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Misterpatrick

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 24, 2021
3
1
Hi all, I have a new 14” on order and am trying to figure out what I need for some of my peripherals. I currently use an Henge Dock for my ancient 2012 MBP so that’s where I’m coming from. I purchased a USB-C to DVI cable for my monitor. For my various USB devices (backup drives, MIDI drivers) can I just use the little USB to Type C adapters? What about an older external power Anker Type B USB 3 hub? That’s the kind that has the weird stacked Type B cable. For most of the periphs the 40GB speed of Thunderbolt 3 isn’t a problem as they all work fine now. I just want to make sure everything can continue to work as it’s working now. Seems like can just use the USB to Type C adapters for many things but want to make sure I’m not doing anything harmful. Thanks!
 

joevt

macrumors 604
Jun 21, 2012
6,967
4,262
Yes, you can connect Type A devices using a Type C to Type A adapter. It also works with hubs. A Type A to Type B cable will also work with a USB Type C to Type A adapter or you can get a Type C to Type B cable.
 

Misterpatrick

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 24, 2021
3
1
Thanks! I have a couple cables for for the odder cables (Type B USB 3) it’s easier to just use the adapter.

I see there are some Belkin et al hubs out there that a quite expensive and I’m assuming it’s because they have Thunderbolt 3 and allow 4K HDMI as opposed to the $30 USB-C hub with Ethernet, SD and USB 3.0 ports.
 

TarkinDale

macrumors member
Jul 26, 2011
86
75
Australia
I’d just like to mention that I’d you are using backup drives from the same era as your old laptop, you might want to update them for a significant speed boost.
 

Misterpatrick

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 24, 2021
3
1
I’d just like to mention that I’d you are using backup drives from the same era as your old laptop, you might want to update them for a significant speed boost.
Thanks! I’m using Western Digital Black drives with a USB 3.0 dock housing, so they’re fast enough for what I do with them. The 2012 MPB has been a fantastic machine and I’ve been able to do photo editing, video editing and audio without issues. I’ve just been waiting to Apple to finally release a new computer that was worth the upgrade. Really looking forward to the speed boast now.
 
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joevt

macrumors 604
Jun 21, 2012
6,967
4,262
I see there are some Belkin et al hubs out there that a quite expensive and I’m assuming it’s because they have Thunderbolt 3 and allow 4K HDMI as opposed to the $30 USB-C hub with Ethernet, SD and USB 3.0 ports.
USB-C docks will be less expensive than Thunderbolt docks. A USB-C dock can use one DisplayPort connection of 2 lanes. A Thunderbolt dock can use two DisplayPort connections of 4 lanes each. Old Thunderbolt docks may have multiple PCIe USB controllers and a PCIe Ethernet controller. Newer Thunderbolt docks only have one USB port with one or more USB hubs connected to that, and a USB adapter for Ethernet. Audio and SD card are always done using a USB adapter.
 

TarkinDale

macrumors member
Jul 26, 2011
86
75
Australia
Thanks! I’m using Western Digital Black drives with a USB 3.0 dock housing, so they’re fast enough for what I do with them. The 2012 MPB has been a fantastic machine and I’ve been able to do photo editing, video editing and audio without issues. I’ve just been waiting to Apple to finally release a new computer that was worth the upgrade. Really looking forward to the speed boast now.
My 2013 MB Pro was still quite useable performance wise until it died earlier this year. Limping by now on a borrowed 2017 13inch. I'm hoping I'll be amazed by the speed when my new one arrives in mid November. I've been waiting as I couldn't see the point in getting an intel model. I like a mac to last a good long while!
 
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