USB-C ports are the most common physical connection on modern Windows laptops, but that doesn't mean the ports all perform at the same level.

USB-C is made up of several different standards, with the most recent being USB4. And in that case, USB4 also has a couple of performance tiers to contend with.

👉 Related: Thunderbolt 4 vs. Thunderbolt 3 vs. USB4 vs. USB 3

Despite reviewing and using many different laptops every month, I often get confused about the specific capabilities of a particular USB port. So, how does a regular user expect to avoid confusion?

Microsoft has recognized the issue and plans to fix it with a new initiative.

Microsoft is 'ending USB-C port confusion'

The USB-C naming schemes and standards remain a big problem for PC users in 2025.

According to a recent Microsoft Blog post written by Senior Product Manager Ugan S., 27% of Windows PCs with a USB4 port have received a dreaded limited functionality notification.

If you see this pop up when connecting a peripheral, it means your USB-C port lacks a certain feature to properly run the accessory. It usually occurs when connecting a display.

The problem boils down to USB-C's inequality. Many laptop makers slap a USB-C port or two onto a PC without divulging much more information beyond its numbered standard, and even then, it's difficult to tell its true capabilities.

Microsoft shares a theoretical scenario that is undoubtedly quite common around the world:

So, how does Microsoft plan to fix the problem? The solution arrives with an updated Windows 11 Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP).

Going forward, laptops that ship with Windows 11 24H2 on board will have WHCP certification. According to Microsoft, certification comes with "two firm promises of USB-C on Windows 11."

• USB data, charging, and display support will work on ALL USB-C ports. No more confusion when using older USB peripherals. They'll "just work."
• USB4 ports with 40Gbps performance will be fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripherals. Any USB4 or TB3 peripheral will "work every time on every port."

These promises come with several minimum capabilities for each USB-C version. The Microsoft blog post has a neat little table that lays them out.

The enforcement of these minimums through the WHCP qualification system leads to several conclusions.

Most importantly, you'll be able to trust that your USB devices will work without issue, thanks to Microsoft's new requirement of USB-IF certified silicon inside the laptop.

Every USB-C port on a certified PC now requires USB Power Delivery capabilities so that there's no inconsistency with what can charge and what cannot.

Next up is external display support; DisplayPort Alt Mode is now required for all USB-C ports. Ports are required to be VESA certified, so you can expect to plug in a screen without issue.

And finally, a Microsoft driver stack requirement ensures that your PC is always getting the latest USB driver updates to keep everything running smoothly.

What about USB4's 40Gbps and 80Gbps standards?

USB4 is the latest version that uses the physical USB-C connector, and to add further confusion, it comes in a couple of performance tiers.

There are 40Gbps and 80Gbps bandwidth options that PC makers can use, and until recently, they weren't exactly advertised separately. That was an issue due to their massive gap in capabilities.

While the USB-IF has added some extra guidelines for naming USB4 performance tiers separately, Microsoft is taking things a step further.

USB4 40Gbps connections in new Windows laptops will now require full compatibility with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 accessories. If your laptop is advertised as having a USB port with 40Gbps performance, you can expect it to be able to sustain that speed.

Beyond that, WHCP certification covers 80Gbps USB4 ports, requiring them to offer 80Gbps transfer speeds in both directions, as well as an asymmetric 120Gbps / 40Gbps mode made especially for high-res external display.

That puts it in line with Thunderbolt 5, which is Intel's branded and licensed take on USB4 v2.

The new WHCP certification for USB-C connectivity will only be found on new laptops that ship with Windows 11 version 24H2. It will be enforced with its Hardware Lab Kit, which pulls in user feedback and telemetry, automated test cases, and validation led by OEMs.

It's expected that this program will receive updates with every major Windows 11 release.

Laptops may be more capable than ever now, but they're also shorter on ports than ever thanks to slimmer and lighter designs.

To get the most out of your device — including connecting external displays, accessories, storage, and more — you'll need to invest in a docking station. The go-to for many is a dock powered by Thunderbolt 4, but not every device guarantees compatibility. Now, there's a new option that's not only just as capable but guarantees wider device support and costs less than the competition.

The Razer USB4 Dock is a phenomenal docking station with excellent pricing, making it one of the easiest recommendations I'll make this year. It's sleek and beautiful, but it's also packed with diverse ports, performs well under pressure, and even boasts a unique feature you won't find anywhere else. There are cheaper docking stations and there are more capable docking stations, but the Razer USB4 Dock may be the absolute best to strike this sweet spot.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. Razer had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Razer USB4 Dock review: Pricing and specifications

• The Razer USB4 Dock retails for $229.99.
• That's $100 less than Razer's Thunderbolt 4 dock.
• This dock is a great value compared to most good T4 docks.

The Razer USB4 Dock is defined by its use of the USB 4.0 standard rather than the Intel-owned Thunderbolt brand built on the same platform. USB4 has a very similar list of capabilities to Thunderbolt 4 and even Thunderbolt 5, but enjoys wider device compatibility thanks to not requiring licensing from Intel (making it more common on AMD and Qualcomm-powered devices). On top of that, USB4 can use most Thunderbolt docks and accessories.

To summarize, the Razer USB4 Dock competes directly with the best Thunderbolt docks in terms of features and performance but undercuts many of those docks in pricing because it lacks the Thunderbolt 4 brand (and stamp of quality guarantee). The Razer USB4 Dock retails for $229.99 at Amazon, which is $70-150 less than many of the most commonly recommended T4 docks. It's also $100 less than Razer's own Thunderbolt 4 Dock that we reviewed.

In the box, you'll find the Razer USB4 Dock (available in black or silver), the 1m braided USB Type-C 4.0 connecting cable, and the 180W DC power cable with its beefy adapter. This dock is covered by Razer's standard 1-year warranty.

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Razer USB4 Dock review: The good

• This dock feels very premium thanks to its CNC aluminum chassis.
• There's a great variety of ports, nicely spaced apart for easy access.
• Performance is excellent, and this dock manages to stay cool, too.

The Razer USB4 Dock is exactly what you'd expect from a high-end Razer product. CNC-milled out of aluminum and anodized in Razer's iconic black or silver, this is a very sleek docking station. It's quite compact at 22mm thin and not particularly heavy, but it still offers fourteen individual ports. Those ports aren't cramped, either, with enough spacing to allow you to use them all simultaneously.

You get the master USB4 port with 100W of sustained Power Delivery (many Thunderbolt 4 docks cap at 96W), DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ports, a total of four USB Type-A ports, two USB Type-C ports (one with independent 20W Power Delivery), a 3.5mm audio jack that supports 7.1 surround sound via THX, SD and microSD card readers, a gigabit Ethernet port, and even a dedicated USB Type-A port for a 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

All of these ports are neatly lined and snug, and build quality in general is exceptional. There's also a convenient power button on the side next to an LED indicator, so you can quickly shut down the docking station when not in use. Power is fed into the docking station via a 180W DC brick, which is bigger than the dock itself but does give you plenty of cable length to keep it out of the way.

In use, I never saw the Razer USB4 Dock stumble. I had multiple products (most of which I've reviewed) constantly connected, including the ASUS ProArt P16 (2024) laptop, Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini LED Gaming Monitor, the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed mouse, the Razer Barracuda X Chroma headset, and the Razer Laptop Cooling Pad. In addition to those diverse peripherals, the USB4 dock still left plenty of room for USB drives, external SSDs, SD cards, and more. All that, and I could still charge my phone or another device via the 20W USB Type-C port.

No matter what I connected, though, the Razer USB4 Dock kept up. Display output was crisp, responsive, and stable, with the ProArt P16 able to take full advantage of the monitor's 1440p, 180Hz panel with intensive gaming. I never experienced instability issues with my wireless mouse, either, a problem common with USB hubs and docks. That's because of this dock's unique feature: a USB Type-A port dedicated to 2.4GHz wireless dongles, which Razer specifically designed to reduce wireless interference and latency.

Using all of these connections simultaneously could make the Razer USB4 Dock warm to the touch but never close to what I'd describe as hot. Despite the compact design, this docking station does a great job with thermal management, avoiding unreliable connections over long sessions. Everything simply worked, which is exactly what you want from a docking station.

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Razer USB4 Dock review: The bad

• There aren't many cons with this docking station.
• The lack of port labels and a smudge-prone design come to mind.
• There's also no triple-display support for those who need it.

When it came to finding flaws with the Razer USB4 Dock, I really had to nitpick. For example, the fact that this matte black chassis attracts fingerprints and smudges like all of Razer's black aluminum products do. You probably won't be physically touching the dock often, though, so that's a minor concern among minor concerns.

I do wish all the ports on this docking station were clearly labeled, though. You can spot the USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports apart from their green design, and the 20W USB Type-C port is labeled, but I'm of the opinion that all ports should be distinctly marked. Not everyone is intimately familiar with the names and specs of the various ports at a glance, and it shouldn't be necessary to go online to find that information.

While we're nitpicking, the Razer USB4 Dock is a little more prone than I'd like to sliding or shifting around under the weight of its connected cables. Aside from making this dock heavier, though, I'm not sure what could be done here. The rubber feet on the bottom certainly seem grippy enough.

Finally, a complaint that will directly deter a select group of buyers: this docking station does not support triple displays. Neither of the USB Type-C ports support display output, meaning you're limited to the singular DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ports. This is a big selling point for some Thunderbolt 4 docks, so I wanted to make sure and mention that.

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Razer USB4 Dock review: Also consider

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Razer USB4 Dock review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a highly capable USB hub for your desk

The Razer USB4 Dock is straightforward — it's a capable, high-quality docking station meant to live on your desk and expand your USB4 or Thunderbolt-equipped device with 13 additional ports. If that's what you need, this is an easy purchase at this price.

✅You don't actually need Thunderbolt 4, specifically

The Thunderbolt brand is as valuable as it is because it's USB, but with tighter standards to achieve certification. USB4 is just as capable, if more inconsistent, so most people can easily save money with the Razer USB4 Dock. Unless you need Thunderbolt for work compliance or your very specific needs, it may be better to cut costs.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You need a dock that supports triple displays

The Razer USB4 Dock is great at many things, but one feature it does not boast is support for three simultaneous display outputs. Dual displays are a cinch, but those looking for a dock that can support triple screens will need to look elsewhere.

Over the last few years, Thunderbolt has become unbelievably common on modern Windows and macOS laptops thanks to the proliferation of new Intel and Apple silicon, but it's still not everywhere. USB4 is a wider-reaching standard that still fulfills the needs of 99.9% of users, and dropping that Thunderbolt branding also drops costs to a more reasonable level.

The Razer USB4 Dock is a prime example of this. Its full retail price is lower than most great Thunderbolt 4 docks when they're on sale, but this docking station isn't meaningfully worse. It's sleek, it's premium, and it's packed with ports and features. It's an all-around great dock that, while lightly aimed at gamers with its 2.4GHz wireless dongle port, is an excellent choice for anyone needing to expand their device with a reliable USB hub.

The Razer USB4 Dock is now available for $229.99 at Amazon. At this price, I honestly can't recommend many other docks to most of the people searching for one.

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Black Friday felt like a flash in the pan this year, but there are some really stellar deals that you can still get your hands on. If you're like me and struggling with the lack of ports on your PC or laptop, you might want to take advantage of this deal that can save $30 on the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub from Best Buy, now just $139.

🔥The hottest Cyber Monday deals🔥

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My desktop PC serves me well as a multipurpose device for gaming, work, and hobbies like digital art. That means my desktop is bogged down with monitors, drawing tablets, and game controllers, not to mention other items like my smartphone, key lights, and recording equipment. All that gear needs a port to plug into, but my Phanteks case only offers so many. I could cough up a couple hundred bucks for a new case with more ports, but that only solves the problem for my desktop and leaves my port-deprived laptop in the cold.

The solution, then, is a multipurpose hub like the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub from Best Buy. This hub is a creative techie's dream, capable of supporting a single 8K (4320p) display with a refresh of 30 Hz or dual 4K (2160p) displays with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and offering data transfer rates of 40 Gbps.

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months) Was $49.99 Now: $27.99 at CDKeys

Unfortunately, the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub doesn't have DisplayPort or HDMI support, so we're limited to USB connections here. There are three Thunderbolt 4 connections available in all, and one USB-A 3.2 port. The hub offers more than enough bandwidth for video and data and is also backward compatible with USB-4 and USB-C 1 and 2 alike. The dock is capable of charging up to 60W to the host device and provides an additional 15W of charging via each of the three Thunderbolt 4 ports. Phones, drawing tablets, LED lighting—plug it all in, and you're good to go with this dock.

