Laptop Docking Station/Hub Recommendation - USB C - Connect 2 External Displays

alterego13 on 06/04/2025 - 01:26
Last edited 06/04/2025 - 01:30

Hi Professionals,
What should be a simple solution has me going around in circles.

Trying to connect an Ideapad 5 to two external (24" 1080p)monitors as extended displays, both HDMI. Sounds simple enough and I managed to get it working with a simple USB C Hub BUT, I only have a 65w charger, which, when connected via the hub as pass-through, reduces the wattage to 59w and my laptop displays a 'slow charger' connected.

So now I'm thinking should I invest in a 'docking station' instead of a hub? A Dell D6000 or similar, but I keep hearing stories that these slow down the laptop or need a firmware update and what not. I am not sure if the USB C ports (charging and additional) in my laptop are capable of utilizing a docking station?

What's the general consensus? Hubs or docking stations?
Any recommendations for either?

Edit: Also, is it required that the hub be connected to a charger as a pass-through gadget which is then connected to the laptop? or can it be connected to an available USB C port on the laptop?

TIA

Computing Docking Station USB Hub

Comments

  • CrispyChrispy on 06/04/2025 - 02:31

    The answer to all your current questions with the current info you've given us? It depends.

    Can you give us your laptop specs? Not all USB-C ports are built equally. Are they Thunderbolt? USB 3.2? USB 4?

    Some docks require software, some don't. Some can power your laptop, some can't. Most require external power, but again, it depends.

    • alterego13 on 06/04/2025 - 11:48

      I believe all ports are USB 3.2
      Definitely not Thunderbolt.

  • McMaferMur on 06/04/2025 - 08:14
    +1

    Yes dock is better especially for 2 or more external monitors as Dock usually has its own powerful charger, so it can power your laptop at full 65w.

    Search ozb for dock to see example i think i saw refub dell recently.
    Or something like this
    https://www.centrecom.com.au/thinkpad-hybrid-usb-c-with-usb-…

    • noobshoes on 06/04/2025 - 09:31
      +2

      These lenovo docks are decent. Had minor issues with mine needing to be reflashed with firmware but otherwise good. I would get it from cashconverters or somewhere second hand because there is many of them floating around as seconds from businesses. Just make sure you buy a model that has what you need. Especially refresh rate, multiple monitors and enough power pass through.

      • alterego13 on 06/04/2025 - 12:55

        I am leaning more towards these docks rather than hubs due to just one cable coming out of the dock connecting to the laptop but if they're going to impact the performance of the laptop then that's something I definitely cannot compromise.
        I will be running 2x 24" 1080p monitors @60hz.

      • alterego13 on 06/04/2025 - 13:56

        Will this be a good middle of the road solution?
        https://www.australiancomputertraders.com.au/hp-elite-usb-c-…

        I want to connect both monitors to the hub.

  • McMaferMur on 06/04/2025 - 08:16

    I only have a 65w charger, which, when connected via the hub as pass-through, reduces the wattage to 59w

    i could be wrong but thats your fault. you must use something more than 65w. 65w is to power the laptop only not laptop with the data going out to 2 external monitors

    • alterego13 on 06/04/2025 - 12:14

      I'm Powering the monitors independently, they are not drawing power from the laptop.

  • Rockets84 on 06/04/2025 - 16:03
    +1

    At work we use the Lenovo USB-C dock (40ay0090au). It's 2 x DisplayPort or 1 x HDMI & 1 x DP, comes with a 90W charger and powers the attached Lenovo T14 or X1's that we use them with. Firmware up date it and use DisplayPort to HDMI cable. Never had any issues and we run dozens of them. For triple monitors we use the Lenovo ThunderBolt Dock.I see these Lenovo USB-C docks all the time on FaceBook Marketplace cheap from former WFH set ups.

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