1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the BENFEI 8-in-1 USB-C Docking Station. This versatile hub is designed to expand the connectivity of your USB-C enabled laptop or device, providing multiple ports for display output, data transfer, power delivery, and audio. Please read this manual carefully to ensure proper setup and operation.
Figure 1: BENFEI 8-in-1 USB-C Docking Station connected to a laptop with multiple peripherals.
2. Product Features
The BENFEI 8-in-1 USB-C Docking Station offers a comprehensive set of ports to enhance your productivity:
- Dual HDMI Ports: Connect up to two HDMI displays for extended or mirrored desktop.
- VGA Port: Connect one VGA display, ideal for older monitors or projectors.
- 3x USB 3.0 Ports: For high-speed data transfer up to 5Gbps and connecting peripherals like mice, keyboards, or flash drives.
- 100W Power Delivery (PD) Port: Charge your host laptop with up to 85W power pass-through. Requires a compatible USB-C power adapter (not included).
- 3.5mm AUX Audio Jack: Connect headphones or speakers for high-fidelity audio output.
Figure 2: Overview of the 8-in-1 ports on the BENFEI Docking Station.
3. Setup Instructions
- Verify Host Device Compatibility: Ensure your laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) for video output. Some USB-C ports only support data transfer or charging. Refer to your laptop's specifications or manufacturer for confirmation.
Figure 3: USB-C Port Functionality Check.
- Connect to Host Device: Plug the integrated USB-C cable from the BENFEI docking station into a compatible USB-C port on your laptop.
- Connect Power (Optional but Recommended): For optimal performance and to charge your laptop, connect your laptop's USB-C power adapter to the 100W Power Delivery (PD-IN) port on the docking station. The docking station supports up to 85W pass-through charging to your laptop.
- Connect Displays:
- For HDMI displays, connect HDMI cables from your monitors to the HDMI ports on the docking station.
- For VGA displays, connect a VGA cable from your monitor to the VGA port on the docking station.
- Connect USB Peripherals: Plug your USB devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, flash drives) into the USB 3.0 ports on the docking station.
- Connect Audio: If desired, plug your 3.5mm headphones or speakers into the AUX audio jack.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1. Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for Multiple Displays
The BENFEI docking station supports MST technology, allowing for multiple external display outputs. The behavior of multiple displays depends on your operating system and the number of monitors connected.
Figure 4: MST Multi-Screen Display Configurations.
- Windows OS: Supports extended mode across multiple displays (laptop screen + up to 3 external monitors). You can have different content on each screen. Resolutions can reach up to 3840x2160@30Hz for single HDMI, or 1920x1080@60Hz for multiple displays (e.g., 2x HDMI + 1x VGA).
- Mac OS: Due to macOS limitations, external monitors will typically mirror the content of the primary external display. You can extend your desktop to one external monitor, and any additional external monitors will mirror that extended display.
4.2. Data Transfer
The three USB 3.0 ports provide data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gigabits Per Second (Gbps), which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0. This allows for quick transfer of large files and efficient use of USB peripherals.
Figure 5: High-Speed Data Transfer via USB 3.0.
4.3. Power Delivery
The USB-C PD-IN port supports up to 100W input, providing up to 85W pass-through charging to your connected laptop. This allows you to power your laptop and use the hub simultaneously with a single USB-C connection.
Figure 6: Power Delivery Pass-Through Charging.
4.4. Audio Output
The 3.5mm AUX audio jack, powered by a DAC Smart Chip, provides high-fidelity audio with powerful noise reduction for a clear sound experience.
Figure 7: 3.5mm High Fidelity Sound Signal.
5. Compatibility
The BENFEI 8-in-1 USB-C Docking Station is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems that support USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
5.1. Compatible Devices & Systems
Figure 8: Detailed Compatibility List.
Examples include (but are not limited to):
- Apple: 2023/2022/2021/2020 MacBook Pro, iMac, MacBook, iPad Pro.
- Dell: XPS 15/13, Surface Book 2.
- HP: Envy 13.
- Samsung: Galaxy Book, Galaxy S8/S9/Note 8/Note 9 (may take longer to sync for USB 3.1 Gen 1 devices).
- Other: Pixelbook, Chromebook, Intel NUC.
5.2. Non-Compatible Devices
Figure 9: Detailed Non-Compatibility List.
This docking station is generally not compatible with:
- Devices with USB-C ports that do not support DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
- Car navigation systems.
- Certain older models of iPads, MacBooks with Mini DisplayPort, and iPhones (e.g., iPhone 14 and earlier).
- Kindle Fire Tablets, Amazon Fire Tablets.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | BENFEI |
| Model Number | 000335blue-N |
| Color | Blue |
| Hardware Interface | 3.5mm Audio, HDMI, VGA, USB 3.0, USB-C PD |
| Number of Ports | 8 (2x HDMI, 1x VGA, 3x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C PD, 1x 3.5mm Audio) |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Gigabits Per Second (USB 3.0) |
| Power Delivery | Up to 100W input, 85W pass-through to host |
| Max Display Resolution | 3840x2160@30Hz (single HDMI), 1920x1080@60Hz (multiple displays) |
| Operating System | Mac OS 9+, Windows 7+, Chrome OS, iPad OS |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 0.1 Kilograms |
7. Maintenance
- Keep the docking station in a dry environment, away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid dropping or subjecting the device to strong impacts.
- Clean the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the device during operation to prevent overheating.
8. Troubleshooting
8.1. No Display Output
- Check USB-C Port: Confirm your laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Not all USB-C ports have this capability.
- Cable Connection: Ensure all display cables (HDMI/VGA) are securely connected to both the docking station and the monitors.
- Monitor Input: Verify that your monitors are set to the correct input source (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, VGA).
- Resolution Settings: Adjust your display settings on your laptop. Sometimes, the default resolution might not be supported by the external monitor.
- Driver Update: Ensure your laptop's graphics drivers are up to date.
8.2. Slow Data Transfer Speed
- USB 3.0 Device: Ensure the connected USB device (e.g., flash drive) is a USB 3.0 compatible device. USB 2.0 devices will operate at USB 2.0 speeds.
- Host Port: Confirm your laptop's USB-C port supports USB 3.0 or higher data speeds.
8.3. Laptop Not Charging
- Power Adapter: Ensure your USB-C power adapter is connected to the PD-IN port on the docking station and is functioning correctly.
- Power Output: The docking station provides up to 85W pass-through charging. If your laptop requires more power, it might charge slowly or not at all.
- Uni-directional Charging: The USB-C Power Delivery is uni-directional, only upstream charging to the phone or laptop.
8.4. Audio Issues
- Audio Device Connection: Ensure headphones/speakers are fully plugged into the 3.5mm AUX jack.
- System Audio Settings: Check your computer's audio output settings to ensure the correct device (e.g., 'USB Audio Device') is selected.
9. Warranty & Support
BENFEI offers an exclusive 18-month warranty for this product, ensuring long-term satisfaction with your purchase. For any issues or assistance, please contact BENFEI customer service. They are committed to providing friendly and easy-to-reach support to resolve your problems timely.
For further support, please visit the official BENFEI website or contact their customer service directly.
10. Product Video
Official product video demonstrating the features and connectivity of the BENFEI USB C MST HUB 8-in-1, including dual HDMI, VGA, USB 3.0, USB-C PD, and audio ports.