shows https://www.amazon.com/WAVLINK-Docking-Station-Display-Ethernet/dp/B08PPGYHW1 (that I didn't try personally yet). All of these should do dual 2560x1440 60Hz + USB3 on your laptop, and their "portable" power-pass through nature makes it easier to power the laptop via AC charger while the dock is powered via laptop.
you would have to plug the USB C into 1st device, and it should output video to both displays and use the keyboard and mouse plugged into the hub and it can also carry ethernet data.
HOWEVER if you have a graphics card in your desktop, this won't work. Apple also can output video differently.
hub pcie c (if desktop doesn't have one)
hub is $80 but it's a good enough brand and I've used it before.
Also not all devices can carry video out over type C. But if your desktop and laptop have a type C port: plug monitors and usb stuff into hub and plug the hub into laptop, then unplug, and plug into desktop.
Only 1 way to find out unless you get real specific about you equipment, but that's too much work for me.
Maybe it was on sale but it's gone up so $105 now, I bought Feb 2021 - Canadian but using it right now, it's great.
Thank you; if you select hotkey Windows+P (Windows 10) does it show Extend mode?
Amazon.com shows a few bad reviews for this:
>"Overall the device is a little flaky. Often when I plug in I get no video. I have to unplug power, unplug from the laptop, and plug it all back together again. Sometimes this does not work and I have to reboot to get everything working."
One of the Amazon customer review videos shows a failure to light up a monitor via HDMI. So possibly the hub you got has bad hardware.
Doesn't strike me as an issue with resolution and refresh rate with the HP monitors--dual FHD is well within the halved DisplayPort 1.2 data rate of 8.64 Gbit/s. It should work. It should definitely work if power adapter connected. I scanned the T480 user guide for BIOS settings that might affect it, but nothing jumped out at me. DP Alt Mode seems supported on both USB-C ports on the left side--you might try the other USB-C port (the charging one) and see if it makes a difference (ports #1 and #2). They should both support USB-C DP Alt Mode though, I think.
Sorry, sounds like a hardware issue with the hub (?) 😛
I'd suggest this list by Dan Charlton as a starting point for possible replacements:
E.g.:
USD$80 - Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB C Adapter, with Dual 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, 1 Gbps Ethernet, 2 USB 3.0 Data Ports, SD and microSD Card Reader
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4/
On eBay open box for USD$48 and free shipping (accessed 09/06/2021):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274927334409?hash=item4002f23409:g:zl0AAOSwrUhhLWyj
Cable Matters also good.
>ah okok thanks alot for clarifying! I really appreciate it. Im currently deciding between the anker you suggested (
>
>https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4)/ which I got from dan chars blog (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086DXLF37) and a dell WD19TB as I can get one for rather cheap but still more expensive than the anker. Im running a thinkpad x1 carbon 9 as well as a microsoft surface laptop 4, looking at "future proofing" with the ability to run 2 4k60hz displays. One of the main concerns Ive heard of hubs is that they have reliability issues, overheating issues, and I would like to ask for your opinion! Because I would rather spend more to protect my laptops and peripherals since I dont need the added portability anyway.
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 cannot support dual 4K 60Hz, it's on the front product page on Amazon (and consistent with capabilities of 2x HBR3 + USB3 docks with no DSC):
> Stream or mirror content to a single device in stunning 4K@60Hz, or hook up two displays to both HDMI ports in 4K@30Hz
X1C9 can do dual 4K 60Hz with most TB3/TB4 docks (including WD19TB, but why specifically that model?) and USB-C DP1.4+DSC docks as well (even officially listed in Lenovo 40AY0090US - https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/pd029622#ThinkPad%20Universal%20USB-C%20Dock).
I don't know Surface devices at all, but according to https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2019/02/23/microsoft-surface-usb-c-port-capabilities/ Surface Laptop 4 has no Thunderbolt but supports USB-C DP1.4+DSC (cc: u/SurfaceDockGuy). Usual TB3 docks alone won't support dual 4K 60Hz on it, including WD19TB.
