At a Glance
Port Specification
| No. | Port Type | Description |
| 1 | USB-C Connector | Plug into the MacBook's USB-C port. Note: Ensure your laptop's USB-C port supports DP Alt Mode (for HDMI displays) and Power Delivery (for charging). |
| 2 | HDMI Ports | Support single display up to 4K@60Hz; Support dual display up to dual 2K@60Hz. Refer to video resolution and refresh rates for details. |
| 3 | USB-C PD-IN Charging Port | Connect a USB-C charger for pass-through charging for your MacBook. Notes: This port is dedicated to charging only and does not support data transfer or video output for devices such as hard drives, headphones, speakers, or monitors. The USB-C PD port supports charging up to 85W for your laptop, plus an additional 15W to power the hub. For optimal 85W charging, a 100W PD charger and cable (not included) are required. |
| 4 | Ethernet Port | Connect to a router or modem at 10/100/1000 Mbps. |
| 5 | Power Indicator | Turns white when powered on. |
| 6 | microSD card slot | Insert a microSD card to copy files to and from your MacBook. Note: Provides data transfer speeds up to 104MB/s, compatible with Micro SDXC, Micro SD, and Micro SDH. |
| 7 | SD 3.0 card slot | Insert an SD 3.0 card to copy files to and from your MacBook. Note: Provides data transfer speeds up to 104MB/s, compatible with SD 4.0 / 3.0, UHS-II / UHS-I, SDXC, SDHC, SD, MMC, RS-MMC. |
| 8 | USB-A port | Connect to a USB-A device to support data transfer at speeds up to 5 Gb/s. |
Hub Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Data Transfer Speed | 5Gbps |
| Supported Systems | Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / OS XP, Mac OS X 10.2 (and above), Chrome OS |
| Supported Host Devices | Windows and MacBook computers that support USB-C with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery, as well as USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4/5 ports |
Video Output
Video Output Modes
Note: The following diagrams are for reference only. Laptop settings can be customized. Labels A, B, and C denote distinct visual content displayed on the respective screens.
For macOS
The display on both external monitors will be identical, whether in mirror mode or extended mode.
- Mode 1 (Mirror): Laptop connected to two identical displays (A and A).
- Mode 2 (Extended): Laptop connected to two displays, one showing content A, the other showing content B.
For Windows OS
- Mode 1 (Mirror): Laptop connected to two identical displays (A and A).
- Mode 2 (Extended): Laptop connected to two displays, one showing content A, the other showing content B.
- Mode 3 (Extended): Laptop connected to two displays, one showing content B, the other showing content C.
Video Resolution and Refresh Rates
| Operating System | Windows | macOS | ||
| Display Standard | DP 1.2 | DP 1.4 | DP 1.2 | DP 1.4 |
| Resolution | Single: 4K@30Hz Dual: 1080p | Single: 4K@60Hz Dual: 2K@60Hz | Single: 4K@30Hz Dual: 4K@30Hz (Only Mirror Mode) | Single: 4K@60Hz Dual: 4K@60Hz (Only Mirror Mode) |
Using Your Hub
1. Connect it to your laptop
Connect to the USB-C port of your laptop. Ensure the port supports Power Delivery (for charging) and DP Alt Mode (for HDMI display).
2. Charge your laptop via hub if needed
To charge your laptop via this hub, plug a PD wall charger with a USB-C cable (wall charger and cable not included) into the USB-C PD-IN charging port. The hub consumes 15W for its own usage. A PD wall charger that is 15W more powerful than your original charger is suggested for optimal charging.
3. Connect peripheral devices
Connect peripheral devices to the available ports: [USB-C], [HDMI], [USB-A], [Ethernet], [SD card slot], [microSD card slot].
Troubleshooting
Problem with Video Output
For macOS, dual HDMI monitors typically support screen mirroring. Windows supports Single-Stream Transport (SST) and Multi-Stream Transport (MST) modes. macOS and iPadOS support SST, meaning dual HDMI monitors connected to a MacBook will show the same image.
If you have other video output issues, try these steps:
- Confirm your laptop's USB-C port supports DP Alt Mode (display output) via user manual, seller, or manufacturer website.
- Update your laptop's graphics driver.