While Apple was the earliest adopter of the Thunderbolt ports, these nifty hubs do also work on Windows PCs. However, the Satechi hub is limited to only working with Windows PCs that support Thunderbolt 4. It is not compatible with Thunderbolt 3 systems. If you're running an older desktop or laptop, you may want to consider checking out some of the best Cyber Monday deals on laptops, instead.

💽More great Cyber Monday deals💾

• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• Amazon: Constantly rotating sales on everything you can imagine
• Walmart: Major savings on practically everything
• Target: Live deals on a huge range of products
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• HP: Save big on laptops, desktops, accessories, and more
• Lenovo: Doorbuster deals on all PCs, monitors, accessories, and more
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Discounts and free gifts for Razer hardware, gear, and more
• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live

I'm sure you will read many more exciting Black Friday deals today than something as seemingly mundane as a USB dock, but let me tell you, this is no ordinary USB dock. It's a Razer USB dock and its the single greatest laptop accessory I purchased this year. Yes I paid full price for this beauty at launch because I was so excited that Razer had actually launched a dock that I could afford, but you can get it for a lot cheaper than I did as it's now reduced from $119.99 to $79.99 at Razer and Amazon.

🔥The hottest Black Friday deals🔥

• 💽Zotac RTX 4080 SUPER AMP GPU | $989.99 at Newegg
• 💻Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC | $849.99 at Best Buy
• 💽MSI Ventus 2X E1 OC RTX 4070 GPU | $469.99 at Newegg
• 🎮Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller | $199 at Amazon
• 💽 AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU | $194.99 at Newegg (with free 1TB SSD)
• 🕹️Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck | $299.99 at Amazon
• 💻Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Copilot+ PC | $866 at Amazon

The Razer USB dock is still not the cheapest, but it's the absolute best in class and I'd still pay full price

In my Razer USB-C dock review I raved about how only Razer could make me care this much about a dock, and it's true. As someone who is often working on the move I need a sturdy, durable usb dock to connect all my accessories that doesn't take up too much space or weight in my bag, and while there are certainly cheaper options out there, this Razer USB-C dock makes the experience that much better. I gave it a full 5 stars for a reason, it's durable, weighs only 185 grams and it feels like that tiny bit of luxury I appreciate when choosing my laptop accessories, with it's aluminium alloy finish.

If you already use a Razer laptop, like myself switching between the Razerbook Quartz and the Razer Blade 14, you're probably already hooked on matching Razer accessories. A cheap $20 USB-C dock simply won't cut it for my precious laptop. You don't need to be a hardcore Razer evangalist though, as this dock works with any brand of course.

This USB-C dock conveniently slides into my backpack and extends the ports on my laptop. It allows me to plug in an external monitor when needed, as well as various peripherals like headsets and microphones for podcasting. Plus, it's an affordable alternative to Razer's Thunderbolt 4 dock, though if you are interested in that, it's on sale too right now for $279.99. If you don't need the bells and whistles of Thunderbolt connections, this dock is perfect.

The true mark of a 5-star product for me is something I review that becomes utterly indispensable, and for me, the Razer USB-C dock is absolutely that. It has everything I need in a portable dock, and I would replace it in a heartbeat if anything happened to it. I certainly wish I'd only paid $79.99 for it, like you can right now, but even so it's been worth every cent for my purposes as I've used the heck out of it throughtout the year.

It may not be the cheapest option, but it's perfect for fans of Razer products. It's also ticked all the boxes I look for when reviewing tech: style, solving a problem, and making my life more convenient. If you're looking for a dock that can handle your work and play, needs and don't mind paying a bit extra for the Razer brand, then you should definitely jump on this while the Black Friday sales are still live. We also have a live blog running of the best Razer Black Friday deals.

🍁More great Black Friday deals🦃

• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• Walmart: Early savings on practically everything
• Target: Live deals on a huge range of products
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• HP: Save big on laptops, desktops, accessories, and more
• Lenovo: Doorbuster deals on all Lenovo PCs, monitors, accessories, and more
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Take advantage of free shipping for a limited time
• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live
• Amazon: Constantly rotating sales on everything you can imagine

Have you ever wanted a convenient device to transfer your favorite Xbox Series X|S and PC games without dealing with the desk space and cable management issues of external SSDs? Then SK Hynix has got you covered with the SK Hynix Tube T31 USB Flash Drive, a mighty storage device capable of storing 1TB of data with write/read speeds up to 1000MB/s.

This device normally charges for a high MSRP of $89.99 or even $99.99 at some retailers. However, there's no need to fret because that price tag has become much more affordable thanks to this deal Black Friday 33% discount which has slashed it down to $59.99 at Amazon.

🔥The hottest Black Friday deals🔥

• 🎮ASUS ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) | $349.99 at Best Buy (Save $150!)
• 💻Surface Pro 11 (X Plus) | $899.99 at Best Buy (Save $300!)
• 📺HP Curved Ultrawide (34-inches) | $299.99 at Best Buy (Save $180!)
• 💽WD_Black Xbox Series X|S Card (1TB) | $99.99 at Best Buy (Save $50!)
• 🖱️Razer Basilisk V3 Wired | $39.99 at Best Buy (Save $30!)
• 💽WD_BLACK M.2 2230 SSD (2TB) | $179.99 at Best Buy (Save $60!)

🍁More great Black Friday deals🦃

• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• Walmart: Early savings on practically everything
• Target: Live deals on a huge range of products
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• HP: Save big on laptops, desktops, accessories, and more
• Lenovo: Doorbuster deals on all Lenovo PCs, monitors, accessories, and more
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Take advantage of free shipping for a limited time
• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live
• Amazon: Constantly rotating sales on everything you can imagine

Why should you buy the SK Hynix Tube T31?

The SK Hynix Tube T31 may look like an ordinary USB Flash Drive, but it's secretly a powerful device capable of holding its own against even the best external SSDs like the Samsung T7 Shield or even the Samsung T7. This Flash Drive accomplishes what it sets out to do with near-flawless execution, our Senior Editor, Harish Jonnalagadda, gave it a perfect 5/5 score when he reviewed the SK Hynix Tube T31.

How the SK Hynix Tube T31 managed to win such positive favor from us at Windows Central is multifold. For starters, the SK Hynix Tube T31 is equipped with a built-in M.2 2242 SSD capable of storing 1TB of data. In addition, this M.2 2242 SSD is capable of performing read and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s so you can transfer large chunks of files in a flash.

On top of that, the SK Hynix Tube T31 can function as a game when connected to an Xbox Series X|S, allowing you to store the best Xbox games in one tiny, portable-friendly storage unit.

The only major technical downside of the SK Hynix Tube T31 is it doesn't feature a USB-C connector, which can make it compatible with the best Laptops and best Desktop PC that use USB-C ports. However, you can get around this issue by equipping the Flash Drive with a USB-C adapter.

Aside from that, the SK Hynix Tube T31 is a must-have purchase for anyone looking for a device to store and transfer their valuable files and games. It's a sturdy durable build, has lots of data storage space, and is small and easy to store in your luggage while traveling.

The SK Hynix Tube T31 can be yours for 33% off its original MSRP of $89.99 thanks to this limited-time Black Friday deal that has reduced it to $59.99 at Amazon.

Logitech's Blue Yeti microphones are a staple for content creators, gamers, streamers, and podcasters because of their high-quality audio but affordable price point. Thanks to some pre-Black Friday markdowns, the Yeti line of microphones is even more budget-friendly than ever. The legendary Blue Yeti is available for $99.99 from Best Buy, discounted $30 from its regular price of $129.99.

🎃The best Black Friday deals🦃

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• 📺HP Curved Ultrawide (34-inches) | $349.99 at Best Buy (Save $130!)
• 💽WD_Black Xbox Series X|S Card (1TB) | $99.99 at Best Buy (Save $50!)
• ⌨️Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed | $101.99 at Best Buy (Save $98!)
• 🖱️Razer Basilisk V3 Wired | $39.99 at Best Buy (Save $30!)
• 💽WD_BLACK Handheld SSD (2TB) | $179.99 at Best Buy (Save $60!)
• 🎧Astro A50 Wireless (Xbox & PC) | $149.99 at Best Buy (Save $100!)

A top-classic USB microphone for creators

If you're creating content online—whether as a streamer, a podcaster, or some other variant of influencer—you know all too well that you only have a few brief seconds to capture a viewer's attention. Many creators focus on eye-catching visuals, but viewers have reported that they are likelier to turn a video or live stream off if the quality of audio is poor.

However, if you're just getting started in video creation or live-streaming, you may not want to pour a lot of money into your setup until you know if you're going to stick with the hobby. Many creators start off their hobby or career using Blue Yeti microphones because they offer such high-quality audio recording at a budget-friendly price point compared to the competition.

The Blue Yeti is a USB condenser microphone that produces clear, broadcast-quality recordings using Blue's proprietary three-capsule technology paired with four pickup patterns. The microphone can be further enhanced using Blue VOICE effects and features studio-level controls for headphone volume, gain control, and more. With all these options, it's not hard to understand why the Blue Yeti is considered by us here at Windows Central as the best microphone for streaming.

There are some drawbacks to consider with the Blue Yeti, though. These are heavy microphones and can take up a substantial amount of space on your desk. If you want to mount one to a microphone arm, you'll need to consider your specific arm's weight limits before connecting a Yeti to it. You'll also definitely want to consider using an arm, as the technology used for these microphones can be sensitive enough to pick up any vibration through your desk when the mic is in use, including keystrokes on a neighboring keyboard.

If the size or price of the Blue Yeti is a concern, but you still want to invest in upgrading your audio quality for gaming, Discord calls, or even Zoom meetings, there's good news! There are two smaller, more lightweight and even more affordable options from Blue—The Blue Yeti Nano and the Blue Snowball—and they are also on sale right now. Though the discount is not as steep as it is for their larger brethren, both the Yeti Nano and the Snowball can be great entry points to quality audio recordings. The Blue Yeti Nano is currently $79.99 (was $99) in the Vivid Blue color from Best Buy, while the Blue Snowball is just $37.99 (was $49.99) in Black from Amazon.

What you need to know

• Razer has announced a new docking station, this time powered by USB4.
• Costing $100 less than Razer's Thunderbolt 4 docking station, this hub has more ports, faster device charging, and a unique feature.
• There's a dedicated port for your 2.4GHz wireless dongles, which Razer claims massively reduces latency and improves stability for wireless accessories.
• The Razer USB4 Dock is available starting today for $229.99 in both black and silver.

The Razer USB Type-C Dock we reviewed (and that I still carry in my bag) enjoyed a lot of praise from us, but there was a limit to its capabilities. Now, Razer is taking the wraps off a new option for hardcore users — the Razer USB4 Dock is here, and it's less of a standard USB hub and more of an all-in-one docking station to transform your workstation.

I've had a few days with the new Razer USB4 Dock, and it may strike a beautiful sweet spot by carrying all the features of a full-fledged Thunderbolt 4 dock without the price tag the T4 branding brings. The Razer USB4 Dock costs $229.99 at Razer and comes in both black and stylish silver, boasts 13 usable ports (not including the primary input), and can even improve your gaming setup with a dedicated port for your 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

🎃The best early Black Friday deals🦃

• 🎮ASUS ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) | $349.99 at Best Buy (Save $150!)
• 💽Seagate Xbox Series X|S Card (2TB) | $199.99 at Best Buy (Save $160!)
• 📱iPad 9th Generation (64GB) | $199.99 at Best Buy (Save $130!)
• 🎮Xbox Series X (1TB) | $449.99 at Best Buy (Save $50!)
• 🖥️ABS Cyclone Desktop (RTX 4060) | $1,099.99 at Newegg (Save $400!)
• 💽WD_BLACK SSD for Handhelds (2TB) | $181.99 at Best Buy (Save $58!)
• 💻HP Victus 15.6 (RTX 3050) | $449.99 at Best Buy (Save $430!)
• 📺LG OLED Curved Ultrawide (32-inches) | $949 at Amazon (Save $550!)
• 🎮Lenovo Legion Go (Ryzen Z1 Extreme) | $539.99 at Amazon (Save $160!)
• 📺HP Curved Ultrawide (34-inches) | $349.99 at Best Buy (Save $130!)

The better Thunderbolt dock for most... With no Thunderbolt

Those who want to truly get the most out of a docking station — including adding external displays, accessing external storage, and using their favorite accessories — are likely looking for a Thunderbolt-powered docking station. Thunderbolt, built on the USB Type-C platform and standardized by Intel, is a powerful tool for creatives and hardcore users with a seemingly endless list of capabilities, but it also costs a lot.