So if you really want dual 4K 60Hz + USB3 on both laptops - docks with USB-C DP1.4+DSC like HP USB-C Dock G5 or if you want to risk trying a very new device (but listed "officially" to support Lenovo X1C9) - Lenovo 40AY0090US (older 40AS had issues with at least some units), or portable https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086DXLF37. If you don't need USB3 and USB2 is enough there might be options available eventually https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-201355-BLK-Computer-Docking/dp/B085VLPYDR (currently not available).
> One of the main concerns Ive heard of hubs is that they have reliability issues, overheating issues
These devices are complicated enough that you may want a return option and warranty if you want to be on the safe side.
HP USB-C Dock G5 is not a bad option if captive cable doesn't deter you https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2021/07/14/hp-g5-dock-teardown/. Lenovo 40AY is very new and slightly redesigned (not enough info from users yet, but supports 100W charging if you ever need it with 135W+ Lenovo PSU bricks, 65W with supplied 90W brick), 40AS had issues in the past on some units (avoid since you don't want extra risk).
Sorry! I accidentally linked the wrong product. This is the one I'm using: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0874M3KW4/
If you need 4k60hz and Gigabit ethernet, you will have to get a DP 1.4 compatible hub that greatly reduces the amount of options available and limits choices to those that are fairly recent.
There is a list of some of the options here : https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2021/01/03/4k60-monitor-plus-usb-devices-from-single-usb-c-laptop-port/
Such as https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 for about $70.
>With lower resolution, or if both devices support DP compression, you might get USB 3 speeds.
One note - you might be missing a common "middle ground" - docks with HBR3 supported but no DSC (DP1.3-1.4). There are many cheaper docks available now that will use HBR3 on USB-C with DP1.4 laptops but unable to support DSC - those still can do single 4K 60Hz + USB3 on supported laptops. For example, https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 and https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B087QZVQJX.
An inexpensive option if you're good with 4K 30Hz on the monitors is this Anker USB-C hub -
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4
I have a couple of different Anker hubs and they're great.
> My monitors are $99 Acers withHDMI & VGA ports.
Assuming 1920x1080 60Hz each?
You could plug one into the laptop's HDMI and can do dual HDMI + USB3 with cheaper docks like https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4. You have to carefully choose a USB-C port for the dock when the laptop's HDMI port is used - one of two will lose video signal (most likely the top one USB-C with the power plug symbol, and TB3 will continue functioning, but try both if having issues).
The other option - MST hubs like https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Display-DisplayPort-Charging/dp/B07XYCHGQM, it also provides power pass-through for USB-C charger (also need to convert DP->HDMI for some outputs or look for options with triple HDMI output). There are definitely cheaper MST hubs with three outputs than the Startech you found - it should be doable for under 100$.
To run all 3 natively at 60Hz via a single connection with USB3, you will need Thunderbolt docks - e.g., look at the official recommendation Lenovo 40AN0135US (the last two letters will change depending on your region), it should support triple 1920x1080 60Hz on your machine when internal laptop's panel is disabled and running via full-sized DP and HDMI ports (https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/pd029622-display-and-video-output-configurations-docking-stations, look for 40AN, but Lenovo makes several configs, so it appears multiple times under slightly different names + you need to look at Intel DP1.2 tables with remarks on some configs working only on X1 - https://ibb.co/GVzV8Vt; T480s will not be able to receive video signal on the dock's downstream TB3 port when full-sized dock's DP or HDMI ports are used, unlike X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga).
DP can be converted to HDMI with https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-DisplayPort-Supports-displays-3840x2160/dp/B00S0C7QO8 (look for active adapters, not sure passive ones will work with 40AN or MST hub DP outputs).
PS: see https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/wiki/revisions/newdocks for more options like 40AJ.
>I'm planning to use 2 external 27" monitors with my laptop.
Physical size doesn't matter for this, but resolution and refresh rate do (since they affect bandwidth requirements). Dock choice depends on monitor resolution and refresh rate + what peripheral you need (is USB2 enough or USB3 needed?) - might be possible to find a safer choice.