- Test with another laptop that has a USB-C port supporting DP Alt Mode.
- Try a different HDMI cable or monitor, and lower resolution/refresh rate.
- Unplug the hub and all connected devices for at least 5 minutes. Reboot your laptop and reconnect the hub.
Problem with Working Properly
Please try these troubleshooting steps:
- Disconnect the hub and all connected devices for at least 5 minutes. Reboot your laptop and reconnect the hub.
- Test with a different laptop.
- Verify peripheral devices function normally without the hub.
- Try a different USB device in the ports.
Problem with Charging
The USB-C PD port supports up to 85W charging with a 100W PD charger and USB-C cable. The hub requires 15W for operation. Using a 30W charger leaves insufficient power for the laptop. This hub does not support Samsung's PPS (Programmable Power Supply) fast charging protocol; Samsung devices will charge at standard speeds.
Troubleshooting steps:
- Verify the wall charger's output connected to the USB-C PD input port.
- Check if your laptop charges directly from the charger without the hub.
- Try with another wall charger and USB-C to USB-C cable that both support 100W PD charging.
- Test with a different laptop.
- Disconnect the hub and all connected devices for at least 5 minutes. Reboot your laptop and reconnect the hub.
Problem with Ethernet Port
Please try these troubleshooting steps:
- For MacBook (Intel chip) or Windows laptops, download drivers from:
Realtek Driver Download
Asix Driver Download
Select "Software&Tools"--Select "Drivers"--Select "USB Ethernet ICs" --Select "AX88179" to download the corresponding drivers for your OS. - For MacBook with M chipset, renew your Mac OS system to the latest version.
- Try with a different computer.
- If possible, plug your network cable directly into your computer's Ethernet port to check for a stable connection.
- Try a different Ethernet cable.
- Try a different router/network.
- Unplug the hub and all devices for at least 5 minutes. Reboot your laptop and reconnect the hub.
Problem with SD/microSD card
Please try these troubleshooting steps:
- Disconnect the hub and all connected devices for at least 5 minutes. Reboot your laptop and reconnect the hub.
- Check if the SD card has a write-protect switch enabled; disable it if necessary.
- Test with a different device or SD card.
- Ensure the card is fully inserted.
FAQ
Q1: Will this hub work with any laptop? How do I make sure my laptop is compatible with this hub?
A: This hub is compatible with laptops supporting USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, USB4, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and Power Delivery. Check your laptop's user manual or contact the manufacturer. If your USB-C port lacks DP Alt Mode, video output will not be received. If it lacks Power Delivery, the hub will function for video and data but not charge your laptop.
Q2: Why does the hub feel warm?
A: It is normal for the hub to feel warm during high-speed charging or data transfer. This warmth is within operational limits. Avoid covering the hub or placing objects on it to prevent excessive heat.
Q3: Do I need to install any drivers to use this hub?
A: No, this hub is plug-and-play. No software or driver installation is required.
Q4: Do I need to use a 100W PD wall charger to charge my laptop via this hub?
A: The required power adapter depends on your laptop's needs. The hub supports a maximum input of 100W and consumes 15W for operation, leaving the remainder for your laptop. For optimal charging: A laptop requiring 85W needs a 100W PD charger and 100W cable (15W for hub + 85W for laptop). A laptop requiring 65W needs an 80W PD charger and 80W cable (15W for hub + 65W for laptop). Ensure both charger and cable meet wattage specifications.
SN Location
The serial number (SN) is located on the back of the hub.
Note: The 'x' of SN Code: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX is a variable, see below table.
| Variable 'x' | Range of variable | Content |
| Seventh | 0-9 or A-F | Denotes the hardware version which is not affected on the safety compliance. |
| Eighth | 8,9,A,B,C... | Denotes the year (e.g., 8=2018, 9=2019, A=2020, B=2021, C=2022). |
| Ninth and tenth | 01,02,03... | Denotes weeks (e.g., 01=first week, 02=second week). |
| Eleventh | 1-7 | Denotes date (1=Monday, 2=Tuesday, ..., 7=Sunday). |
| The last five | 00001-99999 | Denotes serial No. |
ASIX Electronics Corporation
Realtek
