Dongle thread for the new Macbook Pro's

[hj576]

Hi, so here is the problem I am facing, I have the Macbook Pro 13 inch without touchbar, one that has 2 USB type C port. In my office I have a Dell U2715h which is a QHD Monitor which has HDMI (MHL) and Display Port input. Now I have a display port to USB C adapter, that when i connect to my laptop, I get the desired QHD resolution on the monitor. So this connects to one of my ports. Then the Monitor also comes with 5 USB 3.0 type A in stream ports and one out stream port that you connect with your laptop to get access to those ports. Now I have an Aukey USB-C to HDMI and USB Type A hub that has 4 USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI. If i connect this to the other port I cannot charge
Connecting the Monitor via the HDMI gives me max resolution of 2048x1152 for some reason and not 2560x1440(QHD) even though The monitor is suppose to accept QHD over HDMI and aukey advertised resolution upto 4K at 30 hz for the hub.
So at the moment I have to use the DP to USB C adapter, but this way both my ports are occupied and I cannot charge my laptop and hence cannot use it in clamshell mode.
Does anyone know of a cheap and reliable USB-C hub with power pass through. All I need is power passthrough and USB type A port.
Even USB C to multiple USB C will do the trick (if such a hub exist). The reason i bought the aukey hub over something like Hootoo Is I did not want to use that to power my laptop as Its not a trusted enough brand for me to risk it powering my laptop.
So does anyone know of a reliable USB-C hub with power pass through on the cheaper side ?

 

[Weaselboy]

Any good alternatives to the (ugly) USB-C, SD card reader that Apple is selling?

Electronic stores has some cheap ones (and just as ugly), but are they good/fast enough?

I bought this one by Satechi and it works well.

 

[phloo]

Better than startech one? https://www.amazon.es/StarTech-com-...isplayPort/dp/B01E9RTEI8/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

Can't say since I didnt test any other. I am happy with my solution.
Maybe if cables get cheaper in the future, gonna get rid of the adapters. For now it's fine.

 

[anson42]

Here's a cheaper Monoprice displayport option – currently out of stock – that states it can do 4K@60Hz:

http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=13234

 

[joevt]

Question for you dongleguys over here. I have a 2560x1440 monitor I would like to connect to my future MBP. I prefer using HDMI so I would only have to buy one dongle for monitor and tv. But what would the difference be between a HDMI and a displayport dongle?

2560 x 1440 only requires HDMI 1.4 speeds, so a passive USB-C to HDMI adapter is sufficient (good enough for 4K @ 30 Hz). Passive is sufficient because the USB-C port supports DisplayPort (alt mode) and DisplayPort dual mode (HDMI 1.4). You need an active adapter if you're connecting to a DisplayPort that doesn't have dual mode (that usually means DisplayPort ports on Thunderbolt adapters or docks). Active adapters can be HDMI 1.4 (4K @ 30 Hz) or HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60 Hz). Active adapters are slightly more expensive since they have to do more than just shift the signal levels.

Is there a USB C to HDMI dongle that offers 4K at 60hz with HDR support and doesn't give you Wifi problems? Extra USB port on it would be useful but not necessary for me. Thanks for helping me out!

Here's another HDMI 2.0 adapter but it doesn't mention HDR: http://plugable.com/products/usbc-hdmi/
I don't know about wifi interface issues. I don't know if HDR is something that an adapter has to support specifically or if it just happens. All these HDMI 2.0 adapters are basically DisplayPort active adapters. The input signal into the adapter is DisplayPort. Does the HDMI adapter have to tell the computer that it supports HDR, or do you just set the computer to output a HDR DisplayPort signal and the adapter just passes the data along to HDMI?

Is the IOgear essentially the same as the Caldigit, OWC, and Kensington usb c docks? In a nutshell, DP connectivity with the other usual ports, but limited to 30hz 4k video?

I don't know if it's possible for a USB-C dock to support 4K @ 60 Hz.

Thunderbolt 3 docks (20 gbps or 40 gbps) will be more capable than USB-C docks (10 gbps for USB 3.1 gen 2, or 5 gbps if they only allow USB 3.1 gen 1 speeds of the older MacBook). Even Thunderbolt 2 docks (20 gbps or 10 gbps if using Thunderbolt 1 speeds?) using a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter would be more capable. OWC's Thunderbolt 2 dock doesn't require additional drivers, but the OWC USB-C dock does require a driver for the Ethernet port. OWC will come out with a Thunderbolt 3 dock later. I think the Belkin USB-C to Ethernet adapter doesn't require a driver for mac OS?