Dual 4K won't work with cheaper docks like above on any OS (no DSC support https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2019/10/10/dual-4k-60hz-monitors-via-usb-c-with-displayport-1-4/), dual 1920x1080 60Hz + USB3 should work (even half of the DP1.2 bandwidth is enough, any USB-C with DP1.2 dock with dual video outputs should support dual FHD 60Hz), dual 2560x1440 60Hz + USB3 should work fine at least on Windows with https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 (supports DP1.3-1.4 HBR3, but not clear if Linux compatibility issues with more "advanced" DP1.4+DSC docks are related to docks actually: might be a limitation of iGPU "driver" and may affect this case too if it fails to work in HBR3). Some additional background: https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/wiki/newdocks, https://www.bigmessowires.com/2019/05/19/explaining-4k-60hz-video-through-usb-c-hub/. Dual WQHD 60Hz + USB*2* can work with DP1.2/HBR2 only with https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-201355-BLK-Computer-Docking/dp/B085VLPYDR.
Eventually, when DP1.4+DSC on Linux with Ryzen 4000 works out, options from https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2019/10/10/dual-4k-60hz-monitors-via-usb-c-with-displayport-1-4/ should become viable. There are cheaper options with DSC now: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-201331-BLK-Computer-Docking/dp/B086DXLF37.
Deal link: Amazon
ASUS Zephyrus G14 had at least one of the ports driven by NVIDIA GPU (USB-C with DP1.4), some reported issues with charging from USB-C + standard charger though https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/inrdx3/usbc_power_delivery_power_adapter_issue/. Considering that gaming laptops tend to draw more power under load, you could go with a USB-C dock that works from laptop power and has an optional PD pass-through (so you can disconnect it when running from an Asus charger) - e.g., https://www.hypershop.com/collections/usb-c-hubs-and-adapters/products/hyperdrive-gen2-12-in-1-usb-c-hub 150$ if you need more ports (includes UHS-II card reader, audio, Ethernet), or simpler for 100$ http://shop.caldigit.com/us/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=201, or even cheaper 50$ https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4.
Asus TUF A15 https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-TUF-A15-with-AMD-Renoir-and-Nvidia-Graphics-in-Review.469570.0.html - review states it does have USB-C with DP1.4 too.
I don't know VAVA docks well, but it does look like a half-bandwidth DP1.4 + USB3 dock (e.g., mentioned MBP 2019 needed for 4K 60Hz). It most likely won't work without its charger, so careful with the AC charger on G14 when docked. (because dock will attempt to charge the laptop via USB-C)
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 and https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B087QZVQJX match for DP1.4 machines too (single 4K 60Hz or dual 4K 30Hz, 85W charge)
2560x1440 60Hz + 1920x1080 60Hz should work with https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 (half of DP1.4 bandwidth is enough).
Lenovo 40AS supports DSC (compression) and can do a bit more with 50% of DP1.4 bandwidth, and I agree it's the best match from Lenovo for T14s AMD.
Lenovo 40AJ should work too (or 40AH) if you like mechanical docks.
50$ Anker would handle dual 1080p 60Hz via HDMI-to-HDMI cables on T480 and can charge if you connect a USB-C charger to it. (need to replace cables with HDMI-to-HDMI, USB-C ports with video output are not available on this dock)
Finding a dock capable of providing dual USB-C with DP outputs or using both USB-C/TB3 ports directly on the laptop will make things more complicated when you want to add more USB ports with fewer cables. Only expensive docks have USB-C outputs with native video support - e.g., Dell WD19TB would work using TB3 downstream port for one monitor + USB-C display port output for the second one. Lenovo 40AN has only one TB3 downstream port, and the 2nd monitor would have to go via a different cable (HDMI or DP).
It's cheaper to get an Anker dock and two HDMI cables, or if you want to invest more - Lenovo 40AN0135** is better suited for T480 (up to dual 1440p 60Hz + USB3 + charge via a single cable and has one TB3 downstream port usable for USB-C-only and TB3 monitors).
