performance USB-C ports

[phl92]

This might be an easy question but I don't understand the technical things behind it:
Will the 2x thunderbolts USB-C ports in the new M1 laptops reduce performance when used by a big USB-C dock with many adapters used like HDMI, 2-3x USB-A, power supply, maybe sd-card readers..)

I bought 3 weeks ago for my MBP 13" 2020 with 4 Thunderbolt USB-C ports 2x adapters for USB-C to USB-A (just two small hubs) and also a 4k60fps HDMI to USB-C adapter. Since I connect to my Laptop my external Screen from time to time, and I need sometimes an external webcam, some older USB sticks I was sure I dont need more adapters, because 4 seems more then enough.

Things changed last week, I returned the MBP (yes Apple took it back after almost 1 month, in store!!) and I am going for the new M1 MBP.
Unfortunately 2 thunderbolt ports is too little. One I will use for power supply when working on my external, the other would be used for my HDMI adapter and then I run out of all my other needs.
So I decided to send back also my bought adapters... and get a USB-C dock with all ports I need included.

Will using a Dock reduce performance? For example I use one Thunderbolt port on my M1 machine for the dock, and insert there all my cables (HDMI, 2-USB sticks and storages, webcam...) will this run smoothly? The premium price for HDMI 60fps in docks is quite a lot and not often (my HDMI to USB-C was only 18$) ... Will the 60 fps still be provided?

 

[cupcakes2000]

Your best solution would be to find an equivalent dock which connects via thunderbolt 3 rather than usb 3. This has 4 times the bandwidth, and often includes pass through ports so you can charge using it, keeping the other port spare also.

 

[phl92]

Your best solution would be to find an equivalent dock which connects via thunderbolt 3 rather than usb 3. This has 4 times the bandwidth, and often includes pass through ports so you can charge using it, keeping the other port spare also.

I thought the new machines have already USB 4? But might be hard/expensive to find suitable docks for it now..

Ok just checked in Amazon for thunderbolt 3 docking stations... well as expected... 200€ + .. out of my budget

btw: I never had the direct comparison: do you notice the difference with HDMI 30 fps vs 60 fps? I use a DELL (Dell U2415 61,2 cm)

 

[phl92]

Not to open a new thread, but is there a value paying more for docking stations? On Amazons you get cheap ones for like under 30$, mid range 50-90$ and then very expensive and probably faster bandwith (200$+)

I guess the cheap vs mid range is mostly HDMI 30 vs 60fps... I never compared them, do I feel the difference? I do video editing though.

 

[torncanvas]

The value is in the bandwidth. Unfortunately up until now, the highest bandwidth is with Thunderbolt 3 at 40Gbps, which has required certification from Intel. The controller and the time required to reach certification ends up making every TB3 dock very expensive.

With USB4, both should get cheaper, which will pass on the savings.