USB Hub powered

ecniv

Suspended / Banned
Messages
4,334
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi

On the works computer (laptop) I am currently using:
- usb keyboard
- usb mouse
- jabra usb headphones
- occassionally the sd card reader

I have the dell usbc hub/splitter (work provided -- ethernet, hdmi, d type, usb and usb c, but I have noticed that sometimes there seems to be too much of a draw of power (monitors flicker like losing signal, some usb accessories pause in working, or in the mouse's case, becomes really jerky, or sd card, it refuses to read until something is unplugged).

I was thinking that I cannot be alone is this, so how did you get around it ? I was thinking of a powered usb hub (so power recharging/draw is via the wall yet still talks to the computer).
I also have a spare web cam to plug in via usb, so was hoping to use a powered hub to skip the power draw problem, and also increase the amount of usb ports.

Has anyone used one that they like?
Are there any drawbacks that you came across?

Two I've seen atm are:
elegant
and
sabrent although the latter appears to be american plug powered...
 
I have the dell usbc hub/splitter (work provided -- ethernet, hdmi, d type, usb and usb c, but I have noticed that sometimes there seems to be too much of a draw of power (monitors flicker like losing signal, some usb accessories pause in working, or in the mouse's case, becomes really jerky, or sd card, it refuses to read until something is unplugged).
Just to note that I also use a Dell laptop, which is docked when in the office - but the Dell dock has a different (higher power) power supply than that supplied with the laptop itself. If you are just using the power supply that came with the laptop, this could be the problem.
 
Does the monitor have any usb ports that you could put peripherals in which might reduce draw on docking box
 
I've got this. Not the cheapest hub but it works just like you'd expect. Power socket to charge headphones, phone etc, days stickers for everything you need.

 
yep it will be the PSU the standard laptop one just has enough current to drive the laptop with a bit in reserve.
The one for the docking station will have more amps available, used to get this a lot with HP
 
I got this a few days ago with a MacBook Pro 2019. The mouse would stutter every few seconds and it was driving me mad, especially as the mouse was a new MX Master 3 for 100 quid. I unplugged a small 3 x USB hub (non-powered) and the problem went away. I then plugged in another unpowered hub that I had in my draw and no problem at all. I'd suggest just trying another hub (un-powered or powered) and seeing which one works.
 
Last edited:
I've got this. Not the cheapest hub but it works just like you'd expect. Power socket to charge headphones, phone etc, days stickers for everything you need.


I have this one for my desktop which is a great heavy duty one. The powered ports charge my phone so quick! It's not discreet though and is hidden away. For my laptop I bought this one (below) for work. It's not powered, but enough to run webcam, wireless keyboard/mouse, & card reader. I bought a new headset that's Bluetooth so I could make a brew whilst being on long boring con calls. Not sure if this reduced the USB power draw.

 
I got this a few days ago with a MacBook Pro 2019. The mouse would stutter every few seconds and it was driving me mad, especially as the mouse was a new MX Master 3 for 100 quid. I unplugged a small 3 x USB hug (non-powered) and the problem went away. I then plugged in another unpowered hub that I had in my draw and no problem at all. I'd suggest just trying another hub (un-powered or powered) and seeing which one works.

I had the same problem with the MX Master 2. Eventually I realised it was the location of the USB. Plugged into the top of the PC under the desk it was stuttery. Plugged into an external hub on top of the desk it works like a charm.

The OP's issues though look like current draw. Even a really good unpowered splitter won't fix that, it needs extra power.

BTW I've got a Dell powered hub for my laptop. One USBC to run everything to/from the laptop. IMO nowhere near as good as the Targus hub I used to have.
 
I had the same problem with the MX Master 2. Eventually I realised it was the location of the USB. Plugged into the top of the PC under the desk it was stuttery. Plugged into an external hub on top of the desk it works like a charm.

The OP's issues though look like current draw. Even a really good unpowered splitter won't fix that, it needs extra power.

BTW I've got a Dell powered hub for my laptop. One USBC to run everything to/from the laptop. IMO nowhere near as good as the Targus hub I used to have.

You’re probably right but worth trying a different hub just in case.
 
I've got this. Not the cheapest hub but it works just like you'd expect. Power socket to charge headphones, phone etc, days stickers for everything you need.


I have the same one, works a treat
 
I would suggest you buy a quality hub. Years ago, despite the rest of my system being surge protected I added a cheap powered usb hub. Foolishly I didn’t have this on the surge protection circuit and it actually went pop taking my whole system with it! £1500 worth of damage caused by a £5.99 usb hub. Fortunately the house insurance covered it, but I vowed never again!
 
Last edited:
Back
Top