Buying something like Dell WD19TB not to switch cables you already have seems suboptimal.
More background info on USB-C-only docks (explains limitations of cheaper USB-C-only docks) and Thinkpad wiki.
Since this laptop doesn't charge via USB-C, a slim tip should be connected to charge one way or another.
I would connect the AC adapter directly to the laptop and use some cheaper dock - e.g., https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 will support dual HDMI 1080p 60Hz on your laptop, and it doesn't require a charger connected (can be powered from the laptop).
You could buy a TB3 dock, but it is not needed for dual 1080p 60Hz. Cheaper to stay with USB-C-only docks.
Lenovo 40ANY230US dock exists but wasn't designed for your laptop - it connects to the laptop with one split cable with a slim tip and TB3 connectors (this dock was designed for more power-hungry Thinkpad workstations that need more than 100w charge). While your laptop has compatible ports, they are placed on the opposite sides of the laptop, and it won't be possible to connect via the cable provided with 40ANY230US.
So that dock should work to get up to dual 1440p 60Hz + USB3 -https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4. I would leave Anker without connected USB-C PD input (charger) and run 200W PSU directly as 2nd cable.
There are fancier options like HP USB-C Dock G5 with more ports (up to triple display http://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=c04168358, see p3-p5), but it's significantly more expensive.
The laptop needs 200W "blue tip" adapter and most likely doesn't charge from USB-C at all, even at a lower speed. Sadly, HP doesn't make USB-C-only docks with dual cable USB-C + "blue tip." (I don't want to recommend HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 230W: while it works with USB-C-only hosts in more limited mode + has "blue tip" cable, seems like a horrendous overkill at best).
USB-C DP could be wired to AMD GPU (NVIDIA Optimus is needed for NVIDIA GPU) or directly to NVIDIA GPU. I found a post on AMD CPU + NVIDIA GPU on Linux, but don't have a first-hand experience with this - https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxhardware/comments/jj4pm3/amdnvidia_switchable_graphics_in_linux/gaaylmk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 (probably makes sense to follow up with specialized subs if setup will work on Windows, but you will have difficulties getting NVIDIA GPU + external displays to work on Linux).
If the laptop support DisplayPort1.4 over USB-C - something like https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 would work up to dual 1440p 60Hz or dual 4K 30Hz. The exact model of your HP Omen 15 with AMD CPU would help, if it's https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/omen-laptop-15-en0029nr - it should work since specs show 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C® 5Gbps signaling rate (DisplayPort™ 1.4, HP Sleep and Charge) (find the exact model on the HP web store and switch to Specs tab).
Some laptops support DP1.2 only over USB-C, and some don't support native video over USB-C at all. Therefore the exact model helps to verify if the DP signal is available and the version of DP.
Do you have to use VGA for one monitor? Analog video signal is not optimal and may cause visible artifacts (blurred image, noise). If your 2nd monitor has DP or HDMI - it can be avoided with a different dock. You can also find a USB-C or TB3 dock with 2 HDMI or DP outputs if both monitors can fit into the DisplayPort 1.2 limit - wiki on Thinkpad docks and article on USB-C-docks provide more details, but in short - dual 1080p 60Hz HDMI + USB3 can be done with 50$ USB-C Anker dock (at least somewhat recognizable brand name).
But as other posters mentioned, 2 USB-C ports at the same time will work for video. Each provides up to full DP1.2 bandwidth. One of the USB-C ports + the laptop's HDMI port will work too (try both USB-C ports, though, on some laptop's HDMI and one of the USB-C ports share video signal lines).
Original suggestions (quoted below) with USB-C docks still work, though. It doesn't count as 2 external monitors in the same sense because the laptop uses only one USB-C with DP1.2 to drive both 1080p 60Hz (via DisplayPort MST hub in the dock). The limit on the maximum number of screens counts those external monitors as 2 though (even via MST), so you end up with 1 internal "screen" and 2 external ones - still OK for Intel GPU.