Now, there's a new universal standard in the form of USB4, which can do everything Thunderbolt can do (at least on paper) but doesn't require the expensive licensing. The USB4 standard compares favorably to Thunderbolt and laptops with full-featured USB4 ports can even use Thunderbolt-licensed docking stations and accessories. It's nice to see a company like Razer embrace the full power of USB4 with a new docking station that costs $100 less than the company's Thunderbolt 4 dock... and is arguably more capable.

The Razer USB4 Dock is a 14-in-1 docking station made of sleek, CNC anodized aluminum. My review sample is the classic Razer black, but the company also sells a more professional silver version that would look right at home alongside any Macbook, Surface, or Dell XPS. It's bigger in every dimension and much heavier than Razer's ultra-portable USB Type-C hub, but it's also much more compact than something like the more expensive UGREEN Revodok Max 213 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station I reviewed.

"Beautiful" isn't a word I'd normally associate with docking stations, but the Razer USB4 Dock is absolutely one of the better-looking options I've seen from any company. This design is practical and packed with features, too, including four USB Type-A ports, two USB Type-C ports, two display outputs, SD and microSD card slots, gigabit Ethernet, and a multipurpose 3.5mm audio jack with 7.1 surround sound.

Of course, I can't forget about this docking station's most unique feature. On the side you'll find a fifth USB Type-A port, which is specially designed for 2.4GHz wireless dongles — you know, the kind you use to connect your wireless mouse and keyboard to your PC? It's common for users to experience increased latency or stability issues when their wireless dongle is connected to a hub or dock rather than to their PC directly, but Razer claims to have solved that with this port, making it perfect for mobile gaming setups.

Feeding into the Razer USB4 Dock is a 180W power supply, and you can divert up to 100W of that juice to your device via the USB4 upstream port. You'll still have a USB Type-C port on the front with 20W Power Delivery, too, in case you want to plug in your phone or another device for charging. When many Thunderbolt 4 docks (including Razer's own offering) only go up to 90W device charging, that's impressive.

Ports-wise, this is a very good mix with no obvious omissions. Razer didn't skimp on the display output, either, with both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4. Dual displays are a breeze with this docking station, and the Razer USB4 Dock supports up to 4K at 120Hz or FHD at 240Hz. All of those ports are well positioned with good spacing, and build quality in general is excellent.

I haven't had enough time to truly put this docking station through its paces, but early impressions are incredibly positive. The Razer USB4 Dock is just as capable as many of the best Thunderbolt 4 docking stations, and Razer achieved a smaller retail price just by shedding that Thunderbolt branding. Don't think you have to give anything up, either — just like most Thunderbolt 4 docks, the Razer USB4 Dock is compatible with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4/5 equipped devices.

The Razer USB4 Dock is now available for $229.99 at Razer, and could end up becoming one of the best value options for those looking for a capable all-in-one docking station. You'll have to stay tuned for my full review, though, which should be dropping in the coming weeks.

SK hynix has been my go-to brand for PC storage ever since I reviewed a couple of its M.2 solid-state drives (SSD). The company known for reliable and affordable storage doesn't just make quality internal SSDs; it also branches out into external storage solutions for those on the go.

The SK hynix Tube T31 received a perfect score and a Windows Central Best Award in our review, all thanks to its smart and compact design with sturdy build quality, zippy transfer speeds, and compatibility with Xbox Series X/S and PCs. It's only slightly larger than a traditional USB thumb drive, but instead of flash storage, it has inside an M.2 2242 SSD that can hit speeds up to 1,000MB/s.

It's available in two capacities — 1TB and 512GB — and while both remain on sale after Prime Day, the larger model is a better deal. Regularly priced at $100, it's now down to $69.99 at Newegg. That's the lowest price I've ever seen, beating the previous $80 best from last month. 

🔥 Prime Day 2024 deals still available 🔥

• Logitech G502 Lightspeed mouse | was $149.99 now $79.99 at Amazon
• Lenovo Legion Go handheld | was $699.99 now $598.99 at Amazon
• Xbox Core Wireless Controller | was $59.99 now $44.00 at Amazon
• Razer Blade 15 gaming laptop | was $2,800 now $1,599.99 at Best Buy
• Seagate Xbox Expansion Card | was $360 now $249.99 at Best Buy
• Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader | was $51.99 now $22.69 at CDKeys
• UPspec xScreen for Xbox Series S | was $249.99 now $199.99 at Amazon
• Thrustmaster T248 racing wheel | was $399.99 now $299.99 at Amazon
• Samsung T7 Shield 2TB external drive | was $285 now $149.99 at Amazon
• Xbox Series X Replica 8 Can Mini Fridge | was $88 now $39.94 at Walmart
• Remnant 2 Ultimate Edition (PC) | was $58.49 now $23.99 at CDKeys
• Alienware QD-OLED gaming Monitor | was $899.99 now $749.99 at Dell
• HyperX Cloud III Wireless headset | was $149.99 now $113.99 at Amazon 

The slickest portable SSD around is at its lowest price ever

In our SK hynix Tube T31 review, Windows Central's Harish Jonnalagadda was absolutely blown away by the 1TB external SSD masquerading as a thumb drive. He remarked:

"The drive is able to deliver reliable figures in daily usage scenarios and holds its own against external SSDs. If you want familiarity with a USB drive but need SSD levels of performance and reliability, look no further."

The Tube T31 is slightly larger than a traditional thumb drive using flash storage, but it's still smaller than standard external SSDs and weighs only 35 grams.

We tested the Tube T31 against the company's 1,000MB/s performance claims and saw a slightly lower result of about 932.8MB/s read. That's still very respectable for a thumb drive, and you'll be hard-pressed to find anything else so small and sleek that matches the performance.

One of the main drawbacks to the drive is its native USB-A connectivity. If you have a modern laptop with USB-C only, you'll need to use a dock or dongle, many of which can be found in our Prime Day laptop accessory deal guide. On the other hand, the USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) connectivity makes it compatible with Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 consoles, allowing you to easily store games externally.

The SK hynix Tube T31 launched at the tail end of 2023, and the current Prime Day discount is the lowest price ever. The sale is actually available at Newegg's Fantastech Deal event instead of at Amazon, where only the 512GB model is discounted.

You can pick up the 1TB Tube T31 for just $70, making it the most storage per dollar. If you don't want to spend quite as much (and don't need as much storage space), the 512GB Tube T31 is down to $55.

In a world where devices are increasingly relying on the universal and highly capable USB Type-C port, docking stations and port hubs are also becoming increasingly crucial for many people. Whatever you use your laptop for, finding a right dock with the right combination of ports, pricing, and design can be a dramatic help. UGREEN is one of the most consistent sources of quality docking stations, and I was sent the Revodok Pro 313 13-in-1 docking station to check out.

It's difficult to really review a docking station and keep matters interesting, though, regardless of how important they may be. The Revodok Pro 313 is functional, and that's most of what's important. Still, this is another dock that doesn't quite meet my personal needs, even if it may be perfect for you. Let's dive into the good and bad of UGREEN's beefy 13-in-1 docking station and see if it's worth what UGREEN is charging for it.

This review was made possible with a review sample provided by UGREEN. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Revodok Pro 313 review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The UGREEN Revodok Pro 313 retails for $129.99 at Amazon but is often seen discounted to as little as $100.
• As a 13-in-1 USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 dock, it's more affordable than any Thunderbolt 4 alternative... But there are cheaper options on the market.

I wish I could share with you more in-depth product information and specifications, but UGREEN is honestly horrendously bad and inconsistent at sharing accurate information. It's one area where the company can dramatically improve, as being entirely transparent about all aspects of a product is how you build trust. Before you order, how do you know the dimensions or weight of the dock you're ordering? What about the exact port specifications?

Still, I can tell you this dock is bigger in every dimension and heavier than the premium Razer USB Type-C Dock, more so than what you'd expect from simply gaining two ports. The UGREEN Revodok Pro 313 retails for $129.99 at Amazon, which feels a little pricey when you can find comparable docks from other competitors for less. I've regularly seen this dock go on sale for as little as $99.99, though, which is a far easier pill to swallow and makes for a simpler recommendation.

In the box, all you'll find is the UGREEN Revodok Pro 313 USB Type-C 13-in-1 Docking Station with its permanently attached, braided USB Type-C input cable. It only comes in the one metallic grey color. You can also consider this dock's little sibling, the UGREEN Revodok Pro 211 USB Type-C 11-in-1 Docking Station, which drops a USB port, and the DisplayPort for $89.99 at Amazon.

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Revodok Pro 313 review: The good

The pros highlights

• The UGREEN Revodok Pro 313 is built to last, with tank-like build quality and a sturdy braided connecting cable.
• There's also a wide variety of ports here, including three display outputs that let you do up to three 4K monitors (at 30Hz or two 4K monitors at 60Hz).
• 100W Power Delivery is split 85W to your device and 15W to your connected accessories and peripherals, making this a useful hub.

There's not a lot that a dock has to do to be considered "good." It needs to have the right ports, those ports need to function properly, and the dock itself needs to be built well. UGREEN accomplished all of that with the Revodok Pro 313. There are 13 additional ports here, and there's a healthy mixture between data, display output, power, audio, and even internet.

You have a combined total of five data USB ports, three display output ports, two camera storage slots, and then one port each for power, internet, and audio. There's really nothing missing here, although the quality and capabilities of each port will understandably be limited by the fact that this isn't a Thunderbolt 4 dock (which would massively increase the price and drastically limit the device compatibility).

Still, you can connect up to three monitors to this dock at once, hitting either 4K at 30Hz for all three or 4K at 60Hz for dual monitors. You can keep your laptop charged with 85W of passthrough power (most modern Ultrabooks demand 65W, giving you some leeway) and still have an additional 15W to spread among your connected peripherals. You can dump the Wi-Fi for proper hardwired Gigabit Ethernet (up to 1,000Mb/s). There's even a TransFlash (TF) card slot in addition to a full-sized SD card, giving you support for more camera storage types.

A great variety means nothing if the ports don't work, and these ports do work. If you try to max every port out you're going to run into bandwidth issues because it's all being run through a single USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port (which could result in flickering monitors or dropped connections), but I never encountered any issues while using the Revodok Pro 313.

Build quality-wise, this docking station feels very durable. It's an aluminum chassis flanked by two plastic caps, with a non-detachable braided cable for input that feels securely rooted. Every port is protected by this aluminum shell, and the dock itself feels like it could fall off a truck on the highway and still connect to your precious multi-monitor setup. The metallic grey finish is simple, too, not attracting smudges or oil and resisting scratches and chips.

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Revodok Pro 313 review: The bad

The cons highlights

• While the Revodok Pro 313 is built well, the design has some rough edges, and the dock is quite large overall.
• Also, especially at full price, other much more affordable alternatives may be hard to ignore.
• Like the Razer dock, too, the Revodok Pro 313 limits its additional Type-C port to data-only.

The UGREEN Revodok Pro 313 feels like a tank in more than one way. Yes, it's put together nicely and is comfortingly durable, but it's also quite large and heavy for a docking station. Unlike the svelte, ultra-premium Razer USB Type-C Dock, you may struggle to find a good place for the Revodok Pro 313 in your bag. Beyond that, the edges where the metal chassis meets the plastic endcaps is rough — almost to the point of being sharp. There's a lack of polish and refinement here that you'd find in a more premium product.

It's especially noticeable when you consider the pricing. UGREEN has a reputation for building quality products, sure, but you can easily find competing USB Type-C docks from smaller or brandless companies that are significantly cheaper, sometimes by as much as $50-60. Personally, the Revodok Pro 313 feels more appropriately priced at its discounted $99.99, so I'd keep an eye out for that.

Finally, one of the weaknesses of the Revodok Pro 313 is its extra USB Type-C port. One of the functions of a docking station for me is being able to charge my ASUS ROG Ally while also using the XREAL Air 2 Pro AR glasses, but that's simply not possible here because the additional USB Type-C port isn't capable of video output. It's also a weakness of the Razer USB Type-C Dock, so it's something to keep in mind if you value the versatility of a Type-C port. At least the Revodok Pro 313 partially makes up for it by having support for up to three external monitors.

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Revodok Pro 313 review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a reliable, durable USB Type-C docking station

You can absolutely save money by buying a cheaper, no-name alternative 13-in-1 docking station, but UGREEN comes with a baseline guarantee of quality and durability that you can't expect in other places. If you simply want a docking station that you know will work, this is a great choice.

