Super Sticky Thread for USB-C Docks, Cables and Accessories [MERGED]

[jason2811]

I am looking for one of those side USB-C hubs for my 12" MacBook, but can only seem to find ones for the MacBook Pro. I need something with USB 3.0 and the ability to charge through USB C. Similar to the attached. Thanks!

 

[tofagerl]

I just REALLY don't get why people would use those. One accident near your desk and you break either the adapter, or both the computer and the adapter. Cables work! Use them!

 

[ronincse]

Well I have a new Macbook Pro on the way and would love to use it in place of my work laptop when I can. So to facilitate that I need a usb-c or thunderbolt dock that will allow me to use two monitors, a couple usb-a ports, and if possible ethernet (although I can "suffer" with wi-fi just fine). Both monitors are just 1080p monitors so nothing crazy like dual 4k displays sadly.

This thing (StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Dock) looks perfect with one possible issue: my monitors only have DVI and VGA ports so I have been using DP to DVI cords and from the description it sounds like I would need an active adapter as opposed to a simple cable.

So assuming the above dock doesn't work does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[cool11]

I need an all-in-one solution, providing:
- usb-A ports
- ethernet port
- charge - pass through
- sd card slot

What is your opinion on this:
https://satechi.net/products/satechi-aluminum-multi-port-adapter-4k?variant=27067045065
Any existing users, experiences?
Also I want to read, really trusty alternative solutions. Future-proof, and without problems.
From really reputable manufacturers, like Kingston, Belkin, and Satechi?

I have some worries.

- This kind of dongles are not just simple dongles. They include network card. How well will this function with future versions of mac os? Any 'driver' support, how do we know that there will not be problematic?

- What about power supply, provided through such device? Is it safe for mbp battery, or it will ruin it due to improper supply? Will mbp work as it should - properly(fast, etc), in relation to power supply provided through this device?

 

[ataq]

I need an all-in-one solution, providing:
- usb-A ports
- ethernet port
- charge - pass through
- sd card slot

What is your opinion on this:
https://satechi.net/products/satechi-aluminum-multi-port-adapter-4k?variant=27067045065
Any existing users, experiences?
Also I want to read, really trusty alternative solutions. Future-proof, and without problems.
From really reputable manufacturers, like Kingston, Belkin, and Satechi?

I have some worries.

- This kind of dongles are not just simple dongles. They include network card. How well will this function with future versions of mac os? Any 'driver' support, how do we know that there will not be problematic?

- What about power supply, provided through such device? Is it safe for mbp battery, or it will ruin it due to improper supply? Will mbp work as it should - properly(fast, etc), in relation to power supply provided through this device?

I would like to know too.

 

[EugW]

I've decided for my 12" MacBook, I don't like those all-in-on adapters with HDMI and USB and other stuff. For USB-A I use a simple adapter that I carry on my keychain, and for HDMI, I bought a separate 4K 60 Hz adapter that also has a charging port. The adapter is much smaller, and doesn't get hot. I don't need the charging port to run HDMI, but it allows me to charge the MacBook at the same time.

The one I bought is from Cable Matters (via Amazon):

http://www.cablematters.com/pc-893-...sung-galaxy-s8-thunderbolt-3-compatible.aspx#

Works great with my 2017 Core m3 12" MacBook. Apparently some adapters don't like the 2017 models, but this one works perfectly.

Here is Exposé at 4K 60 Hz on the 12" MacBook:

 

[ColdCase]

I;ve been using the Caldigit TS3 dock with OK results. The Apple cable seems to make a better connection than the Caldigit cable. USB drives seem to be much happier. I was getting a long startup (battery charge on screen) until I swapped cables.

 

[ascender]

I;ve been using the Caldigit TS3 dock with OK results. The Apple cable seems to make a better connection than the Caldigit cable. USB drives seem to be much happier. I was getting a long startup (battery charge on screen) until I swapped cables.

Which Apple cable are you using, just the normal white charging one?

 

[ColdCase]

I picked up a data cable at the local Apple store. I've read that they fit the computer socket better and thought I'd give it a try. Seems to work better so far.

 

[vemac575]

I need an all-in-one solution, providing:
- usb-A ports
- ethernet port
- charge - pass through
- sd card slot

What is your opinion on this:
https://satechi.net/products/satechi-aluminum-multi-port-adapter-4k?variant=27067045065
Any existing users, experiences?
Also I want to read, really trusty alternative solutions. Future-proof, and without problems.
From really reputable manufacturers, like Kingston, Belkin, and Satechi?

I have some worries.

- This kind of dongles are not just simple dongles. They include network card. How well will this function with future versions of mac os? Any 'driver' support, how do we know that there will not be problematic?

- What about power supply, provided through such device? Is it safe for mbp battery, or it will ruin it due to improper supply? Will mbp work as it should - properly(fast, etc), in relation to power supply provided through this device?

I bought a lot of different ones from Amazon and sent them all back until I got this one. LOVE it.

 

[cool11]

I bought a lot of different ones from Amazon and sent them all back until I got this one. LOVE it.