>https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4
>
> for 1080p 60Hz via HDMI + USB3 (I don't remember good cheap options for dual DP + USB3)
>https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Multiport-DisplayPort-Ethernet/dp/B0746NKVBN
>
> for up to dual 1440p 60Hz DisplayPort + USB2
I would still try https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 for 1080p 60Hz + USB3 (or https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Multiport-DisplayPort-Ethernet/dp/B0746NKVBN for dual 1440p 60Hz + USB2). Cheaper ones (at least with 2 USB ports + dual video outputs) are usually from even less known brands. Should work for Windows/Linux with T15 Gen1.
PS: T15 Gen1 has one USB-C with DP and PD, and one TB3 - see here, like most Intel T-series Thinkpads for now.
dual 1080p 60Hz via HDMI or one 1440p 60Hz on DP1.2 systems + USB3 - ~50$ USB-C dock https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 (this is not Thunderbolt 3, uses DisplayPort MST for multiple monitors, not compatible with macOS as the result)
If you are fine with up to dual 1440p 60Hz for DisplayPort 1.3+ machines (if your XPS 13 laptop has Ice Lake CPU - it should be good enough) and up to dual 1080p 60Hz for DisplayPort 1.2 over USB-C (pretty much anything that can support video over USB-C/TB3) - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 should be enough (40-50$ in US).
I don't have much experience running dual monitor setups with DisplayPort MST in Linux (some people do seem to have more issues, but it usually involves more than Intel GPU - more like when it's an NVIDIA dGPU + Intel iGPU). In the worst case - you can return if you cannot figure it out with two monitors. Just test with your distro while you are still in the return window.
TB3 docks can do more (up to dual DisplayPort 1.2 bandwidth + USB3 on many TB3 machines), but they are significantly more expensive than USB-C docks.
Dell P2720DC does have HDMI input (HDMI 1.4, but it is enough for 1440p 60Hz), and dual HDMI Anker dock https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 technically works with two HDMI cables. Still, the monitor has USB-C dock integrated and the ability to daisy-chain monitors via DisplayPort cable. So you may get away without buying any dock at all.
AFAIK, P2720DC works only as 2 lanes for video + USB3 https://www.dell.com/community/Monitors/U2715H-P2720DC-Lenovo-T480/td-p/7542069 (this model doesn't have "USB-C Prioritization" option like some other Dells). I would still try daisy-chaining them since your machine supports DisplayPort 1.4 and should be able to squeeze dual 1440p 60Hz + USB3 if the monitor supports HBR3. Try connecting like in solution https://www.dell.com/community/Monitors/P2720DC-USB-Type-C-Daisy-Chain-resolution-2/td-p/7517624 (I don't think Dell specialist is right about it working for T490s, but it might for X13 AMD). If daisy-chaining fails - connect 2nd monitor to X13 AMD HDMI port directly, the first monitor still should be able to provide charge and has 2 USB ports for mouse/keyboard dongles OR buy https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 and connect both monitors via HDMI (USB on monitors won't work in that config) OR connect both monitors via USB-C in separate ports (hopefully, X13 AMD will figure out from which to charge).
I also believe that you can buy one P2720DC (with USB-C input) and one P2720D (with DP and HDMI inputs only) for daisy-chaining. But if you want to connect monitors to separate laptops or two USB-C ports on one laptop - two P2720DC works as well.
Unfortunately, yes... It can get complicated and that's exactly why I ask for so many details. If you have only two 2560x1440 60Hz monitors via HDMI2.0 - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 should work on X13 AMD.
Do those monitors have an HDMI input as well? From https://www.sceptre.com/Monitors/LED-Monitor/E225W-1920-22-LED-Monitor-product763category12category16.html (matched by the model number E225W-1920 from your link), it appears they should.
Based on the manual for HP Elitebook 745 G5, they claim support for DisplayPort over USB-C docks.