✅You really want support for up to three external monitors

The Revodok Pro 313's biggest claim to fame is the inclusion of one DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, giving you support for up to three external monitors at 4K and 30Hz. That's a very valuable feature to a lot of people and could be an excellent reason to choose this dock over others.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You need a slim and light docking station for travel

The Revodok Pro 313 is capable, but compact it is not. You may have to pay a little extra for the privilege of premium design and portability, but for some it's worth the added cost. If you don't want to lug around a big and heavy docking station, it may be worth looking elsewhere.

I like UGREEN's products; the company isn't pushing the envelope for innovation, but instead focuses on delivering consistently quality products that cater to practically every potential user. The Revodok Pro 313 USB Type-C 13-in-1 Docking Station is for those that desire lots of extra ports and support for multiple external monitors without relying on expensive Thunderbolt technology.

Do I wish it was a little more affordable? Sure, but it's regularly on sale. Do I wish it was a little thinner and lighter? Sure, but you can pay more to get a more premium dock. Do I wish the extra USB Type-C port also supported display output? Yes, I would've happily sacrificed the DisplayPort for that functionality, but I may be in the minority here. Ultimately, though, this UGREEN dock is a great all-around choice for expanding the best Windows laptops with more ports and features.

You can pick up the UGREEN Revodok Pro 313 USB Type-C 13-in-1 Docking Station for $129.99 at Amazon if this sounds like the dock of your dreams (but, again, look out for those frequent discounts).

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A major revival for Windows on ARM is on the horizon thanks to the advent of impressive new tech from Qualcomm and Microsoft, and the advantages (at least on paper) are exciting enough to entice a lot of potential buyers. However, will those leaving Intel behind also need to give up the vast, comprehensive ecosystem of Thunderbolt accessories and peripherals?

On the surface, it seems like the answer is "yes." After all, non-Intel computers powered by AMD or Qualcomm hardware don't often use the Thunderbolt standard, as it's owned by Intel itself. However, there's a savior for people interested in Windows on ARM: USB4. The latest generation of USB Type-C ports is now appearing on new computers, and it can work with existing Thunderbolt accessories. Emphasis on "can," because there's unfortunately a caveat.

ARMing PCs with powerful USB ports

Thunderbolt is incredibly powerful, allowing you to expand your Windows PC with more ports, more displays, more storage, and even more graphical power. Built on top of the USB Type-C connector and certified after meeting strict requirements, Thunderbolt is a potent tool that many professionals and creatives rely on. It's also available on the majority of new Windows PCs being sold today — and almost all of those PCs have Intel hardware inside.

The new wave of Windows on ARM Copilot+ Windows PCs may seem at risk of losing access to Thunderbolt because of this, but we've already seen new Windows on ARM PCs boasting USB4 ports, which can do all the same things in theory. We have an in-depth explainer on USB4, as well as explainers on Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5. If you'd like to skip to comparing USB4 and Thunderbolt, we have that, too.

The summary is that USB4 has the upgraded capabilities and bandwidth to use Thunderbolt peripherals because it was built off the (now) open-source Thunderbolt 3 standard. However, there are multiple versions of USB4, and not all are made equal. We have an in-depth guide on using Thunderbolt accessories with USB4 ports, and you should absolutely check that guide out for a more thorough explanation. If you're considering a new PC powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series of systems-on-chip (SOCs), you'll need to be aware of if it has USB4 ports and how much bandwidth those ports have.

Thunderbolt 4 has a bidirectional bandwidth of 40GBps and unidirectional bandwidth of 80GBps, so you'll need a USB4 port marked with the USB 40GBps label. Thunderbolt 5 increases those bandwidth numbers to 80GBps and 120GBps, respectively, so you'll need the USB4 port marked with the USB 80GBps label (both Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 2.0 are still incredibly rare and expensive, so no need to worry about this too much). Compatibility isn't totally guaranteed, but USB4 ports can be just as capable as Thunderbolt without relying on Intel.

Windows on ARM PCs can be thinner and lighter, last far longer, and have just as much power as traditional Intel and AMD PCs thanks to the Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite SoCs, making them incredibly attractive options for many people. You can keep an eye on our list of the best Windows on ARM PCs for the greatest options in the space, especially if you need to ensure you don't lose Thunderbolt compatibility when making the jump to ARM.

The majority of the laptops sold in the world are powered by Intel, and now most of those laptops also boast USB Type-C Thunderbolt ports. The Thunderbolt standard becoming prolific across modern Windows PCs is awesome, but it does leave non-Intel users completely out of the fun. If your PC of choice is equipped with AMD or Qualcomm hardware, it may feature USB4 ports instead of Thunderbolt. If that's the case, are you able to use the vast ecosystem of existing Thunderbolt accessories like docks and hubs?

The answer is fortunately positive, but unfortunately convoluted in the same way that the rest of the USB format is. USB4 ports are more capable than ever, but the persistent fragmentation that has afflicted USB for generations still remains. There are multiple USB4 versions that manufacturers can equip their laptops with, and they're not all created equal! In this article, I'll explain it all and tell it to you straight: can you use Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 docks with your USB4 laptop?

Understanding USB and Thunderbolt

Despite most of the world fully embracing the USB Type-C connector, USB itself is still a confusing mass of conflicting versions. This is even with USB basically being controlled by two entities; the USB-IF (Universal Serial Bus Implementers Forum) is in charge of the foundational capabilities, specs, and branding of all USB ports and cables; Intel, on the other hand, owns the Thunderbolt brand, which builds enhanced power and more features on top of USB.

Where generic USB ports are unbelievably fragmented across generations of cross-compatibility, differing data bandwidths and protocol support, and multiple rebranding attempts, Thunderbolt is highly standardized, with strict requirements that manufacturers have to meet. That makes Thunderbolt far easier to understand, except Intel is the company behind it — meaning you'll need an Intel PC to take advantage.

It's not likely that you'll see a laptop with an AMD Ryzen or Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chip under the hood boast Thunderbolt support, but that doesn't mean you have to avoid those laptops entirely if you require very fast and very versatile ports. The latest generation of non-Thunderbolt USB Type-C ports is known as USB4 — these are some pretty powerful ports that can do basically anything a Thunderbolt port can do... With some caveats. Let's compare the two.

USB4 vs. Thunderbolt 3/4/5

If you want the full rundown, we have an in-depth guide on USB4 vs. Thunderbolt 4 vs. Thunderbolt 3 that you can check out. In the meantime, I'll provide the trimmed down synopsis. USB4 is the latest USB standard released by USB-IF, and it continues to improve the universal USB Type-C port that's on practically every new electronic under the sun. USB4 is unique versus previous USB standards in that it's actually built on top of Thunderbolt 3, which Intel made open source.

That means USB4 matches the capabilities of Thunderbolt 3 out of the door, and it has the potential to match Thunderbolt 4 (and soon Thunderbolt 5) as well. Of course, USB-IF couldn't be content with just making an open-source Thunderbolt alternative, as USB4 isn't entirely one-to-one with the Thunderbolt standard. What makes Thunderbolt so valuable to professionals, creatives, and so many other people are the stringent minimum requirements each Thunderbolt port, cable, and accessory has to meet to be certified.

USB4, on the other hand, has far looser requirements and as such can match Thunderbolt on one laptop but not on another. It's a frustrating situation, and now there are technically three different USB4 ports to watch out for. There is a lot that goes into a USB port, but some of what set Thunderbolt apart from regular USB Type-C ports in the past included being able to split multiple data types and protocols across the same bandwidth and in multiple directions, higher minimum requirements for display output and supported PCIe lanes, and better Power Delivery for device charging.

USB4 introduced major improvements in all three of those areas, introducing multi bidirectional lanes, DisplayPort 2.0 support for more/higher resolution/higher refresh rate monitors, and even better charging capabilities. However, USB4 2x2 only supports up to 20GBps, which falls well below the 40GBps ceiling of both Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4. You'll need USB4 2x3, which does match the 40GBps bidirectional bandwidth and can do 80GBps in one direction via DisplayPort (for even more displays goodness).

This still doesn't always guarantee that the USB4 2x3 port on your laptop will 100% match everything a Thunderbolt 4 port can do, given the less strict requirements in other areas, but it's still significantly better than any previous USB generation could do. Finally, there's actually a brand-new USB4 variant that supports bandwidth up to 80GBps bidirectional and 120GBps unidirectional through DisplayPort 2.1, and 240W Power Delivery. It also introduced a new naming scheme (of course), and is known as USB4 2.0 or USB4 80GBps. This port is brand-new and likely not to be found on any current laptops, but it has the potential to match even Thunderbolt 5.

Now, USB 2.0 is USB 5GBps, USB 3.2 Gen 1 is USB 10GBps, USB 3.2 Gen 2 is USB 20GBps, USB4 2x2 is also USB 20GBps (but you get the USB4 features like better DisplayPort support), USB4 2x3 is USB 40GBps, and USB4 2.0 is USB 80GBps. Got it? No? Me neither. What matters is there is a USB4 port that can use Thunderbolt 3 and even Thunderbolt 4 docks and accessories, and there is a USB4 port coming in the future that should be able to use Thunderbolt 5 docks and accessories.

What to look for on your laptop

So, how do you know which USB4 port your device is using? Unfortunately, it kind of depends on your laptop manufacturer. You can use Device Manager to find out what kind of USB ports your laptop has (press Win + R, then type devmgmt.msc and press Enter, then scroll down to Universal Serial Bus Controllers, then expand the list to see your USB ports), but it may not tell you the exact specifications of each port. Ideally, though, your laptop manufacturer will have correctly labeled the ports on your device.

USB ports should be labeled with a small icon that's "USB" plus the bandwidth speed, and then occasionally additional icons like a tiny lightning bolt (for Power Delivery support) or "DP" (for display output support). You'll want to look at each of the USB Type-C ports of your computer and see if any are labeled with "USB 40GBps." That's a USB4 port, and it should support Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 accessories! If any of your ports are only labeled with a large lightning bolt with an arrow at the end, then that's a Thunderbolt port and you probably don't need this article.

As new Windows on ARM PCs begin arriving off the back of Qualcomm's latest hardware, USB4 should get a lot more common. Hopefully, most manufacturers will opt for the higher-end USB4 standards to ensure that users can also take advantage of cross-compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 accessories, but I won't hold my breath with some companies.

Just be diligent and ensure you're using the right port on your device and that you have a USB4/Thunderbolt cable (not all Type-C cables are the same), like this USB4 Type-C cable for $34.99 at Amazon. Also, keep in mind that even if you do everything right, your USB4 laptop may not be able to use 100% of a Thunderbolt 4 accessory's capabilities. It also helps to check Thunderbolt accessories before you buy to see if the manufacturer guarantees cross-compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 devices, like the UGREEN Revodok Max 213 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station I've been using (and will review soon), which you can get for $399.99 at Amazon.

The last USB drive I bought was the Kingston DataTraveler; it had 64GB of storage and a USB-C connector, making it a good choice for flashing new builds of SteamOS on the Steam Deck. Outside of that and the occasional Windows install, I don't have much need for flash drives. While I go to great lengths to back up my data, flash drives have always been unreliable, so I didn't trust them enough when it comes to storing data. 

SK Hynix's Tube T31, however, is different. It is marketed as a USB drive, but instead of other flash drives, it houses an SSD inside, and is able to go up to 1,000MB/s for as little as $79. That's more in line with the best external SSDs, and you get the convenience of a USB drive. Best of all, the T31 doubles as a game drive when connected to the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 (to play PS4 games), and that gives it a clear edge.

So if you're frustrated with traditional flash drives and want something that's significantly faster, the Tube T31 may just be the product you've been looking for.

SK Hynix Tube T31: Pricing and release date

SK Hynix launched the Tube T31 back in December 2023, and the USB drive is now available in most global markets. Based on the region you're buying the drive, you'll see it advertised as sold by SK Hynix or Hitachi LG Data Storage, but the product itself is the same.

The Tube T31 is available in two storage variants: the 512GB model costs $79 on Amazon, and the 1TB version is available for $99. Considering the minor difference between the two, you're better off getting the 1TB model. The drive comes with a three-year warranty, which is standard.

SK Hynix Tube T31: What I like

The Tube T31 looks like any other flash drive available today, albeit noticeably larger. The drive uses a plastic shell and has a cover for the USB-A port, and the design itself is pretty straightforward. You get the SK Hynix logo at the front, regulatory labels at the back, and an LED indicator on the side that blinks when the drive is active.