 

[AvengerNX08]

Is there a USB C Hub with VGA port out there, that doesn't make the display (television/beamer) flicker/shimmer?

So far, I tried a hub by AuKey and one by BCMaster -- both don't work

 

[CptRick]

Just got my usb-c dock from caldigit, does not seem to be capable to drive any external monitor I try (HDMI or displayport). My mac just freezes when I connect it.

Using a base Macbook Pro 15" TB 2016. Anyone here has experienced the same issues with this setup?

When I disable automatic video choice in power settings, it doesn't freeze, but also doesn't work yet.

 

[thesaint024]

I don't know if it's possible for a USB-C dock to support 4K @ 60 Hz.

Thunderbolt 3 docks (20 gbps or 40 gbps) will be more capable than USB-C docks (10 gbps for USB 3.1 gen 2, or 5 gbps if they only allow USB 3.1 gen 1 speeds of the older MacBook). Even Thunderbolt 2 docks (20 gbps or 10 gbps if using Thunderbolt 1 speeds?) using a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter would be more capable. OWC's Thunderbolt 2 dock doesn't require additional drivers, but the OWC USB-C dock does require a driver for the Ethernet port. OWC will come out with a Thunderbolt 3 dock later. I think the Belkin USB-C to Ethernet adapter doesn't require a driver for mac OS?

Yeah, that's what I've gathered. I'm not running 4k anyway, but close at 3440x1440. It runs at 60hz on my Kensington usb-c dock. I didn't think it would work so well with my MBP since I had issues on my XPS, but it works perfectly. Speaking of ethernet drivers, I did have to update that driver on the dock to get it to work. Don't know about the Belkin but I am interested in the TB3 dock when it comes out. However, I'm realizing Usb-c bandwidth is not as big a deal as I thought.

 

[alexandero]

I don't know if it's possible for a USB-C dock to support 4K @ 60 Hz.

I've just received a CalDigit USB-C dock and connected it to my 4K Dell P2415Q via DisplayPort. It's running at 4K in HiDPi mode (in other words, I have the very convenient slider for larger text / more space in display settings running macOS 10.12.1), albeit only with 30Hz. CalDigit offers a firmware enabling 4K@60Hz (with the side effect of limiting USB to 2.0 speeds) via email, as noted in the FAQ. I will report back once installed.

Other observations:

• I can confirm that the CalDigit USB-C dock charges my 13" (non-touchbar) MBP with up to 60W.
• The Ethernet port requires installation of a custom driver.
• The USB-C cable from the dock to the computer has a length of (only) ~30cm.

So far I'm quite happy with this USB-C dock. I just hope the the 4k@60Hz mode will run without problems.

Update: the firmware to enable 4k@60Hz requires the dock to be connected to a Windows-computer. Which I don't have access to.

 

[joevt]

CalDigit offers a firmware enabling 4K@60Hz (with the side effect of limiting USB to 2.0 speeds) via email, as noted in the FAQ. I will report back once installed.

That makes sense, since USB 2.0 uses dedicated high speed lines. 4K@60Hz requires 4 lanes of DisplayPort 1.2 HBR2 which I guess would use all four of the super speed (USB 3.1) line pairs of the USB-C connector.

I guess a Thunderbolt dock with display output allows higher bandwidth and divides time between the display signal and the PCIe chips in the dock used for USB (ports, audio, etc), Ethernet, FireWire, etc.

 

[Ash9414]

Does anyone know of a dongle that has USB-A 3.0, VGA, an Ethernet port and perhaps a charging pass-through for the new tMBP? Preferably one that doesn't require the installation of any drivers. Thanks.

 

[coreyk]

FYI, I bought a 4k Dell P2415Q for my 13" touch bar MBP. I've had success with this monitor at work connected to my late-2015 27" iMac using the supplied mini-DP to DP cable and wanted one for home too. To connect to my MBP, I ordered from Amazon a "VisionTek USB 3.1 Type C to DisplayPort Adapter" and a 2 pack of "Cable Matters 3-Feet Gold Plated DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable". It all arrived today, and success! This combination supports DisplayPort 1.2 and lets me run any scaled Hi-DPI resolution @ a full 60hz, identical to my iMac. It's not a dock and doesn't power my MBP, but it gives me what I wanted.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0157RVTDW/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K2E4S8Y/

 

[Dunkrag]

Hi,

I bought the base 13 inch 2016 macbook pro model and would like to find out if I could use the Apple extension cable with the adapter that comes with this model. Thanks!

