Review on 🔌 9-in-1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, VGA, USB C Charging, 2 USB 3.0, SD/TF Card Reader, USB C to 3.5mm, Ethernet, Dock - Compatible with Apple MacBook Pro 13/15, Thunderbolt 3 by Danny Robertson

= Summary = It just works; and it's one of the cheapest hubs you can find with this feature set. Drivers should not be needed in normal computer operating systems. The only quirk is that the audio jack needs an HDMI output. There is no sound card in the hub; It only converts HDMI audio to analog. = Specs = 4x USB 3.1 Gen 1 with USB 2.4A fast charge support - 2x USB dedicated to card reader and gigabit ethernet - 500 MB/s (450 MB/s actual) max speed of all devices (card + ethernet) and USB ports combined 5V 3A total output (this is the limit of the built-in current converter) HDMI 1.4 (with HDCP) + VGA (10 bit to 1080p) video converter HDMI 2-channel audio DAC2 LUN memory card reader (displayed as two separate drives ) for SD and Micro -SD cards up to UHS-I (max. 104 MB/s) Gigabit Ethernet with energy-saving features = Technical details = The hub consists of a wedge-shaped aluminum tube with a raised side with video connectors. The circuit board is suspended internally by plastic inserts that also serve to align and close the gaps in each port. Two end caps are pressed into the tube without additional glue. The concentrator may fall apart if dropped, but it's easy to assemble. The hub can be easily disassembled by removing the plastic cover from the Ethernet port. Then the board inside slides out effortlessly. The cap at the end of the cable can be removed for full disassembly, but this is not necessary for full access to the board. The USB-C cable connects to the board via some sort of pre-emptive connector and is held in place with adhesive. The shield on the cable is also not grounded, adding minimal functionality. Luckily, the cable is short enough to have minimal impact on signal reliability. There is also a jacket that is similar to a strain relief, but should not be relied on to reduce stress on the cable. The strength is certainly much lower than that of a potted cable. However, the cable terminates like a hand-crimped Ethernet cable, and the typical stress on the cable should not affect reliability over repeated use. All major components, except for the DAC, are outdated but from established manufacturers. All functions are ready to use in most modern computer operating systems without additional drivers. The DAC (connected to a 3.5mm jack) looks like a Cirrus Logic CS4344 clone. However, it is not known if it will offer similar performance. The hub connects to 2 of the 4 high-speed USB-C lanes dedicated to USB, while the remaining lanes are dedicated to DisplayPort. This means that USB works uncompromisingly, while DP is limited to two lanes. This means that higher bandwidth operation such as 4K 60Hz is not possible. The built-in 3A DC/DC converter must supply enough current for all components. There should be no problem simulating all ports as long as low power USB devices are used. = Specifications = USB hub supports 2.4A fast charge; thus fast charging of a device is possible. However, the hub itself is limited to 3A, so charging multiple devices at high speed won't work. HDMI output is limited to HDMI 1.4. But all HDMI display modes except 3D must be supported within the specification. The VGA output works in both widescreen (16:9) 1080p and 4:3 UXGA. Card reading functions simultaneously with Micro SD and full-size 2-channel DAC functions require HDMI output. . It converts HDMI audio to 2-channel analog output. Ethernet uses both link detection and EEE to save power both when idle and when in use. Shorter cable/Ethernet connections should result in less heat build-up. Ethernet also supports various wake-up functions. = Components = GL3510 4-Port USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hub Controller EP9632G HDMI to HDMI + VGA Port Converter RTL8153 Gigabit Ethernet USB Controller GL3224 Memory Card Reader434C DACTD1583 2-Channel 3A DC/DC Converter DC XT25F16B (16 Mbit Series 25 SPI NOR Flash)