The T31 has dimensions of 92.5 x 30.5 x 14mm, and it weighs just 35g, making it inherently pocketable. While the drive is made out of plastic, the build quality is excellent, and there are no issues in this area. SK Hynix touts tumble resistance of up to to meters, and although there's no ingress protection, the bundled cover does a good job protecting the USB-A port.

Obviously, the key differentiator for the T31 is that it houses an M.2 SSD instead of the usual flash storage that regular drives use. SK Hynix uses a custom M.2 2242 SSD within the drive, and it has sequential reads and writes of up to 1,000MB/s — that's faster than most external SSDs you can buy today.

Windows 11 automatically recognized the drive without any issues, and the 1TB version has 953GB of usable storage. I didn't see any problems while connecting the T31 to my PlayStation 5 either, and it showed up as an external drive. The drive is based on the USB 3.2 Gen2 standard and has a 10Gbps bandwidth, and it is able to use the full potential of the USB-A connector.

The T31 comes close to the touted sequential reads/writes in CrystalDiskMark, and even with the drive nearly 80% full, it was able to deliver reliable transfer rates throughout.

In real-world testing, I was able to transfer over 200GB of data at an average of 558MB/s from an internal Gen. 4 SSD to the T31. It's not quite as fast as the stated figures, but several magnitudes better than any other USB drive I have used to date, and on par with other external SSDs I have at hand, including the terrific Crucial X9 Pro.

The T31 doesn't manage to maintain those speeds with smaller datasets consisting of images and documents, but it still did a reliable job in this scenario, outmatching most other external SSDs. From a performance point of view, I have no problems whatsoever with the Tube T31.

SK Hynix Tube T31: What I don't like

The only quibble I have with the T31 is that it uses a USB-A connector. Having a USB-C port would have been preferable, as most modern notebooks don't come with a USB-A connector. That said, if you're using a machine that has USB-A ports or are considering the T31 as an external game drive, USB-A is the better choice.

The drive tends to get warm while transferring a large amount of data, but it isn't uncomfortable to hold and is in line with other external SSDs. Finally, I would have liked to see a 2TB model of the T31, but it maxes out at 1TB as of writing.

SK Hynix Tube T31: The competition

There are a few choices available if you want a USB drive with an SSD. Buffalo's SSD-PUT is a great alternative, and the drive has a smaller chassis than the T31 and a retractable USB-A port. I also like that it goes up to 2TB, but the integrated SSD isn't as fast — it goes up to sequential reads of 600MB/s. At $89 for the 1TB version, the SSD-PUT is a smidgen more affordable, but I'd still get the T31. 

SK Hynix Tube T31: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

✅ You want the fastest USB drive available today
✅ You need fast external game storage for the Xbox Series X/S
✅ You want a USB drive that's durable

You shouldn't buy this if:

❌ You need a USB-C connector

SK Hynix nailed the basics with the Tube T31. The drive has a diminutive design that's easily pocketable, and the chassis is built to last. As it has a USB-A port, you'll need to use a dock or hub if your notebook doesn't have the requisite ports, but that's not a huge drawback.

The main reason for buying the T31 at $79 and up is the performance; the drive is able to deliver reliable figures in daily usage scenarios, and holds its own against external SSDs. If you want familiarity with a USB drive but need SSD levels of performance and reliability, look no further.

For regular laptop users, the most essential accessory I always recommend is a docking station. This has become especially crucial as modern laptops have thinned out and stopped offering such a wide selection of native ports.

Although Thunderbolt 5 docks have entered the market in full force, there are still plenty of Thunderbolt 4 docks worth checking out. I've spent hundreds of hours testing the latest and greatest Thunderbolt docking stations, and my top pick now is the CalDigit TS5 Plus. However, because it's so expensive, I've included five top-rated alternatives that range in price and function.

TL;DR: Summarizing our findings

• Thunderbolt 5 docks are the best way to future-proof your desk, and they're backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 4 laptop ports.
• Best overall — CalDigit TS5 Plus: The Thunderbolt 5 dock with the most ports, the best charging, and an unbeatable design. It's expensive, but it's the ultimate upgrade.
• Runner-up — Kensington SD7100T5 EQ Pro: A high-performance Thunderbolt 5 dock with built-in M.2 SSD slot for easy storage expansion.
• Best TB4 — CalDigit TS4: The best docking station from the Thunderbolt 4 era is cheaper than the Thunderbolt 5 alternative.
• Best value TB5 — Wavlink Thunderlight: It's kind of crazy how affordable this dock is when it offers many of the same features as the pricier hardware.
• Best value TB4 — Kensington SD5780T: The SD5780T is one of the best Thunderbolt 4 docks out there despite its age, and it keeps getting cheaper over time.
• Best USB4 — Razer USB4 Dock: Razer's USB4 dock isn't Thunderbolt, giving it much wider compatibility across non-Intel laptops. 14 total ports isn't bad, either.

Best overall Thunderbolt 5 dock

There's no other dock that delivers the same ports and charging as the TS5 Plus. It has 20 total ports with up to 36W of charging power for devices connected via USB, and it delivers up to 140W of power to the host laptop.

It can handle up to dual 8K displays at 60Hz each, or triple 4K displays at 144Hz each. It has one DisplayPort 2.1 output, and for the other displays, you'll rely on Thunderbolt 5 or USB-C.

UHS-II SD and microSD card readers make it easy to handle removable storage, and a 10GbE Internet connection is ideal for power users who can't live with anything slower.

I reviewed the CalDigit TS5 Plus, handing it a Windows Central Editor's Choice award while remarking:

"The CalDigit TS5 is designed to be the supreme Thunderbolt 5 docking station for years to come. Power users can set themselves up nicely for the future, even if they can't take full advantage now. [...] It might not be my first choice due to the cost, but those who can take advantage of the massive performance potential and 20 ports will surely want in on the action."

The dock is built in a solid aluminum shell that works horizontally or vertically, and it comes with a two-year warranty for some extra peace of mind.

Update: CalDigit has also launched the non-Plus TS5 Thunderbolt dock, which costs $100 less than the TS5 Plus but doesn't quite have the same feature set. My CalDigit TS5 review explains the differences and can help you pick the right dock for your needs.

👀 Read our full CalDigit TS5 Plus review

👀 Read our full CalDigit TS5 review

Runner-up Thunderbolt 5 dock

I tested the Kensington's SD7100T5 EQ Pro and came away impressed enough to give it a full five stars and an Editor's Choice award. Not only is it a well-built dock with 17 downstream ports and a three-year warranty, but it also includes a built-in M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD slot to help you expand your laptop's storage without much effort.

The SD7100T5 EQ Pro lacks any native downstream video ports, but its three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports can handle up to three 4K displays each at a 144Hz refresh rate. Other standout ports include the 2.5Gb Ethernet, SD/microSD/CF UHS-II card readers, and TOSLINK.

As with most Kensington docks, this one has pre-drilled holes that align with Kensington's $20 mounting bracket. No space on your desk? No problem. And with the ability to charge the host device at up to 140W of power, most laptops, other than powerful systems with discrete graphics, are covered.

The only other major downside I discovered was a lack of Thunderbolt Share, but that's less important if you're not often working with multiple devices or collaborating with teammates.

Kensington's SD7100T5 EQ Pro currently retails for about $429.99, which is more affordable than my top pick. Perfect if you want a convenient M.2 slot in your dock.

👀Read our full Kensington SD7100T5 EQ Pro review

Best Thunderbolt 4 dock

I used this Thunderbolt 4 dock on my desk for years following my CalDigit TS4 review, in which I stated:

"CalDigit has followed up its awesome TS3 Plus with another knockout docking station. The TS4 has more ports than any of the competition — even factoring in the three audio ports — and it can deliver up to 97W of power to the host device. This opens it up to more accessories and more hosts than other docks, yet the TS4 is within the same price range and the bulk of the competition. If you have a Thunderbolt 4 laptop and want the best docking station, this is the one to get."

It follows a similar design to the TS3 Plus, with three solid aluminum pieces held together with four robust screws. It has a rubber pad on the bottom for a vertical orientation, and rubber feet can be added to the ribbed sides if you'd like to use it horizontally.

The TS4 boasts impressive connectivity. The 18 total ports are divided between the front and back of the dock, with the host Thunderbolt 4 port and two additional downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports located at the back.

While you might wonder why there aren’t four TB4 ports, one was traded for a native DisplayPort 1.4 connection. The back of the dock also includes four USB-A (10Gbps), 2.5Gbps Ethernet, USB-C (10Gbps), and dual 3.5mm audio ports. A Kensington lock slot adds an extra layer of security for office use.

The front of the dock has another USB-A port, a 3.5mm audio combination, dual USB-C ports (one with 20W of charging power), and UHS-II SD and microSD card readers that can be used simultaneously. The dock supports dual 4K displays, each at a 60Hz refresh rate, or an 8K display at a 60Hz refresh rate. When connected to the host laptop, the dock can deliver up to 98W of power.

👀 Read our full Caldigit TS4 review

Best value Thunderbolt 5 dock

Wavlink's Thunderbolt 5 Thunderlight dock impressed me during the testing and review process, and its strengths only get better when you see the price.

It delivers up to 140W of charging power to the host laptop via the host TB5 port, and it otherwise has three downstream TB5 hookups. Joining them are 2.5Gb Ethernet, multiple USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), 3.5mm audio jack, and UHS-II SD and microSD card readers.

It's capable of supporting up to three 4K displays each at a 144Hz refresh rate, though the lack of native video out might not work for some workflows.

In my Wavlink Thunderbolt 5 Thunderlight dock review, I remarked:

"Wavlink's new Thunderbolt 5 Thunderlight Dock delivers strong display support, plenty of charging, and a varied port selection that caters to creators. It costs far less than its main competition, making it my new favorite option for budget shoppers."

Wavlink's dock is probably a better choice for most users compared to the TS5 Plus, if only for the price. The Wavlink Thunderlight is normally priced at about $300, but it's often on sale. At the time of my most recent update, it's down to $254.99 at Amazon.

👀 Read our full Wavlink Thunderbolt 5 Thunderlight review

Best value Thunderbolt 4 dock

Kensington's SD5780T remains a top Thunderbolt 4 dock a couple of years after its launch, and significant price drops have landed it at about $246.78. That makes it more attractive than ever, especially since I was recommending it at full price (about $350 and up). In my Kensington SD5780T review, I remarked:

"This is Kensington's best Thunderbolt 4 dock yet, and while it's certainly geared toward a professional environment, it can help anyone with a modern laptop get the connectivity they need for multi-screen and multi-accessory setups."

Ports are built into a metal frame, and the only con I listed in my review is the use of plastic faceplates. It's definitely not a dealbreaker, and the model I've had for a couple of years is holding up very well. As usual, Kensington provides a stellar three-year warranty.

The dock can deliver up to 96W of charging power back to the host, and it otherwise has two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports. HDMI 2.1 adds to video support, there are four USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports, and a UHS-II SD card reader handles removable storage.

There aren't any surprises when it comes to display support, with the dock handling dual 4K screens at a 60Hz refresh rate. The dock is meant to sit flat on your desk, but pre-drilled holes make it easy to add a mounting bracket (sold separately for about $28).

👀 Read our full Kensington SD5780T review

Best USB4 laptop dock

Razer's USB4 Dock isn't technically a Thunderbolt 4 dock, but it achieves many of the same goals with wider compatibility and a cheaper price.

I wrote about how Thunderbolt 4 differs from USB4 in a separate piece, but here's the short answer: Thunderbolt is an Intel technology that must be licensed for use, which is why you don't see it on many AMD or Qualcomm PCs.

USB4 is built on the older Thunderbolt 3 backbone, giving it many of the same abilities, including dual 4K display support at 60Hz and up to 100W of charging power. USB4 at 40Gbps is the peak, and that's what the Razer dock offers. It's compatible with Thunderbolt and USB4 PCs.

It's a slim piece of hardware with the usual black Razer finish and logo. It's not specifically made for gamers, but it'll fit right in with other gaming accessories and also has a special USB-A port that Razer says can reduce interference with a 2.4GHz receiver (like the one you use for a gaming mouse).

Former Windows Central writer Zachary Boddy reviewed the Razer USB4 dock, remarking:

"The Razer USB4 Dock may not carry the Thunderbolt branding, but it's every bit as capable as the very best Thunderbolt 4 docking stations. This 14-in-1 dock is practically flawless and a great value to boot, and there's even a unique feature for gamers."

At about $260 before any discounts, it's significantly cheaper than even Razer's own Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma (currently sitting at about $330), making it a versatile option for anyone with a tighter budget.