Which one?

I am thinking of something like this:
https://satechi.net/collections/usb-type-c/products/satechi-aluminum-multi-port-adapter-4k

 

[Uhu]

Hi guys,

I own a MacBook Pro with two LG 27UD68 Monitors connect over a **Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock**

It works okay-ish. The problems I have is: When I reboot my Mac or shut it down and restart, my displays are often not recognized. This results in two phenomena:

1. I have to manually set my wallpapers because they have been reset to default
   
   
2. I have to unplug the dock completely from the Macbook and replug it
   

Then it works again for some time (until reboot)

One of the few options with 80Watts Power delivery is the **Caldigit TS3+**. Does it have the same issues ? Or does anyone have an idea, which Thunderbolt 3 dock does not have these issues?

 

[apiro]

@Uhu, Caldigit TS3 (without +) has problems with Dell P2715Q when plugged via DP (considering you have two displays I think you'll have to use DP along with TB3) - it flickers and mitigations are not 100% though no such problem you described during reboots. Don't know about TS3+ though but worth being wary.

 

[Uhu]

@Uhu, Caldigit TS3 (without +) has problems with Dell P2715Q when plugged via DP (considering you have two displays I think you'll have to use DP along with TB3) - it flickers and mitigations are not 100% though no such problem you described during reboots. Don't know about TS3+ though but worth being wary.

Thank you. What do you mean with mitigations ? I ordered the TS3+ (still have the elgato) and will test it myself

 

[ascender]

@Uhu, Caldigit TS3 (without +) has problems with Dell P2715Q when plugged via DP (considering you have two displays I think you'll have to use DP along with TB3) - it flickers and mitigations are not 100% though no such problem you described during reboots. Don't know about TS3+ though but worth being wary.

I spoke too soon about the TS3+! I've tried two Dell monitors, via DP and HDMI and neither work. I've also bought an active DP --> HDMI adapter but that's made no difference either!

*sigh*

USB-C to HDMI adapter time maybe?

 

[apiro]

Thank you. What do you mean with mitigations ? I ordered the TS3+ (still have the elgato) and will test it myself

Set up one display to MST Secondary mode but this gets reset sometimes and sometimes leads to 4k@30Hz instead of 4k@60Hz - I haven't found reproducible case yet.
[doublepost=1533124852][/doublepost]

I spoke too soon about the TS3+! I've tried two Dell monitors, via DP and HDMI and neither work. I've also bought an active DP --> HDMI adapter but that's made no difference either!

*sigh*

USB-C to HDMI adapter time maybe?

Preferably connect one display with USB-C (to TS3+ TB3 port) to DP (to display) cable, and another one with DP to DP cable. Do not use HDMI, I guess it will give you 4k@30Hz if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Uhu]

I spoke too soon about the TS3+! I've tried two Dell monitors, via DP and HDMI and neither work. I've also bought an active DP --> HDMI adapter but that's made no difference either!

*sigh*

USB-C to HDMI adapter time maybe?

That seems to be a Dell issue. Even the elgato homepage warns for their dock that some dell monitors can only be used with 30Hz https://dock.help.elgato.com/customer/en/portal/articles/2663923-elgato-thunderbolt™-3-dock-and-dual-display-support

 

[Amigaman]

I've been using an OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock for over a year now and I've never had an issue with it. It'll run two 4k displays and passes 60W through to the MacBook Pro.

 

[apiro]

... passes 89w through to the MacBook Pro.

They were meant to pass max. 60W. Have they changed design last minute?

 

[Amigaman]

They were meant to pass max. 60W. Have they changed design last minute?

Doh! You're right, it passes 60W. Sorry about that!

 

[ascender]

I borrowed an LG-27UD88 screen this morning to see how the connectivity works on this compared to the Caldigit. The single cable to the MBP allows me to charge it, audio and video, plus access the USB-A hub on the screen. I think I might have to admit defeat with the Caldigit and the Dells and just get a screen like this for the office.

 

[Uhu]

I got the Caldigit now. It is a 100% better than the Elgato. The screens turn on immediately. Even from sleep. I did not have any issues with it so far.

 

[apiro]

I got the Caldigit now. It is a 100% better than the Elgato. The screens turn on immediately. Even from sleep. I did not have any issues with it so far.

Check display resolution on the display itself (on Dells its on the bottom of OSD menu on one of its pages). It might be less than 4K@60Hz. If it's 4K@60Hz then your Dell model is not affected, congratulations.
Other than that yes, CalDigit is amazing.

 

[Uhu]

Check display resolution on the display itself (on Dells its on the bottom of OSD menu on one of its pages). It might be less than 4K@60Hz. If it's 4K@60Hz then your Dell model is not affected, congratulations.
Other than that yes, CalDigit is amazing.

Best thing is: I don't own a Dell =) I own two LG

 

[vemac575]

Yes. Mine is qacqoc brand but essentially the same thing. Works great and is the one I did not send back.

Which one?

I am thinking of something like this:
https://satechi.net/collections/usb-type-c/products/satechi-aluminum-multi-port-adapter-4k