Question Need Suggestions for External USB Ports

[MasterYoda327]

I plan to build a new gaming PC soon. I am looking for either a powered or unpowered external USB port that has at least USB 3.0 type A plugs (having a few USB Type-C plugs would be nice too) that is capable of handling external devices and peripherals such as external hard drives, webcams, studio microphones, keyboards, mice, and printers. I am looking for an external unit that is reliable, capable of handling tasks such as those mentioned, and, if possible, is under $100. I appreciate any recommendations that you may have.

Thanks.

 

[Ralston18]

As I understand your post, you will need an independently powered USB hub.

How many devices do you plan to connect at one time?

The hub must be able to support the power demands of those devices.

 

[Paperdoc]

Ralston18 is right, Let me expand on details. First, names. ALL USB newer systems now are called USB 3.2 Genn. Gen1 can handle data at up to 5 Gb/s, and is still sometimes called USB3 or USB3.0. You can use any USB3.2 cable and connector with that. Gen2 can do up to 10 Gb/s and really should be using Type C connectors and cables. If you use a cable with Type A connectors, it will work but may not deliver that max data rate. Gen2x2 can move data up to 20 Gb/s (much faster than most devices on the market) and you MUST use good cables with Type C connectors.

A standard USB 3.2 port is supposed to supply power up to 0.9 A per port.When you use a HUB to connect several devices to one host port, that Hub MUST have its own power supply module to provide that power to ALL its output ports without relying on power from the host. For the simple case, assume the Hub you consider has ONLY data ports, ad none called "Charging Ports". So for max power use you need to count up all the output ports and multiply by 0.9 A per port to get total max amps. You almost never will find a Hub that comes with its power supply "brick" able to do that! That is because it is NOT normal to connect to EVERY port a device that uses the max allowed. Further, even when you have all ports connected, you almost never use all devices simultaneously. So as a rough "rule" you should have a power supply unit able to provide perhaps 70% of that huge max. SOMETIMES you get that by buying a Hub larger than you need (comes with a larger power module), and NOT using all the ports.

Next is confusing. Power output form the ports is at 5 VDC and max 0.9 A per port. But may Hubs come with a power module that outputs 12 VDC at specified max amps, and the Hub converts that. So the calculations have to be done in WATTS of power. Watts = Volts x Amps. For example, if the Hub has 7 ports that would need max 5 x 0.9 x 7 = 31.5 W. The power module needs to be able to sup[ply 12 VDC for 31.5 W, so that would be 2.625A, preferably about 3 A max.

IF your Hub ALSO includes "Charging Ports" that can supply more current for fast charging, add those power needs to that of the "regular" ports in deciding what the power module must do.

 

[Ralston18]

I can only "second" @Paperdoc.'

Details matter..