👀 See our full Razer USB4 Dock review

Honorable mentions

I've been testing laptop docking stations for nearly a decade at this point, and the rest of the Windows Team is always on the lookout for the latest hardware available for testing.

If the best Thunderbolt laptop docks I've listed above don't catch your attention, I've added a few more honorable mentions.

• CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Element Hub: CalDigit fixed all complaints I had with the Thunderbolt 4 version of the Element Hub, making the TB5 version an essential accessory if you need extra USB-A, Thunderbolt 5, and nothing else. 👉 Read our full CalDigit Element 5 Hub review
• Kensington SD5000T5 EQ: One of the first TB5 docks on the market has dropped in price since it launched, and you can find this powerhouse available for only about $280. 👉 Read our full Kensington SD5000T5 EQ review
• Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma: Razer's upgraded dock is made for gamers, featuring strong performance, underglow RGB lighting, and a built-in M.2 slot for additional storage. 👉 Read our full Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma review
• UGREEN Revodok Max 213: UGREEN's dock is very similar to CalDigit's top hardware, and that's especially impressive when you realize you can often find the Revodok available at about $240. 👉 Read our full Revodok Max 213 review
• Plugable TBT-UDT3: Plugable's TBT-UDT3 is a strong value at about $300, but it's just ever so slightly edged out by the discounted Kensington SD5000T5 EQ. Nevertheless, it's a Thunderbolt 5 dock well worth your consideration. 👉 Read my Plugable TBT-UDT3 hands-on coverage
• Plugable UD-7400PD: I haven't had a chance to review this dock yet, but it's now available to buy. It sets a new standard for docks, capable of handling up to five 4K displays at 60Hz each with nothing more than a USB-C 3.2 port on your host laptop. 👉 Read my Plugable UD-7400PD coverage
• Kensington SD5768T EQ: While most Thunderbolt 5 docks include Thunderbolt Share, the SD5768T EQ is one of the few Thunderbolt 4 options with the feature. If you often need to link two Thunderbolt PCs, this remains a great option. 👉 Read my full Kensington SD5768T EQ review

How we test Thunderbolt docking stations at Windows Central

The best Thunderbolt docks all undergo a similar testing process that allows us to easily compare products.

Port selection is the first thing taken into account. Not all users need the same selection of ports, so discovering exactly why a certain dock offers specific connectivity — DisplayPort rather than HDMI, extra downstream Thunderbolt, many USB-A, etc. — is crucial.

Port performance is tested in two ways. First, transfer speeds over USB and/or SD card readers are checked with external drives and CrystalDiskMark benchmarking software.

For ports that offer power, I check how much is actually available for accessories with an in-line USB power meter.

How well the laptop keeps its cool under load is also factored in. You want a dock that doesn't overheat, and surface temperatures can be measured with a FLIR camera.

Size and price are more important than ever when buying a laptop dock. You generally want something that's going to take up the least amount of space possible, and you also don't want to overspend on features you won't use.

For example, CalDigit's TS4 and TS5 Plus are overkill in terms of price and performance for those who just want to connect a mouse, keyboard, and a couple of screens to their laptop.

That's why I've included plenty of alternatives that came out looking good on the other side of our testing process.

How to choose the best Thunderbolt dock for your laptop

Thunderbolt 4 and 5 aren’t just a standard; their interoperability with USB-C and USB4 broadens the range of devices you can connect.

Even if your PC is equipped with Thunderbolt 3, USB 4, or USB-C, many of these Thunderbolt 4/5 docks will offer additional ports, charging capabilities, and more.

My top overall pick for modern Windows laptops is now the CalDigit TS5 Plus following my testing and review period, but that doesn't mean it's the right dock for you. It's expensive, it's usually sold out due to its popularity, and it's overkill for many users.

If you're set on a Thunderbolt 5 dock but want to spend less, I urge you to check out the Wavlink Thunderbolt 5 Thunderlight, which costs significantly less than my top pick.

Because Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4, you can pick up something like the CalDigit TS4 and continue to use it whenever you upgrade to a TB5 PC.

It has the most ports of any Thunderbolt 4 dock in my curated list, yet it's relatively compact in a durable aluminum shell. If you'd like to spend less, the Kensington SD5780T steps in as a top TB4 alternative.

Thunderbolt docking station FAQ

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When preparing to install a fresh copy of Windows 10, you typically use a USB flash drive to launch the "Windows Setup" wizard to continue with the process. However, on a device that has a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of the legacy Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), it is crucial to use the correct media for the firmware type to start and complete the installation successfully.

On Windows 10, you can use at least two tools to create a bootable USB flash drive. You can use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to download the files onto a removable drive with support for both firmware types (UEFI and legacy BIOS). You can also use Rufus, a third-party tool that makes creating a flash drive installer easy with support for UEFI.

In this how-to guide, I will walk you through creating a Windows 10 USB flash drive with support for UEFI using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool and Rufus.

How to create Windows 10 UEFI boot media with Media Creation Tool

The Media Creation Tool is the best option for creating a bootable USB media for performing an in-place upgrade or clean installation of Windows 10.

To create a Windows 10 USB media, connect a flash drive of at least 8GB of space, and then use these steps:

1. Open the Windows 10 download page.
2. Click the Download now button to save the file under the "Create Windows 10 installation media" section.

3. Double-click the MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe file to launch the setup.
4. Click the Accept button to agree to the licensing terms.
5. Select the "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" option.

6. Click the Next button.
7. (Optional) Clear the "Use the recommended options for this PC" option.

8. Select the correct language, architecture, and edition of Windows 10 (if applicable).

• Quick tip: If you plan to install Windows on multiple computers running 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, use the "Architecture" drop-down menu and select the "Both" option to create a media that will work on both systems.

9. Click the Next button.
10. Select the "USB flash drive" option.

11. Click the Next button
12. Select the flash drive from the list. (If you do not see the device, click the "Refresh drive list" option.)

13. Click the Next button.
14. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, the Media Creation Tool will download the files and will create a bootable USB flash drive that you can use to install Windows 10 on computers with support for UEFI and BIOS.

How to create Windows 10 UEFI boot media with Rufus

If the Media Creation Tool does not work or you do not want to use it, you can try Rufus, a popular free third-party tool that allows you to create installation media with support for UEFI devices. The utility offers two ways to create the installation media, including using an existing ISO file or downloading the image from the Microsoft servers directly from the app.

Create a flash drive with existing Windows 10 ISO

To create a USB media with an existing Windows 10 ISO file, connect a flash drive of at least 8GB of space and use these steps:

1. Open Rufus download page.
2. Click the latest release (first link) and save the file under the "Download" section.

3. Double-click the Rufus-x.xx.exe file to launch the tool.
4. Under the "Device" section, select the USB flash drive.
5. Under the "Boot selection" section, click the Select button on the right.
6. Select the Windows 10 ISO file from the folder location.
7. Click the Open button.
8. Use the "Image option" drop-down menu and select the "Standard Windows installation" option.
9. Use the "Partition scheme" drop-down menu and select the GPT option.
10. Use the "Target system" drop-down menu and select the UEFI (non CSM) option.

11. Continue with the default settings under the "Show Advanced drive properties" section (as necessary).
12. Confirm a name for the drive (for example, "Windows 10 USB") under the "Volume label" setting.

13. Do not change the default settings in the "File system" and "Cluster size" options.
14. Click the "Show advanced format options" setting.
15. Check the Quick format option.
16. Check the "Create extended label and icon files" option.
17. Click the Start button.
18. Clear the available settings in the "Windows User Experience" page.

19. Click the OK button to confirm.
20. Click the Close button.

After you complete the steps, Rufus will create a USB flash drive to install Windows 10 on a device using UEFI.

Create flash drive downloading Windows 10 ISO

The tool also has a feature to download the Windows 10 ISO file, which you can then use to create a USB flash drive to install Windows 10.

To create an install media with UEFI support with Rufus, use these steps:

1. Open Rufus download page.
2. Click the latest release (first link) of the tool to save the file under the "Download" section.

3. Double-click the Rufus-x.xx.exe file to launch the tool.
4. Click the Settings button at the bottom of the page.

5. Choose the "Check for updates" drop-down menu and select the Daily option under the "Settings" section. 

6. Click the Close button.
7. Close the Rufus tool.
8. Double-click the Rufus-x.xx.exe file to reopen the utility.
9. Select the USB flash drive from the list under the "Device" section.
10. Click the arrow button next to the "Select" option and choose the Download option.

11. Click the Download button.
12. Use the "Version" drop-down menu and select the Windows 10 option.
13. Click the Continue button.
14. Select the 22H2 (Build 19045.xxx - xxxx.xx) option to download the latest version of Windows 10.
15. Click the Continue button.
16. Select the Windows 10 Home/Pro/Edu option from the "Edition" menu.
17. Click the Continue button.
18. Choose the installation language in the "Language" menu. 

• Quick note: If you are in the United States, select the "English" option. Otherwise, select the "English International" option or the language that applies to you.

19. Click the Continue button.
20. Select the 32-bit or 64-bit option (recommended) in the "Architecture" menu.

• Quick tip: You can check your computer's architecture on Settings > System > About, and under the "Device specifications" section, confirm whether the "System type" is 64-bit or 32-bit.

21. Click the Download button.

22. Select a folder to save the ISO file.
23. Click the Save button.
24. Use the "Image option" drop-down menu and select the "Standard Windows installation" option.
25. Use the "Partition scheme" drop-down menu and select the GPT option.
26. Use the "Target system" drop-down menu and select the UEFI (non CSM) option.

27. Continue with the default settings under the "Show Advanced drive properties" section (as necessary).
28. Confirm a name for the drive (for example, "Windows 10 USB") under the "Volume label" setting.
29. Do not change the default settings under the "File system" and "Cluster size" sections.
30. Click the "Show advanced format options" button.
31. Check the Quick format option.
32. Check the "Create extended label and icon files" option.
33. Click the Start button.

33. Clear the available settings on the "Windows User Experience" page.
34. Click the OK button.
35. Click the Close button.

Once you complete the steps, Rufus will run the automated script to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the Microsoft servers and create a bootable media to install the operating system on a UEFI device without needing the Media Creation Tool.

When you have the USB boot media with support for UEFI systems, you can launch the "Windows Setup" wizard to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 or an in-place upgrade. 

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Although you can install Windows 11 in multiple ways, if you plan to start from scratch, you usually use a bootable USB flash drive to proceed with the setup. However, you must manually create one since you cannot officially purchase a physical media from the Microsoft Store.

On Windows 11, you have at least two tools to download the installation files onto a USB flash drive and make it bootable. You can use the official Media Creation Tool to download the files to removable storage. You can also use Rufus, a third-party tool that makes creating a flash drive to install the operating system on a compatible or incompatible device easy.

In this how-to guide, I'll explain how to create a USB flash drive with support for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool and Rufus.

How to create bootable USB of Windows 11 on Media Creation Tool

The Media Creation Tool is the easiest (and official) method to create a bootable media to upgrade or clean install Windows 11.

To create an installation media with the Media Creation Tool, connect a USB flash drive of at least 8GB of space and use these steps:

1. Open Windows 11 download page.
2. Click the Download now button to save the file on the device under the "Create Windows 11 Installation Media" section.

3. Double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file to launch the tool.
4. Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.
5. (Optional) Clear the "Use the recommended options for this PC" option.

6. Select the correct language and edition of Windows 11.
7. Click the Next button.
8. Select the "USB flash drive" option.

9. Click the Next button.
10. Select the removable storage from the list.

• Quick tip: If the device is not on the list, click the "Refresh drive list" option to make it available.

11. Click the Next button.
12. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, the tool will download the necessary files to create bootable media, which you can use to install the operating system.

How to create bootable USB of Windows 11 on Rufus

Alternatively, you can also use Rufus, a free non-Microsoft tool that allows you to create installation media on virtually any hardware and software configuration. The utility provides two methods for creating the installation media using an existing ISO file or directly downloading the file from the Microsoft servers.

Create install USB with Windows 11 ISO

To create a USB media with an existing Windows 11 ISO file, connect a flash drive of at least 8GB of space and use these steps:

1. Open Rufus download page.
2. Click the Rufus-4.x.exe (standard) option and save the file on your computer under the "Download" section.

3. Double-click the Rufus-x.x.exe file to launch the tool.
4. Select the USB flash drive under the "Device" section.
5. Click the Select button on the right side under the "Boot selection" section.
6. Select the Windows 11 ISO file from the folder location.
7. Click the Open button.
8. Select the "Standard Windows Installation" option in the "Image option" setting.

