USB-C Adapter

Question

Level 1

8 points

USB-C Adapter

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)

So I figured there would be loads of questions about connecting peripherals to the MacBook Pro because of this extremely stressful hunt for adapters, but when I searched, what I was looking for didn't quite appear. Most of it was outdated. So, here we go.

My Goal:

Connect an audio interface and an external 1080p monitor simultaneously, while charging my MacBook Pro.

Additional Details:

I have the option of getting a USB-3 OR a USB-C audio interface. Whichever works with whatever solution I may find for all of this. The monitor will connect via HDMI.

Issues:

1. The solution is Apples "USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter" ( USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Apple ) -- However, if you read the reviews... One out of every 12 people actually had this product work for them. Either one or all of the aspects of the adapter have failed for so many. I've never in my life seen this volume of bad product reviews on an Apple product. In fact, all of the Apple USB-C adapters have awful reviews. I also fear that if this adapter DOES work, will the USB-3 port be strong enough (while working to output HDMI and charge) without burning out, to power my Audio Interface seamlessly.

2. The other solution comes from your typical Amazon search for USB-C Hub, or USB-C Adapter. There's so many on there, yet with each and every one of them, there's been tons of issues with overheating, HDMI dropping out, interfering with Wi-Fi connectivity, and not supplying enough power to charge the MacBook via passthrough or power an external hard drive.

The other solutions I've found that would WORK for these issues individually, wouldn't address the others, and I can't afford that trade off right now. I need HDMI, USB-3, and CHARGING all simultaneously.

This whole search has put a very bad taste in my mouth, and I've been a huge Apple fan for a decade now. If ANYONE has any advice, or has gone through this please let me know!

MacBook Pro, macOS High Sierra (10.13.1), 2 Thunderbolt (USB-C) Ports

Posted on Nov 16, 2017 10:47 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Nov 16, 2017 12:51 PM in response to Kappy

Note here in the blow-up:

The two versions have two USB-C ports - one on each side of the Ethernet port. The one on the right runs to the computer. The other one is a spare. The dock comes with its own power brick with the power to run more than the computer alone. The 3 ports on the left side are USB 3.1 ports or high-speed USB.

The top model has an HDMI port while the bottom model has a Mini DisplayPort. The latter is the port that uses the same cable connector as Thunderbolt 2.

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Answer 2

unrealbanter Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 16, 2017 10:59 AM in response to Kappy

That is good to know. That's what it's going to come down to. I'm just hoping there's no issues with latency and such in the interface if it DOES work... People with regular MacBooks are probably trying to connect another usb hub to the one slot on the Multiport adapter and send even more power through it. That's even scarier.

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Answer 3

unrealbanter Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 16, 2017 12:21 PM in response to Kappy

I've seen those from OWC and they look amazing. At this point in the frustration, I don't believe spending the extra money for one of those is off the table! Quick question though... I see the Thunderbolt 3 docks are $299 while USB-C docks are just over $100... I thought USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 were the same thing?

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Nov 16, 2017 12:38 PM in response to unrealbanter

No. Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB-C port and connector. TB2 uses a different type of connector that isn't compatible with the USB-C port.

The older OWC dock does not support Thunderbolt 3. I have one that works just fine with my 2015/16 MacBooks. Same with the one from CalDigit. The CalDigit dock only uses USB-C and is TB3 ready.

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Nov 16, 2017 12:43 PM in response to unrealbanter

USB-C is a separate technology standard that uses a different style of port connection than older USB sizes. It's impossible to really separate the standards from the physical port connection that Apple has chosen.

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Answer 6

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Nov 16, 2017 10:54 AM in response to unrealbanter

Get one and try it. Forget about negative reviews. I've used a dozen adapters purchased on eBay and a couple from Apple. They all worked just fine.

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Answer 7

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Nov 16, 2017 11:10 AM in response to unrealbanter

There are several hubs that provide multiple ports while also providing a charging port. You might look for them at OWC, CalDigit, and on Amazon look at Satechi and others.

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Answer 8

unrealbanter Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 16, 2017 12:38 PM in response to Kappy

I wasn't aware until now that USB-C was just the connector, versus the technology behind the speed, etc. Got that cleared up. Now I'm going to look closer at those 2 recommends. Thank you VERY much!

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Answer 9

unrealbanter Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 16, 2017 12:40 PM in response to Kappy

OWC USB-C Dock for Mac and PC

SO this one here is only USB 3.1 using a C connector? So it won't support passthrough for charging cables then, right? (at least at full speed?)

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Answer 10

unrealbanter Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 16, 2017 12:52 PM in response to Kappy

Thank you again. I think I can call this solved. I'm going to cough up the dough for this. Maybe one day I may need the Thunderbolt 3 version, but right now this will do for SURE.

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