The newest HP USB-C Dock G5 is officially supported but feels like an overkill. To get dual HDMI 1080p 60Hz + USB3 - 50$ Anker should be enough (shows 20% off for me; closer to 30$ will likely involve even "less known" brands.)
This one works great... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0874M3KW4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I also tried this one but it didn't work for hooking up a webcam https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L4PSD71?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Exact monitor resolution and refresh rate matters, you might be able to get by with a simpler USB-C dock (e.g. for dual 1080p 60Hz + USB3 - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4)
TB3 docks should work too, Lenovo makes a bunch too (e.g. https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/pd500373-lenovo-thunderbolt-3-essential-dock-overview-and-sevice-parts, also several Thinkpad branded ones like 40AN and older 40AC). But you started a discussion on TB3 in the other thread here anyway.
Bandwidth estimates: UQWHD (3440x1440) 60Hz, 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz, 1080p (1920x1080) 60Hz.
UQWHD (3440x1440) 60Hz + 1080p (1920x1080) 60Hz should work fine with 50$ Anker dock on T14 AMD because it fits into 50% DisplayPort 1.4 bandwidth. Brand docks like Lenovo 40AS and Dell WD19 (no need for WD19TB though) would work too, but more expensive.
4K (3840x2160) 60Hz + 1080p (1920x1080) 60Hz needs more than 50% DisplayPort 1.4 bandwidth, so combined with USB3 requirement you would have to connect one of the monitors via 2nd USB-C port via 20$ USB-C->DisplayPort 1.4 dongle or similar cable + single HDMI or DP output dock with 2 lanes for video (50$ single HDMI out Anker). Alternatively you can use Lenovo 40AJ dock that provides at least 1.5x DisplayPort bandwidth + USB3 by connecting to both USB-C ports on T14 (still officially supported for T14 AMD, check Compatibility)
Triple 1080p 60Hz would work with the already mentioned Lenovo 40AS, 40AJ, and Dell WD19 (dual DP + single HDMI). MST hubs with triple outputs exist, but considering they cost ~100$ - probably easier to stick with more expensive docks right away (but technically, you can combine USB-C dock with DP output like this and MST hub with triple DP outputs). You could still add an extra 3rd monitor later via 20$ USB-C->DisplayPort 1.4 dongle in 2nd USB-C port.
What monitors do you have (resolution, refresh rate), and do you need USB3 (or USB2 enough)?
Your laptop supports DisplayPort 1.4, considerations on display bandwidth vs USB version explained here. For example, 40AS can work in triple 1080p 60Hz configuration based on Lenovo support doc (dual DP + one HDMI) + USB3. There might be cheaper options with dual outputs like dual HDMI + USB3 from Anker. In some cases, DisplayPort MST splitters can help add more outputs (DP can be converted to HDMI, and some splitters already come with HDMI outs). You also have two USB-C ports, so combining 2 docks or dock + dongle is possible. There are also DisplayLink "USB video card" solutions with some limitations. But it would be easier to figure out specifics based on what exact monitors and peripherals you want to connect.
40AS is the optimal Lenovo branded dock for Ryzen 4000 Thinkpads for now, but many other USB-C docks would work just fine. Check out wiki and article. Anker is pretty close in functionality (single 4K 60Hz + USB3 or dual 4K 30Hz + USB3 for 50$, see 40AS first table shows not much more than that).
If you don't have a fancy display or USB2 is enough for peripherals - USB-C docks with DisplayPort 1.2 may work fine too. So it really depends on what you want to connect to the dock. Single 4K 60Hz + USB3 needs USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 like on Ryzen 4000 Thinkpads and dock should support it, but if requirements for the amount of bandwidth are not as high - plenty of older USB-C dock options.
Machines with two USB-C with DisplayPort (can be checked in Platform Specifications like for L14 AMD - two USB-C ports with DisplayPort) may add more than one USB-C -> DP dongle (dual 40AS doesn't seem to make much sense over 20$ USB-C -> DP dongle though?)
From the quick start quide, your dock supports only one monitor at a time:
> Only one external display can be connected to the VGA or HDMI...