9. Select the GPT option in the "Partition scheme" setting.
10. Select the UEFI (non CSM) option in the "Target system" setting.
11. Under the "Show Advanced drive properties" section, do not change the default settings (unless you know what you are doing).
12. Under the "Volume label" field, confirm a name for the bootable media — for example, "Windows 11."
13. In the "File system" and "Cluster size" options, do not change the default settings.
14. Click the "Show advanced format options" button.
15. Check the Quick format option.
16. Check the "Create extended label and icon files" option.
17. Click the Start button.
18. (Optional) Check the "Remove requirement for 4GB+RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0" option to create a USB flash drive for unsupported devices.
19. (Optional) Check the "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account" option to set up an installation with a local account.

• Quick note: Rufus allows you to customize several other settings as part of the "Windows User Experience" settings, including the ability to set up an installation without a Microsoft account, create a local account, change the regional settings, and disable data collection and BitLocker.

19. Click the OK button to confirm.
20. Click the Close button.

After you complete the steps, Rufus will create a USB flash drive to install Windows 11 on a compatible computer unless you selected the option to create a bootable that skips the system requirements (not recommended).

Create install USB downloading Windows 11 ISO

To use Rufus to create a Windows 11 USB installer, connect a USB drive with enough space, and then use these steps:

1. Open Rufus download page.
2. Under the "Download" section, click the Rufus-4.x.exe (standard) option and save the file on your computer.

3. Double-click the Rufus-x.xx.exe file to launch the tool.
4. Click the Settings button (third button from the left) at the bottom of the page.

5. Under the "Settings" section, use the "Check for updates" drop-down menu and select the Daily option.

• Quick tip: These steps are necessary to enable the ISO download feature.

6. Click the Close button.
7. Close the Rufus tool.
8. Relaunch the Rufus tool.
9. Select the USB flash drive under the "Device" section.
10. Click the down arrow button on the right and select the Download option under the "Boot selection" section.

11. Click the Download button.
12. Use the "Version" drop-down menu and select the Windows 11 option.
13. Click the Continue button.
14. Select the latest build, 23H2 (build 22631.2861 - 2023.12).

15. Click the Continue button.
16. Use the "Edition" drop-down menu and select the Windows 11 Home/Pro option.
17. Click the Continue button.
18. Select your installation language in the "Language" setting.

• Quick tip: If you are in the United States, choose the "English" option, not "English International."

19. Click the Continue button.
20. Select the 64-bit option since Windows 11 doesn't come in 32-bit in the "Architecture" setting.
21. Click the Download button.
22. Select a folder location to download the ISO file.
23. Click the Save button.
24. Select the "Standard Windows Installation" option in the "Image option" setting.

25. Select the GPT option in the "Partition scheme" setting.
26. Select the UEFI (non CSM) option in the "Target system" setting.
27. Under the "Show Advanced drive properties" section, do not change the default settings (unless you know what you are doing).
28. Under the "Volume label" field, confirm a name for the bootable media — for example, "Windows 11."
29. In the "File system" and "Cluster size" options, do not change the default settings.
30. Click the "Show advanced format options" button.
31. Check the Quick format option.
32. Check the "Create extended label and icon files" option.
33. Click the Start button.
34. (Optional) Check the "Remove requirement for 4GB+RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0" option to create a USB flash drive for unsupported devices.
35. (Optional) Check the "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account" option to set up an installation with a local account.
36. Click the OK button to confirm.
37. Click the Close button.

After you complete the steps, the tool will download the ISO file and create the bootable media that you can use even on computers that don't meet the minimum requirements.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know

If you're shopping around for a new laptop or some wired accessories, you've probably encountered a bunch of different names for what seems to be the same thing. We're talking ports, of which many different types might come with your next PC.

Now that Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 have replaced Thunderbolt 3, we're looking again to the future for the arrival of Thunderbolt 5. There's still USB-C and USB-A to contend with, altogether creating a tangled mess for PC users to decipher.

In this guide, we break down how all these different technologies and specifications compare to each other so you get what you need.

How Thunderbolt 4 compares to Thunderbolt 3

Thunderbolt is sort of its own thing, a technology developed by Intel with help from Apple. It's more of a brand name than a specification, and Intel has been pushing it forward with Ultrabooks since 2011.

Thunderbolt 4 has now firmly taken over for Thunderbolt 3 after being introduced in 2020. It includes support for the USB4 specification (explained below), DisplayPort 1.2, and PCIe. Thunderbolt 4 is also compatible with just about everything else, including all Thunderbolt versions (with the proper adapter for Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2) and USB.

Thunderbolt 4 continues to rely on the versatile USB-C form factor, and it still has a 40Gbps bandwidth. However, many of its capabilities and minimum performance levels have been improved over Thunderbolt 3.

Thunderbolt 3 also uses the USB-C form factor, and it also has wide support for connection standards. Intel gives us a clear breakdown of each standard's capabilities below in an easy-to-read chart.

Compared to Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4's minimum video support has been upped, with the newer standard now boasting at least support for two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display at 30Hz. Thunderbolt 3 can handle dual 4K displays with the right setup, but it only needs to handle at least a single 4K display to be called Thunderbolt 3.

There's also double the amount of PCIe bandwidth required, bumping Thunderbolt 4 up to 32Gbps from Thunderbolt 3's 16Gbps. If you often use removable storage — like something from our best external hard drive collection — you should see theoretical transfer speeds up to about 3,000MB/s with Thunderbolt 4. This extra bandwidth will also help anyone who uses an external GPU to turn their Ultrabook into a gaming machine.

The best Thunderbolt docks add support for up to three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, and it adds Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection via Intel's Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) to help deal with threats. If you have a desktop setup, you'll be able to pull your PC out of hibernation just by touching the accessories.

The bottom line here is that laptops with Thunderbolt 4 can guarantee better port performance. Thunderbolt 3 is still a decent alternative and can do a lot, but buying a device with Thunderbolt 4 or another newer standard (like USB4 or the upcoming Thunderbolt 5) is the way to go if you want the best option heading into the future.

USB4 is the high-performance USB standard

USB4 is the latest Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, as named by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). Previous USB versions have been on a wild naming ride, with USB 3.1 Gen 1 becoming USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) and USB 3.1 Gen 2 becoming USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps). 

There's also a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 standard released more recently with speeds up to 20Gbps for supporting hardware.

See how confusing this is? At least the USB-IF was kind enough to add more digestible names. SuperSpeed USB is USB 3.2 Gen 1, SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps is USB 3.2 Gen 2, and SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps is USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Now comes USB4, which is backward compatible to USB 2.0.

USB4 was made partly possible by Intel essentially giving up its Thunderbolt 3 rights to be used without all the licensing. USB4 is built on a Thunderbolt 3 backbone, so many of its capabilities are the same. Whereas USB 3.0's best version hit a ceiling of 20Gbps, USB4 is capable of 40Gbps, just like Thunderbolt 3 and 4. While you can still find both USB-A and USB-C forms for USB 3.0, USB4 strictly uses the USB-C form factor.

Previous USB versions split bandwidth between all connected devices and relied on split lanes for data and video with no crossover. With USB4, the lanes can be shared for whatever purpose, allowing you the potential to hit the bandwidth ceiling with, say, the best laptop docking stations. USB4 can handle dual 4K displays or a single 5K display, as well as up to 100W of charging power, just like Thunderbolt 3.

The main takeaway here is that USB4 wants to unify ports across devices. It's about time everything switches to USB-C, with high-performance capabilities on par with Thunderbolt 3.

What are the differences between Thunderbolt 4 and USB4?

There is more to consider when it comes to Thunderbolt 4 and USB4. The latter standard has four different versions, though the two we will mainly see are USB4 Gen 2x2 and USB4 Gen 2x3. The brand names, respectively, are USB4 20Gbps and USB4 40Gbps. Unlike Thunderbolt 3 and 4, which guarantee a certain level of performance, you'll need to pay close attention to which version of USB4 you're getting.

USB4 only needs to hit 20Gbps, and there's no minimum display resolution support required. Data must only hit at least 10Gbps via USB 3.2, whereas with Thunderbolt 4, you're guaranteed the 10Gbps via USB 3.2 and 32Gbps PCIe performance. Port power requirements drop down to a minimum of 7.5W for USB4, while you're guaranteed 15W with Thunderbolt 4. And, of course, you don't get the extra Thunderbolt goodies and guarantees with USB4.

Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are compatible with each other, but only Thunderbolt 4 guarantees certain performance levels that power users need. USB4 is advantageous in licensing rights. Intel needs to get money if you want to use Thunderbolt 4, whereas USB4 is mostly free for anyone to use.

That's also why the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon X devices aren't expected to support Thunderbolt. Qualcomm is in direct competition with Intel with its new CPUs, and it's unlikely that the company will shell out licensing fees to have Thunderbolt included in its PCs.

Thunderbolt 5 is on the horizon

Now that you have a better grasp on the differences between Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB4, Thunderbolt 5 is here to shake things up once again.

Though we've heard rumors and seen leaks involving Thunderbolt 5 during Thunderbolt 4's lifetime, Intel only officially revealed Thunderbolt 5 in September 2023.

Thunderbolt 5 is expected to appear in devices sometime in 2024, and it brings some major improvements over its predecessor. Once again, Intel has a chart that lays out the expected improvements.

The biggest change here is the massive boost to bandwidth, with Thunderbolt 5 tripling Thunderbolt 4's 40Gbps capability. That means 120Gbps for the new standard, with versatile bandwidth that can handle up to 80Gbps in both directions simultaneously or 120Gbps transmitted and 40Gbps received simultaneously.

That means Thunderbolt 5 can offer much improved external display support, with up to three external displays at high resolution and refresh rates running on one cable. Thunderbolt 5 can also handle up to 240W of charging power back to a host PC, easily toppling the current 100W cap of Thunderbolt 4. This should make it much better suited for power-hungry gaming laptops and workstations.

Intel outlined some expected improvements in AI acceleration with Thunderbolt 5, as it will allow for easy connectivity with external GPUs. Even if you don't have an AI PC, you'll still be able to connect a discrete GPU for extra power (also great for gaming).

Thunderbolt 5 is compliant with USB4 and will be backward compatible with older Thunderbolt standards (albeit operating at reduced performance when connected to a PC without Thunderbolt 5). Like previous Thunderbolt standards, you can expect cables to show a "5" below the Thunderbolt logo to denote their generation.

Aukey's ultra-slim 20000mAh USB-C Power Bank is available at Amazon for only $27.99 when you enter code XMD2IINT during checkout. At $12 off its regular price, you'll be snagging one of the best deals we've ever seen on this portable battery charger; it almost always sells for $40 and has only fallen lower than this without a coupon once before.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

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This well-reviewed keyboard features 104 anti-ghosting keys, nine preset lighting effects, and even comes with a two-year warranty. Today's deal at Amazon saves you $12 off its regular price while supplies last!

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Include powerful 12mm drivers for high-fidelity audio. The ear hook design won't let go even when you're at the gym. They have IPX8 water resistance, which is full waterproof support. The battery life lasts up to 35 hours with the included case.

This power bank features a 3A total output with the ability to charge up to four devices simultaneously, one via its USB-C port and three more using the standard USB ports. When used solo, the USB-C port is capable of charging at up to 3A all by itself. There's also a micro-USB port where you can recharge the power bank, or you could recharge via the USB-C port.

With its 20000mAh capacity, Aukey claims this power bank is capable of recharging devices like the iPhone 8 more than seven times before needing to be powered up again. There's an integrated LED indicator to show its remaining battery level so you never have to wonder, while built-in safety features help to protect your devices against overheating, excessive current, and overcharging.

Aukey backs up this portable charger with a 24-month warranty. Customers at Amazon have left over 1,000 reviews resulting in a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars at this time.

For even more power banks worth their price, be sure to check out this guide to the best power banks under $30. Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, though you could receive your order even faster with an Amazon Prime membership. If you've never been a member before, you can start a free 30-day trial to score free two-day shipping with no order minimum, along with access to the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

Finding enough outlets to power up all your devices can be a real hassle at times. Luckily, the Aukey USB Power Strip Cube can make things much easier with its four integrated AC outlets and three USB ports, and while it normally sells for $26, today you can snag one at Amazon for just $17.93 when you enter promo code B9K8YAON during checkout. That saves you more than $8 off its usual cost and brings this item down to its best price ever.

