USB-C Multiport Adapter with Dual HDMI 4K 60Hz Support
The StarTech.com USB-C Multiport Adapter with Dual HDMI 4K 60Hz Support is easy to set up, especially for macOS users, and does not require additional drivers for most users. The adapter is larger than other multiport adapters and has ports distributed on different sides, which may not be ideal for cable management. It features an extra-long USB-C extension cable and can operate on Bus power alone. It’s a robust docking station option that is a valuable option for connectivity.
- DESIGN
- EASE OF USE
- PRICE
Unlock the full potential of your USB-C device with this multiport adapter.
In recent years, USB-C has become the go-to port for modern devices due to its versatility and efficiency. In fact, my two main computers – a MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air – only have USB-C/Thunderbolt ports available on them. Because of this trend, there is a high demand for professional-grade multiport adapters for mobile workstations. These devices have the ability to expand connectivity for laptops without compromising on performance.
There is a wide myriad of adapter producers in the market and it can be hard to discern which ones are going to be the best, most reliable products for you to use. While I try out many different products throughout the year, I am fairly brand-loyal when it comes to items like adapters. I don’t like to risk my system on a connection that might be faulty. Startech.com products have consistently been dependable for my projects. So, the USB-C Multiport Adapter with Dual HDMI 4K 60Hz support, was a logical addition to my adapter collection.
About USB-C Multiport Adapter with Dual HDMI 4K 60Hz Support
This adapter is designed to provide users with an all-in-one solution for their connectivity needs. It boasts a range of features including 1 x USB-C Data Port, 2 x HDMI Output Ports with up to 4K 60Hz resolution, 1 x USB-A Data/Charge Port, 1 x SD Card Reader, 1 x USB-C 100W Power Delivery port, and 1 x Gb Ethernet port. Startech.com wanted to ensure that users could easily convert their laptop or tablet into a full workstation. The adapter connects to the host machine and utilizes the built-in DisplayLink DL-6950 Controller to provide the high-performance dual-monitor resolution that makes it possible to edit videos and produce graphic designs efficiently.
Startech.com promises multiple use cases with this adapter including office, home office, hotel, or in the boardroom. It is portable enough to be carried in your bag or backpack for mobile use. This lightweight USB-C Adapter can operate with bus-power alone, or use the dedicated USB-C Power Delivery port to connect a USB-C power adapter (not included with Multiport Adapter) for laptop charging.
Main Features
Compatible with:
- Windows® 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11
- macOS 10.11 to 10.12, 10.14 to 10.15, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0
- Android™
- Linux® Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04
- ChromeOS™
External Ports:
- 2 – HDMI (19 pin)
- 1 – USB 3.2 Type-C (24 pin, Gen 2, 10Gbps)
- 1 – USB 3.2 Type-A (9 Pin, Gen 2, 10Gbps, 7.5W Power)
- 1 – SD / MMC Slot
- 1 – RJ-45
- 1 – USB Type-C (24 pin) USB Power Delivery Only
Host Connectors: 1 – USB 3.2 Type-C (24 pin, Gen 2, 10Gbps)
Pricing & Availability
The Multiport Adapter has a list price of $249.99 from startech.com but it is also sold on Amazon.com. At the time of publishing, the dock is discounted to $136.99 on Amazon.
User Experience
The adapter is shipped in a plain brown box, which is indicative of Startech products. There is a plain white label on the top of the box that identifies the product inside, but other than that, there is no callouts for the device. The box, in my opinion, is not designed for retail shelves. One might find it on a computer warehouse or tech store shelf though.
Getting started with the dock is straightforward. In fact, if you have a macOS system, it is plug-n-play. There are driversavailable if it doesn’t work for you out of the box but for many users, those will not be needed. I plugged the adapter into one of the USB-C ports on my MacBook Air and started testing the connectivity speed using various peripherals. I didn’t have any issues with the computer recognizing the dock or any connected devices.
One of the first things I noticed was that this adapter, while still compact and lightweight, is quite a bit larger in scale than many multiport adapters I’ve used. Most of the adapters I’ve dabbled with have been approximately 6 inches long and only a couple of inches wide. This adapter from Startech.com is the size of a portable hard drive. In addition to that, the ports are all arranged on different sides of the dock. For me, I prefer to have as many ports on a single side of an adapter for cable management purposes.
My favorite design feature of this docking station is the extra long USB-C extension cable. Some adapters have exceptionally short cables, but this one was designed purposely to have a long cable so that it could easily be used to convert laptops into work stations. Another great option of this dock is that it operates off of Bus power if no power cable is attached.
While custom software is not required for operation, a user’s experience can be enhanced by utilizing Startech’s connectivity tools. With this software, the following options are available.
- Advanced Window Layout Utility: To set up and save custom window layouts.
- MAC Address Pass-Through Utility: To improve network security.
- USB Event Monitoring Utility: To track and log connected USB devices.
- Wi-Fi Auto Switch Utility: Enabling users to quickly access faster network speeds via wired LAN.
In addition to the standard connection options, that I tested, I also ran some speed tests on attached storage devices. I connected three different devices — a SanDisk 128GB iXpand Flash Drive Go, SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Memory Card, and a Western Digital My Passport SSD — and used Blackmagic Disk Speed Test to see what kind of data transfer speed they each had with this adapter. The table below shows the results.
Media | Write Speed | Read Speed |
---|---|---|
SanDisk 128GB iXpand Flash Drive Go | 33.7 MB/s | 87.3 MB/s |
SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Memory Card | 136 MB/s | 166.6 MB/s |
Western Digital My Passport SSD | 617.4 MB/s | 596.7 MB/s |
Conclusion
The StarTech.com USB-C Multiport Adapter with Dual HDMI 4K 60Hz Support is a highly versatile and convenient solution for modern-day professionals. Its compact design, expandable connectivity options, and reliable performance make it an ideal choice for those who need to create workstations on the go. Whether you’re working from home or traveling for business, this docking station is sure to simplify your workflow and enhance your productivity.
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