Cable Matters 201310 USB-C HDMI and Gigabit hub review

Check the Mac arrangement before choosing the video headline

The Cable Matters 201310 combines one HDMI output, two USB-A data ports, Gigabit Ethernet and a USB-C socket that can receive a charger or accept a data accessory. It is useful for a laptop desk that needs one screen and wired networking, but its Mac behavior deserves attention before you choose by the 8K headline.

The manufacturer lists macOS operation at up to 4K60 by default. Higher-refresh Mac use is a separate firmware arrangement, with a specific setup process and Windows compatibility tradeoff. These are different operating configurations of the same adapter, rather than features to combine indiscriminately into one universal promise.

One HDMI screen, with host-dependent modes

The product page advertises 8K at 30Hz or 4K at 120Hz using suitable host graphics, an HDMI2.1 display, an appropriate cable and matching settings. Its FAQ also contains 4K144 wording, while the main specification uses 4K120. We retain the clearer 4K120 product ceiling rather than turning conflicting marketing text into a higher guaranteed mode.

The computer must provide video through USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt or USB 4. A port that supports only ordinary data or charging cannot provide HDMI video through this hub. The existence of a USB-C connector is therefore not enough to confirm a screen arrangement.

There is one HDMI socket and no second independent display output. The maker also says the adapter does not support VRR, FreeSync or G-Sync. A high refresh-rate claim should not be treated as proof of those separate variable-refresh features.

The optional Mac firmware changes the setup

Cable Matters' actual firmware article includes 201310 among the products that can receive a Mac-specific update. It names M1, M1 Pro/Max, M2, M2 Pro/Max and M3 support for 4K120, with additional newer named chips in its broader firmware discussion. The 201310's own hardware limit still applies; a multi-product 4K240 heading does not make this particular hub a confirmed 4K240 device.

Flashing requires a suitable Windows computer with USB-C video output, the manufacturer update utility, and a connected working monitor. This is a preparation step to plan before purchase if you only own a Mac. It is unnecessary simply to use the documented default 4K60 Mac arrangement.

The same article warns that Mac firmware can cause unforeseen compatibility issues and may limit some Windows computers to 1080p. It recommends reverting to regular firmware if problems occur. If you regularly switch the adapter between Mac and Windows, decide whether that compromise is acceptable instead of assuming a custom flash improves every configuration.

USB-C data and charging share one socket

The two USB-A data ports are specified at 5 Gbps. The extra USB-C socket also supports 5 Gbps data, but it is the same physical socket used for PD input. A charger and a USB-C drive cannot occupy that socket simultaneously.

With the charger connected, the two USB-A ports remain available for data, while the USB-C socket is occupied. With a USB-C data accessory connected there, the hub is not simultaneously receiving laptop-charging power through that socket. A requirement for both functions together needs separate downstream data and charging connections.

The 100 W pass-through headline is not an included power source or a verified numerical net laptop budget. The manufacturer says actual charging depends on the source, computer and hub power needs. Use a suitable external charger and cable rather than assuming the headline alone meets a demanding laptop's power requirement.

Useful networking without unnecessary extras

Gigabit Ethernet is specified at 1 Gbps. It shares the computer connection with the USB data functions, and actual network performance still depends on the rest of the network. There are no card readers in this layout.

Choose the 201310 for one supported HDMI screen, two traditional USB accessories and wired Gigabit networking. Keep its default and custom Mac configurations separate, and decide which job the shared USB-C socket will perform. Those choices make it a much clearer purchase than a general promise of 8K video and 100 W charging.