~~If you absolutely need both monitors from one USB-C cable - another dock will be needed. Example from Anker (USB3 + up to dual 1080p 60Hz-75Hz should work). If you plan to upgrade to dual 1440p 60Hz - better to get USB2 + more bandwidth for video signal like this from Cable Matters.~~
Update below - laptop doesn't have DisplayPort over USB-C support.
This; Anker USB C Hub. I connect my monitors to the hub with HDMI.
there is one Anker dock https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0874M3KW4 that looks promising - while it's dual HDMI and supports at best single 4K 60Hz, reading through supported machines (mostly new MacBooks and Dell XPS) + clearly stating it's not going to support two monitors on MacBook due to MST - it might be half-bandwidth DP1.4 + USB3.0 actually, which is still useful for a lot of people and much cheaper than 40AS
update: https://www.anker.com/products/variant/powerexpand-8in1-usbc-pd-10gbps-data-hub/A83830A1 states: > For 4K@60Hz or dual 4K@30Hz resolution, please confirm your device supports DP1.4
so it's DP1.4 capable, but only 2 HBR3 lanes (half DP1.4 bandwidth) + USB3.0
You said you got one of the monitor to work by connecting to the display port on the hub, correct? it's not working for me...i connect the monitor to the hub, and the hub to the usb-c on the laptop..but its not detecting the monitor. it's telling me the device is not recognized. if I connect the monitor directly to the laptop's usb-c port, it works fine.
it appears to support DisplayPort 1.2 and Power Delivery charge over USB-C, right? if so and you don't plan to upgrade monitors - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 should work (only 2 lanes to video, won't support dual WQHD 60Hz - but has USB3). More details here.
slightly worried this laptop may not charge via USB-C at all, considering it has special power adapter. have limited experience with modern Dells
So both monitors are 1080p DVI-D capable without HDMI and DisplayPort, right?
yeah, I think the biggest pain is that you will have to get one more dongle for DVI-D, but otherwise USB-C docks are likely more price conscious solutions here. So if both of your monitors have DVI-D (and no DisplayPort or HDMI) I would go with it instead of VGA (because VGA is analog and has inherent image quality loss). Something like USB-C dock that definitely doesn't use DisplayLink and has 2 HDMI outs (that you can convert with dongles to DVI-D as you already do with one monitor, correct?) and some USB to have option to connect keyboard/mouse just in case.
If your monitors are going to stay at 1080p (1920x1080) resolution and you don't plan to upgrade - you can get 2 lanes to video and 2 lanes to USB3 dock like https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 (IMO it's well spent 40$-60$ because it can charge your laptop and even provides Gigabit Ethernet to hookup permanently vs plugging another cable to laptop, card reader). So the twist with this specific dock - on T480 (since it supports only DisplayPort1.2 over USB-C) it will only give you up to dual 1080p via HDMI + USB3 (not just USB2). AFAIK this dock supports DP1.4 and will become slightly more useful if/when you upgrade laptop+monitors later
If you plan to upgrade to dual 1440p (2560x1440) on the same T480 laptop - I would go with 4 lanes to video + USB2 dock, something like https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Multiport-Adapter-Ethernet/dp/B0746P6LPP (downside here - slower USB2 and Ethernet due to more bandwidth allocated to video)
PS: these options will allow to work as mirror or extend desktop too.
I got this version https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0874M3KW4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cgTDFbJ46T4P9 it is very good
The macbook air uses the 61w charger and that particular hub only passes through 48w. I purchased this hub and it passes though 81w. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0874M3KW4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gr9xFb6ZC95NM
the cheapest USB3 + half-bandwidth DP1.4 appears to be https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B0874M3KW4 , should be good for single 4K60Hz if your monitor has HDMI and monitor+cable supports 4K60Hz over HDMI. (didn't test it personally yet)
Lenovo 40AS can do ^ or dual 4K60Hz but not clear how much bandwidth for USB would be left in dual 4K60Hz mode. that HP G5 hybrid dock (TB3/USB-C DP1.4) from https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2019/10/10/dual-4k-60hz-monitors-via-usb-c-with-displayport-1-4/ looks promising on paper too.