Mine doesn't

 

[SRTM]

gave up and bought the apple usbc digital av multiport adapter.
it works alright, although it runs pretty warm most of the time.
debating whether i need to use my ethernet anymore, the wifi is pretty fast...

 

[snake007uk]

I am looking for a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C to mini displayport that will run 4k @60hz

also looking for Thunderbolt 3/USB-C to HDMI 2.0 that will run 4k @60hz

ideally be able to get these from uk

 

[jimthing]

Not really a dongle-only question, but a Hub/Dongle-Question. Hope that's fine too

I'm waiting for my new MBP 15" and trying to plan out the cable situation for my desk. After reading about the USB 3 Wifi Problems and some weird Thunderbold problems I'm super confused. Hope you guys can help me if I tell you what I'm looking for:

I've realized that many hubs do have a very short, fixed USB-C cable that connects the Hub to the Macbook. Since I'm using a stand for my macbook when I'm at my desk, this would mean the hub is kind of hanging in mid air – not very neat and tidy. So what I'm looking for is a hub with either a detachable cable or one that is at least 30cm long, so I can tuck it away behind my stand.
There aren't that many things I plan to connect, but it would be lovely to have 3 USB 3.0 ports for external harddrives. Any recommendations?

I also need a good way to connect my monitor (U2515H) which has a displayport and a hdmi connection. I'd prefer a direct cable over a dongle here, but at least in germany it seems there are either only cables without any reviews or they are 50€+ which seems a bit much...

In addition to that I'd need 2 very portable USB C to USB A dongles as well as a dongle for HDMI and one for VGA (definitely don't need all of them to be in one adapter). This is just for when I'm on the road and need to connect my mbp to a projector, etc. Looking for the cheapest reliable options here.

Thanks guys

- Hub:
Many users stick the hub to the stand so it doesn't hang in the air, THEN connect longer cables into it.

- USB-C to HDMI:
Many adaptors/cables on Amazon, or use Apple's HDMI/USB-C/USB-A hub ($50), it's the most reliable of them all.

- USB-C to DP:
Again, several adaptors/cables on Amazon. Apple don't make an adaptor themselves, so have to use third party. If connecting to Apple Thunderbolt Display (NOT Cinema Display), then can use Apple Tbolt 1/2 to Tbolt 3 adaptor (it actually works both ways).

- C to A:
Apple's are fairly cheap til end of year ($9) and have a small USB-C-head bit with some wire on the USB-A end. Or several short C to A adaptors on Amazon for a couple of bucks (whether 2 will fit next to each other on the MBP is by trial and error though).

Basically, read through this whole thread as most of this has come-up already, and also make sure to read reviews elsewhere online (eg. Amazon reviews for other customers). And remember anything that fails, can be retuned for refund, so trial and error is the only sure way to try.
[doublepost=1480260654][/doublepost]

FYI, I bought a 4k Dell P2415Q for my 13" touch bar MBP. I've had success with this monitor at work connected to my late-2015 27" iMac using the supplied mini-DP to DP cable and wanted one for home too. To connect to my MBP, I ordered from Amazon a "VisionTek USB 3.1 Type C to DisplayPort Adapter" and a 2 pack of "Cable Matters 3-Feet Gold Plated DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable". It all arrived today, and success! This combination supports DisplayPort 1.2 and lets me run any scaled Hi-DPI resolution @ a full 60hz, identical to my iMac. It's not a dock and doesn't power my MBP, but it gives me what I wanted.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0157RVTDW/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K2E4S8Y/

One thing users should note, is that of you want to connect over via DP/mDP from around 7+ meters upwards, you should make sure you buy a long active DP cable. I have an active StarTech DP cable to connect distance to a Mac Mini the other side of the room (I use Apple keyboard/trackpad over Bluetooth).

