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Your computer, your connections

Find your hub or dock.

Start with the computer connection, screen use and charging routine. Add port counts and technical details only when they are essential to your setup.

1Your computer and everyday setup
2Optional connection details

Your computer and everyday setup

Choose the computer connection, screen use and charging routine.

Which computer connection will you use?

USB-C shape alone does not confirm video or charging. You can add the port’s supported protocol below.

I am flexibleA rectangular USB-A portA USB-C-shaped portAn internal desktop USB headerA dedicated Surface Pro 4, 5 or 6 USB-A + Mini DisplayPort pair

Which computer are you connecting?

Choose the exact chip when you know it. A supported M1 setup does not automatically confirm M2, and different Pro, Max and Ultra chips can have different display limits. Results state the supported operating-system versions.

How many different external screens do you need?

Independent screens show different desktops. Two sockets that mirror the same external image do not count as two.

I am flexibleOne external screenTwo independent external screensThree independent external screens

Must the laptop charge through this connection?

Checks supported power delivered to the computer. A hub’s power input or phone-charging ports do not establish laptop charging.

No essential requirementEssential

Optional connection details

Leave these flexible unless they are essential.

Add screen, port, power and installation details (optional)

Do you know what the computer port supports?

Leave flexible if unsure. The reviewed operating arrangement states the host capability it needs.

I am flexibleUSB 2.0 dataUSB 3.x data onlyUSB-C with DisplayPort 1.2 videoUSB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 videoThunderbolt 3Thunderbolt 4USB4

What display mode must each screen support?

Applies to all requested independent screens in one supported simultaneous arrangement.

I am flexible1920 × 1080 at 60Hz2560 × 1440 at 60Hz3840 × 2160 at 30Hz3840 × 2160 at 60Hz

Must the screens all connect through the same kind of output?

Checks the actual output connector. Full-size and Mini DisplayPort use different plugs; a separately bought adapter is not counted as a supplied socket. A USB-C charging input is not a video output.

I am flexibleHDMI for each screenFull-size DisplayPort for each screenMini DisplayPort for each screenUSB-C video for each screenDigital DVI for each screen (check the exact cable)Analog VGA for each screen

Must it work without extra hub or display software?

An operating-system permission or USB graphics application can matter on a managed computer. Peripherals may still need their own software.

No essential requirementEssential

If using a MacBook, must its own screen stay open?

Closed-lid requirements are model specific. They do not turn an MST-only hub into a multi-desktop Mac dock.

I am flexibleKeep the MacBook lid openI can use a supported closed-lid arrangement

Minimum advertised USB data rate for the required ports

Checks the documented ordinary USB data mode. A Thunderbolt or USB4 link headline alone does not establish 20 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. With a port minimum, every counted port needs the selected capability; copying still shares upstream bandwidth.

I am flexible480 Mbps USB5 Gbps USB10 Gbps USB20 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2

Must it provide wired networking?

These are advertised link rates. The network, cable and computer still determine real transfer speed.

I am flexibleAt least 100Mbps EthernetAt least Gigabit EthernetAt least 2.5Gbps Ethernet

Must it include a full-size SD reader?

A microSD reader alone does not count unless the exact package includes and supports an appropriate arrangement.

No essential requirementEssential

Must it include a microSD reader?

A slot needs a documented reading role, not a similar-looking opening.

No essential requirementEssential

Must SD and microSD work at the same time?

Two physical slots can still share a one-card-at-a-time reader.

No essential requirementEssential

Must a suitable laptop-charging power supply be included?

A separately purchased charger does not count. Powering the hub itself does not automatically charge the laptop.

No essential requirementEssential

Do you need a particular installation?

Check exact clamp dimensions, internal connectors or iMac generations in the model assessment.

I am flexiblePortable external hubExternal desktop hubSupplied desk clampInternal or front-bay installationMounting for a named iMac modelWall/surface-mounting body or included bracketIncluded DIN rail mounting clip

Include documented earlier models?

An earlier model reference is not a promise of current stock.

Current manufacturer referencesAlso include documented earlier models

Minimum USB-A data ports

Excludes the computer connection and charging-only ports.

Minimum USB-C data ports

Excludes USB-C charging-only inputs and duplicate roles for the same physical port.

Minimum available laptop charging power, W

Uses the maximum stated for the computer in the reviewed arrangement, not the PD-input or wall-adapter headline.

Dock & Port

Choose the connection that fits the whole desk.

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