Recommendation for Desktop USB Hubs
Recommendation for Desktop USB Hubs
My PC is in a challenging position for accessing under my desk, so I have two separate USB-A cables coming from it (each to its own PC port) through a small drilled hole in the desk surface. These cables connect my Logitech keyboard and mouse. I want to find out which USB hub I should use to connect one of these USB-A cables so that I can later add more cables (like USB-C, etc.) to either connect to the PC or charge devices such as a MacBook Pro or iPhone. The main point here is that the current upstream connection is USB-A. Should I switch to using the USB-C port as the upstream connection and choose a hub that supports that?
Why not opt for USB extension cables? I usually avoid USB hubs because they sometimes cause issues even when the system runs smoothly. Still, you might want to check these options:
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-7-Port-Adap...ast_sto_dp
Amazon.com
Tell us precisely which model of your PC you are using (OR the type of computer if it wasn’t assembled from parts). We must identify the exact USB ports available so we can determine compatibility with a hub. The present USB configuration includes all recent ports integrated into the USB 3.2 standard, divided into three generations: Gen1 supports up to 5 Gb/s, Gen2 up to 10 Gb/s, and Gen2x2 up to 20 Gb/s. Gen1 is compatible with both older Type A connectors and newer Type C ones, BUT the older Type A must be the latest USB3 version, not the previous USB2 models. These Type A connectors are now color-coded: black for older USB2 and blue for newer USB3. Gen2 can operate at full speed with Type A cables and cables, but may only reach 5 Gb/s; it should ideally support the 10 Gb/s rate when using Type C cables. Gen2x2 requires Type C cables to achieve fast speeds.
Many USB devices, even basic USB3.2 Gen1 models, are limited to 5 Gb/s. Still, if you need a hub with multiple ports without any USB3.2 Gen2 devices connected, a Gen2 hub could be useful since all hub ports must connect back to the host via a single data link. If your PC has a USB3.2 Gen2 Type C port, consider a Gen2 hub for better performance.
For compatibility with several devices, the hub should include its own power supply module to meet the USB3.2 standard requirements: 5 VDC at up to 0.9 A per port. In your situation, additional power is necessary because you plan to charge high-power devices. Use the hub’s charging ports for those, which are typically Type C and designed for fast charging—though they lack data transfer capabilities.
Another possibility is that your current ports are being used for a keyboard and mouse, which are likely older USB2 devices with low power consumption and slow speeds. You might benefit from using two hubs: one for USB2 devices and another for charging high-power gadgets. If you don’t need any more USB2 devices, a hub without an integrated power supply could suffice.
Choose a hub that matches your needs carefully, paying attention to the data transfer rates and power requirements.
I perform a similar task in my basement workbench, with multiple PCs beneath and several 6' extension cables—2x USB2, 1x USB3, 1x 3.5mm audio extension, plus an HDMI extension as my makeshift KVM switch. On the monitor side, a 1' HDMI cable paired with an HDMI adapter completes the setup. I upgraded to a powered USB A hub for connecting my keyboard, mouse, and a USB sound card (Sound Blaster Play!3), which helps avoid constantly swapping cables. It’s quite similar to the Anker 7 port hub, but it features a "iDsonix" brand 10-port hub with a 5A power adapter.
Although it does slow-charge devices, I upgraded to a budget power strip offering 2x USB A ports and 3A power, plus USB C adapters for my Android tablets and phones. I also considered a similar charging station, but the power strip meets my needs now.
185W USB C Fast Charger Block, 7 Port USB C Charging Station $33
Edit - the product photo clearly explains it all!
🤣
I’m still in the "before" mood!