LENTION CB-C36 Mixed-Speed USB-C Hub review

Four USB-A connections with a deliberate speed split

The CB-C36 is useful when a supported USB-C laptop needs several familiar peripherals, one HDMI screen and both card formats available together. Its own model description provides four USB-A sockets, but they are not identical: three follow USB 3.0 and the fourth follows USB 2.0.

That mix can fit a workstation with several faster data peripherals and an ordinary input device. It should be compared separately from the similarly named CB-C36B. A related model name does not establish the same socket count, power figure or complete port arrangement.

Assign the devices to the appropriate sockets

The three USB 3.0 connections have advertised capability up to 5 Gbps. The fourth Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connection has a 480 Mbps interface ceiling. Use the actual peripheral requirements to decide which device belongs on the slower connection.

For example, a low-bandwidth input peripheral can leave the faster sockets available for devices that need them. A requirement for four USB-A connections is different from a requirement for four connections each supporting 5 Gbps. The latter is not satisfied by this exact mixed-speed map.

All data activity still shares the host route

The interface ratings are not measured file-copying results. Four occupied sockets do not create four independent full-speed links to the laptop, and card activity uses the same upstream connection. Consider the workload rather than relying only on the number printed in a product title.

Several active storage devices also create different power demands from a keyboard or mouse. Check each device’s operating requirements and keep the manufacturer’s explicit Apple SuperDrive exclusion with the recommendation.

Choose the HDMI mode you actually need

The exact CB-C36 source lists 3840 by 2160 at 30 Hz and separately lists 2560 by 1600 and lower resolutions at 60 Hz. These are distinct supported timing levels. A 4K 60 Hz requirement should lead to another documented arrangement rather than being silently reduced to 30 Hz.

The computer must provide the appropriate USB-C video capability, and the screen and cable must support the intended mode. There is one HDMI output. The USB-A and charging connections do not add another independent monitor route.

Both card readers can operate together

LENTION explicitly supports reading and writing SD and microSD cards at the same time. That is useful when both formats need to remain available during an import or file workflow. The own model description gives a UHS-I reader ceiling up to 95 MB/s.

That advertised card specification is not a guarantee for every card or collection of files. It also should not be treated as a separate, unlimited data channel unaffected by other devices using the hub.

Charging has a stated role and a separate source

The model-specific text says the charging connection can pass up to 60 W to a USB Power Delivery laptop while also supplying connected accessories. This is the maker’s stated maximum for the described arrangement, rather than a measured fixed output for every computer.

The inspected source does not establish an included wall charger. Use an appropriate external source and cable for the laptop’s actual needs. The USB-C charging connection is not documented as an additional downstream USB-C data socket.

Keep the actual model and package in view

The source names specific MacBook, Surface and Chromebook examples with full-function USB-C. It also notes a Singapore-only rose-gold option; a US package should be checked on its own terms. A color listing does not supply an extra capability or a different charging kit.

Shortlist the CB-C36 for three faster USB-A devices, a fourth ordinary peripheral, concurrent SD/microSD and one HDMI screen within the stated timing. Choose another model for four fast data sockets, downstream USB-C data, Ethernet or multiple independent displays. Those differences make the comparison useful.

LENTION’s exact CB-C36 description and matching model column establish this mixed-speed configuration.