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Question about laptop docks and multiple displays. (feddit.uk)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/pcmasterrace

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Hi, I'm looking to get a laptop Dock that will use USB-C connection from my laptop. I then want to plug into the Dock. 2 1080p hdmi monitors, Ethernet and whatever USB stuff like keyboard and mouse. Etc.

My question is. Would the Dock require its own power supply to work correctly, or would the power coming from the laptop be enough.

My work laptop is USB-C powered. So I guess I may be able to plug that into the Dock and then the Dock into the charger port of the laptop? But my personal laptop is not C powered, so I'm worries if that would caus3 damage if I plugged the Dock into my personal laptop when it is getting power from the mains? (This is based on docks that have pass through power like this one https://amzn.eu/d/ghJLmhP)

Thank you

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It is preferable to have the dock power the laptops. Then there is only 1 cable to plug in. If your personal laptop has a USB-C power, it can probably be powered through it. Plugging it in to you work laptop power supply shouldn't break it as there is a lot of negotiating taking place before power is provided. You may want to search the internets first.

The Dell docks are also universal and will work. Avoid HP as they are proprietary. Some other brands (Plugable, Anker) work really well, but may not include the power adapter. Make sure you include the power adapter when comparing docks. I would get the new 100W USB-C adapters (UGreen or Anker) that can power your dock, devices, and laptop (by way of the dock).

I use a mix of Dell and Anker USB-C docks with Dell, HP, and Macbooks and run up to dual 4K displays and power the laptops (The HPs are limited).

There is a few things to watch out for. You laptop's USB-C port needs to be a Thunderbolt port to work with a Thunderbolt dock. If it isn't, you will need non-Thunderbolt USB-C dock.

The port needs to support Power Delivery (PD) and may still limit charging to 60W. You should get up to 82W after the dock takes its cut. Some laptops (Dell) support higher charging rates only with their own brand docks. If you are gaming, your battery will drain, just slowly.

The port should support Displayport even if you are using HDMI. Most docks will have a mix of DP and HDMI. You will need an ACTIVE DP to HDMI adapter. If one of your monitors has DP, use that insteaad of an adapter.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Thank you for the detailed response. There was a mistake though. My personal laptop does NOT have USB C power. Its a circular power point. The work laptop DOES have USB c power.

I'm concerned about plugging a powered Dock into a USB C port on my personal laptop if it is not ment to be powered through USB c.