cheap DP1.2 + USB2 for single 4K60Hz could be https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y5N3YCD (if you don't care about USB3), but NOT its USB3 half-bandwidth DP1.2 sibling that can do 4K30Hz only ~~B01M0K0DL2~~
there are docks that can do dual FHD 60Hz via HDMI for sure (don't have anything that can do 1080p 75Hz to test though, my gaming monitor insists on doing either 60Hz or 120Hz+) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0874M3KW4 for 60$ should be able to handle dual FHD via HDMIs and provides USB3.0 + Ethernet
other 2 lane for video options may work well too from the article (even if they do DP1.2 only, your laptop doesn't support more) https://www.bigmessowires.com/2019/05/19/explaining-4k-60hz-video-through-usb-c-hub/ , but Anker has benefit of providing DP1.4 over USB-C - if you ever get another machine that supports it, even single 4K 60Hz with USB3.0 will work (for your machine right now only 4K 30Hz will be possible with USB-C docks that have USB3.0). there are some 40-60$ CableMatters docks that can do dual HDMI + USB2.0 + Ethernet - https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Multiport-Adapter-Ethernet/dp/B0746P6LPP (so this one is 4 lanes for video - will support higher resolutions/refresh rates in some situations, but compromises on USB2.0 and Ethernet speed as the result)
there are TB3 options - but they tend to be more expensive. specific for Lenovo - e.g. 40AN (comes in several variants, 135w should work for you fine). plenty of others, but TB3 tend to be ~200$+ new.
there is also 40AJ - dual USB-C proprietary dock from Lenovo that should work with your machine - ~200$, but fixes laptop in a nice position and can squeeze 1.5 x DisplayPort 1.2 + USB3.0 for your laptop (one 4K 60Hz + 4k 30Hz can work)
I was going to post but decided to search for another thread to post in first. I have a 9570 (2018 XPS 15) and I am looking for a dock as well. I need the dock to connect to two monitors (1080p 75Hz) and external peripherals. At first I purchased a smaller Anker hub, but my laptop freezes up several times a day and I have poor performance.
Is there a significant difference when using a Dell dock compared to using another dock (like this one)? I am considering picking up a used WD19 or WD19TB on eBay but they are very expensive. I would be willing to make the investment if they are truly that much better.
Check out Anker, they have some good products available.
​
CalDigit also has a few good ones.
​
KEY INFO:
If your external monitor is 4k60, you NEED to use DisplayPort. HDMI won't cut it. So get a USB-C to DP adapter or USB-C to DP cable, or even a docking station with that as an option. CalDigit TS3 Plus has everything.
Make sure that the power delivery rating on the docking station is at least 100W. Even though the TS3+ is rated at 87, it's enough for my work 16" MBP.
Anker has a great usb c hub with two HDMI ports. It's also relatively cheap, honestly it's what I am using right now to drive two displays from my SB2.
Hopefully this helps
No, 2K as in 2560x1440. QHD. I want to understand the difference or limitations of a USB-C dock and a TB3 Dock, just to be able to navigate among all those on Amazon understanding what they allow me to and what not. For example, things like if a dock is not TB3, even if they sell it with 2 display outputs, it won't allow dual display (at 4K at least) or won't work both together. There are a lot like that, and it's hard a hell to find those limitations deep in their shitty product pages.
AFAIK TB3 allows max for 2 4K@60Hz at the same time. Does that mean no other port will be functioning on the Dock if I'm using those displays? What is the capability of a plain USB-C Dock?
Actually if I could find that WD19 for a good price I'd prefer it for future proofing.
Edit: I think I'm gonna go for either this or this. Both should allow for both 2K screens simultaneously at 60Hz, plus LAN is good to have, plus couple extra USB ports for mouse/keyboard. I can even charge through even if slower (shouldn't need it).
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