For 27" Apple Cinema Display (NOT Apple Thunderbolt Display), as the cable is built-in to the display, one needs a specialist female-to-female mDP-to-DP adaptor, plus a long active DP (not mDP cable), plus an adaptor to connect to the Mac (Mac Mini I used a cheap mDP-to-DP adaptor, the new MBP's you'd use a cheap USB-C-to-DP adaptor of some sort).

Here's my original review on here and Amazon for my connection:
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...t-to-mac-over-7-5m-how.1830185/#post-20591001
https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3QJ9ATVHHIY54

Hope this may help.

 

[snake007uk]

I am looking for a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C to mini displayport that will run 4k @60hz

also looking for Thunderbolt 3/USB-C to HDMI 2.0 that will run 4k @60hz

ideally be able to get these from uk

ok I bought the plugable, USB-C to HDMI (Plugable) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01FIVSC6Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No joy, it only works at 30hz on 4K HD. I have HDMI 2.0 capable monitor and the correct cable etc...

Will keep trying to find one that can do 4k @60hz

 

[hcole623]

Sorry if this has been discussed already but if I have the USB-C multiport adaptor with HDMI, does it support the full charging amperage with the new Pro's updated charger and cable?

 

[zhenya]

Sorry if this has been discussed already but if I have the USB-C multiport adaptor with HDMI, does it support the full charging amperage with the new Pro's updated charger and cable?

It does, although you'll lose about 5W which is reserved for the adapter itself. Hardly noticeable.

 

[joevt]

ok I bought the plugable, USB-C to HDMI (Plugable) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01FIVSC6Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No joy, it only works at 30hz on 4K HD. I have HDMI 2.0 capable monitor and the correct cable etc...

Will keep trying to find one that can do 4k @60hz

You mean this device: http://plugable.com/products/usbc-hdmi/
?

This might be caused by an incorrect limitation of the Apple graphics drivers. There's a patch that might work at:
https://github.com/Floris497/mac-pixel-clock-patch-V2

 

[MarcBou]

Just got the Aukey's USB-C to USB-A adapters and I'm so dissapointed. I don't have my MBP yet, but I tried to connect the Ipad USB cable to the Aukey's Adapter and it doesn't fit well, I have to press hard to get it in, and then it's even harder to take it out. The same happens with the One Plus One USB cable and a couple of flashdrives.

It will probably work when I connect them to the Macbook, but it seems like everytime I plug something in and take it off is getting scratched.

I don't think I'm gonna use them, instead I'll get a couple from Apple. Just lost 7,45€.

@Weaselboy this doesn't happen to you?

 

[Weaselboy]

Just got the Aukey's USB-C to USB-A adapters and I'm so dissapointed. I don't have my MBP yet, but I tried to connect the Ipad USB cable to the Aukey's Adapter and it doesn't fit well, I have to press hard to get it in, and then it's even harder to take it out. The same happens with the One Plus One USB cable and a couple of flashdrives.

It will probably work when I connect them to the Macbook, but it seems like everytime I plug something in and take it off is getting scratched.

I don't think I'm gonna use them, instead I'll get a couple from Apple. Just lost 7,45€.

@Weaselboy this doesn't happen to you?

They do fit onto the USB-A end fairly snug, but the USB-C end plugs easily into the MacBook. I don't really take them off and on though... I just leave the adaptor on all the time so I actually want a snug fit. What is getting scratched? I don't see how you could get scratches just pulling the adaptor off and on.

 

[MarcBou]

They do fit onto the USB-A end fairly snug, but the USB-C end plugs easily into the MacBook. I don't really take them off and on though... I just leave the adaptor on all the time so I actually want a snug fit. What is getting scratched? I don't see how you could get scratches just pulling the adaptor off and on.

I don't know, the inside of the connection, the sound and feeling when unplugging it sounds like it's getting damaged. Maybe it's just paranoia xD.

BTW the ones from Apple I guess they are also USB 3.0? I'm asking this because the connection is not blue.

 

[joevt]

BTW the ones from Apple I guess they are also USB 3.0? I'm asking this because the connection is not blue.

Apple does not color it's ports. The adapter works with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices. Does anyone make a USB-C adapter that only does USB 2.0? I don't think so.

 

[MarcBou]

Apple does not color it's ports. The adapter works with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices. Does anyone make a USB-C adapter that only does USB 2.0? I don't think so.

Haha ok, thanks! I'm kinda lost with all this, all my devices are still USB 2.0 :S