Not only will Aukey's USB Power Strip Cube keep your devices charged up, but it also features 380 joules of surge protection via the four AC outlets to keep them safe from power surges and spikes. Meanwhile, its three USB ports offer a total power output of 5V 2.4A. Its cube design ensures you won't have any trouble plugging in even blocky power cords as the outlets are spaced out on each side of the device, while its five-foot power cable lets you place the cube on your desk or around your room without having to stay close to a power outlet. Aukey also includes a 2-year warranty with its purchase.

Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, or with an Amazon Prime membership. If you're not a member already, you can start a free 30-day trial to see how the service is and score free two-day shipping, as well as access to the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

With this Aukey Power Cube, you'll want to make sure you have enough charging cables to use it efficiently. These guides to the best USB-C, micro-USB, and Lightning cables can help you score some that are well worth the purchase.

If you're tired of having your device slowly power up, it's time to look into picking up a faster wall charger. Luckily, two of AUKEY's multi-port USB wall chargers are on sale at Amazon today when you enter the appropriate promo code below, and they're even able to fast charge multiple devices at once.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Aukey 9-in-2 USB-C hub for MacBook Pro or MacBook Air

$41.99 $60.00 Save $18 1619614641

Unique design requires two USB-C ports back-to-back, which is why this is particularly suited for a MacBook that has such a configuration. Turn those two ports into nine tools including HDMI, Thunderbolt 3, and a 100W Power Delivery charging port.

Aukey Sports true wireless earbuds with earhooks

$27.49 $50.00 Save $23 1617281514

Include powerful 12mm drivers for high-fidelity audio. The ear hook design won't let go even when you're at the gym. They have IPX8 water resistance, which is full waterproof support. The battery life lasts up to 35 hours with the included case.

Aukey Bluetooth true wireless earbuds

Up to 30% off 1616670686

All the prices are discounted and the costs vary between $21 and $49. All you have to decide is which one looks best to you and has the features you need (like the Sports earbuds that stay on even while you run). Choose from black, white, and pink.

Aukey KM-G6 LED Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

$27.99 $44.99 Save $17 1615820991

This well-reviewed keyboard features 104 anti-ghosting keys, nine preset lighting effects, and even comes with a two-year warranty. Today's deal at Amazon saves you $12 off its regular price while supplies last!

Aukey Sports true wireless earbuds

$25.24 $50.00 Save $25 1615297522

Include powerful 12mm drivers for high-fidelity audio. The ear hook design won't let go even when you're at the gym. They have IPX8 water resistance, which is full waterproof support. The battery life lasts up to 35 hours with the included case.

AUKEY's most affordable option is this two-port USB wall charger featuring GaN technology. Using promo code F246Y5CZ during checkout, it drops to just $13.99, saving you $8 off its regular cost. This tiny, 24W charger includes built-in safeguards to protect your devices and offers a charge up to 4.8A total for both USB ports.

To charge even more devices at once, you'll want to pick up AUKEY's Quick Charge 3.0 USB Wall Charger. It's equipped with four USB ports, including one with Quick Charge 3.0 compatibility so you can charge devices up to four times faster than standard options. While it regularly sells for $25, today you can snag one for just $17.99 when you enter promo code MOUXR4X9 during checkout.

Both of these USB wall chargers come with a 24-month warranty, and they're pretty well-reviewed too with just over 50 reviews so far each.

The summer is here and, wow, if you live in certain places the heat is really turning up. If you're a frequent PC user either at home or at work, particularly in a country where air conditioning isn't prevalent, things can get rather toasty. There is a range of useful gadgets out there to help you survive the heat, thankfully, and we've rounded up some of the best we're using this summer.

Beat the heat

If I had to recommend just a couple of products on this list, I'd go for the Keynice USB fan first and foremost. Having a versatile lightweight fan can not only help you keep cool, but it can also be useful for cooling down your devices. The Surface Pro and Book laptops from Microsoft, for example, have their CPU in the back of the display.

I actually picked up a USB fan specifically to keep the back of my Surface Book 2 cool during gaming to prevent throttling in the European heatwave. Having a fan blowing across the back of your device can help prevent it from throttling in warmer climates.

The Gourmia Mini Cooler also has some great reviews on Amazon. If you have space for it on or near your desk (10-by-7.2-by-11 inches) it's a surefire easy way to keep your drinks refreshingly cool while remaining at arm's length.

The USB4 specification is coming soon, and with it, we'll see a few changes that should make our connected lives simpler. While the official spec isn't due to be released until mid-2019, we do know plenty about what we will see when it arrives. Let's have a look at what the changes will be and how they might make a difference.

Faster data speeds

One of the key points of the new USB4 specification is "two-lane operation using existing USB Type-C cables and up to 40 Gbps operation over 40 Gbps certified cables." You may have seen companies advertising "SuperSpeed USB" data transfer rates before, but for now, those are all limited to the USB3 specifications and top out at 20 Gbps (Gigabits per second). 40 Gbps is double the current fastest speeds.

This is accomplished by using two data channels (that's the two-lane reference) on one cable and port. The USB firmware on the devices you are connecting will be able to split the data you are transferring into two individual streams on the device sending it and put it all back together into a stream of data that the device receiving it can read correctly.

Note that this only applies if all the pieces of the chain — both devices, cables and any hubs in the middle — are USB4 compliant. And those cables will need to be USB-C cables, so this will hasten the death of the old-style USB-A interface.

Better ways to handle data

USB4 also offers support for more data and display protocols so you'll be better able to take advantage of that higher transfer rate.

At its base, data is just data; a stream of ones and zeros that a microprocessor can turn into something we interact with. But it's much more complicated than that when you consider that there are plenty of different types of data and each is just a stream of ones and zeros. You have things like the signal that tells a screen what to display, or a file being transferred, or even network data. You can send almost anything over USB as long as it is a supported protocol.

By supporting more data protocols, USB4 will open up to more types of device data transfer. And the USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum, the group that oversees what USB is capable of and how it does things) is stressing that this will handle multiple data protocols that can share the bandwidth across the bus. That means you will be able to send a 4K HDR signal over a USB cable and use the same cable for something like transferring a file or as a connection to a Wi-Fi interface.

This will make a big impact on both the utility and performance of USB hubs and larger devices like PC or laptop motherboards where a centralized USB controller is used for multiple interfaces. In theory, anyway; we'll have to wait and see just how a 40 Gbps connection handles the things we throw at it.

Thunderbolt 3

One of the biggest changes to the USB specification will be the inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 support. Intel started certifying devices with support for Thunderbolt 3 in 2015, and in 2017 it decided to open the standard. That means any other company that wanted to implement Thunderbolt need only to pay a small licensing fee to be completely compatible.

With USB4, Thunderbolt 3 is now "built-in" and that means a couple of great things just became much cheaper for device makers to include:100 watts of power on demand, those 40 Gbps transfer rates, and support for eight lanes of DisplayPort data which means two 4K HDR displays at 60 Hz or one 5K display is fully supported.

Because Thunderbolt 3's technology is now open and royalty-free, the devices that would benefit from it will be less expensive and more likely to exist in the first place. That isn't limited to just PC boards as you'll find in a computer or tablet, but also devices like displays and external GPU boxes. Companies only need to pay Intel a small licensing fee instead of giving a piece of their profits, so they'll be more keen to make things that are cool.

Odds and ends

USB4 isn't USB 4.0. The USB-IF is weird when it comes to actually naming things, as we see with USB 3.0 (which is really USB 3.1 Gen. 1) or USB 3.2 (USB 3.2 Gen. 2x2). We have no idea what the first implementation of the news USB4 standards will be called and won't until it's released in mid-2019.

USB4 will also be backward compatible with all USB specifications and all Thunderbolt 3 devices. The compatibility with older USB standards is expected, but full compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 devices is a big deal. It means all those expensive devices and cables you might already own will work just fine.

Speaking of cables, to benefit from any of this you'll need to have a compliant cable. Notice I said complaint and not certified; a manufacturer can get a device (including a cable) certified but this is completely voluntary. That also means it's arbitrary and certification has no real value; non-certified devices and cables can perform as good or better than certified devices and cables. As is always the case, word of mouth and brand recognition will play a big part in the buying process.

When to expect it?

USB4 probably won't have much impact on anything you buy in 2019. The standard doesn't become official until the middle of 2019 and that means devices you want to buy won't have it included until early 2020. You probably will be able to buy a desktop, laptop, and even a smartphone or tablet that supports USB4 before then, but with nothing to connect it to that supports the standard there isn't any real benefit.

USB-C brought a similar scenario. We saw devices that used the new connector fairly early, though they weren't fully compliant. Those devices had the benefit of the new connector, but the things that you plug into the other end of the cable weren't readily available until much later. In some instances — especially when it came to the power delivery system — early devices were not compliant with the standard we have today and don't offer any real method of fast charging or bi-directional power delivery.

Once USB4 is official, the low cost of Thunderbolt 3 support and otherwise royalty-free nature of the spec means adoption will boom and we'll all be able to spend money on new devices that have the firmware inside. Until then, watch this space for any news or updates!

What to look for when buying USB-C cables and adapters

Another day, another apocalyptic prognostication of computer security doom, this time focusing on the omnipresent USB connection. It's called 'BadUSB', and it's a malware proof-of-concept created by security researchers Karsten Nohl and Jakob Lell that exploits a flaw in and resides in the firmware that controls the basic function of USB devices. The researchers claim that it's not a problem that can be patched, saying that they're "exploiting the very way that USB is designed," but in the end all they've done is highlight that you shouldn't go around plugging USB drives, devices, or whatnot that you don't trust into your computer.

There are a lot easier ways to hack most any computer, especially when this method requires achieving physical access. As we've said many times before, once you've lost physical control of your device, all bets are off. This is just one more way, although it's exploiting something that we take for granted these days.

Because the BadUSB code lives in the USB firmware of the device, it's not something that can be easily purged from a device. Wiping or reformatting a USB drive doesn't touch the USB firmware, so the malware would still be present. BadUSB could allow any connected computer to be exploited over that connection, with Nohl and Lell offering more traditional exploits from there such as replacing files on the computer with additional malware, acting as a virtual keyboard to execute commands on the computer, or hijacking and spying on internet traffic.

BadUSB is also self-propagating: it can copy itself onto a computer and reprogram the USB firmware of other attached USB devices. It can even reside in non-storage devices, such as smartphones and mice.

While we doubt that this is in fact an impossible-to-patch exploit — certainly, patching the USB firmware on computers to prevent such access seems like a possibility, and very few would likely go through the effort of patching their flash drives — in the meantime it poses a theoretical challenge for users.

But it all boils down to this: Don't plug anything you don't trust into your computer, your smartphone, or your tablet. That's pretty much common sense, though, so just think before you plug your phone into a random computer to charge, or you accept a USB drive from a stranger. Be smart about what you plug into your computer, and (far more importantly) keep your eyes open for the online threats that are coming at you every day in the real world.

Source: Wired

We’ve become accustomed to knowing one end of a USB cable has to go into a computer or charger, and the other end goes into your phone, but there is a future where you can use either end in either thingie, and this is what that utopian paradise looks like. The USB Implementers Forum is showing off two USB 3.1 connector standards today.

Type-C shows off a design similar to the microUSB format we all know and love, except it’s the same at both ends, and there’s no set top or bottom for those plugs. This reversible tip is a feature Apple’s been getting an early lead with using their Lightning connector, though the more direct comparison would be Apple’s Thunderbolt. The Micro-B cable shows a slightly wider mobile connector we’ve already seen cropping up in devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Why do we need a new USB standard? Well, increased data speeds for one. We’re talking 10 Gbps, versus the 5 Gbps available on USB 3.0. Two, you can expect faster charging times. We’ll be getting between 3 A and 5 A of current, up from 1.5 A. All of these new USB plugs will be backwards compatible with the 3.0 products in market (with an adapter, maybe?), so no need to worry about things getting too wonky with your existing hardware. In any case, it’ll be cool to start seeing micro-sized plugs built into PCs and chargers.

As the leaked Windows Phone 8.1 SDK continues to get torn apart by packs of anonymous devs, a few other features about the forthcoming OS have come forward. Today, support for Miracast, uploading of files through Internet Explorer 11 and Google calendar have been found in the documentation.

Miracast is a peer-to-peer wireless screencasting technology that allows beaming of your display to another display, more often than not a large screen TV. Now, references to Miracast have been found in the Windows Phone 8.1 SDK documentation, specifically in the section detailing the ability to let devs connect their devices via USB to a PC to show the display’s contents.

The documentation clearly states that the feature will be there “if the required work is completed before the release”, meaning this is far from a slam dunk for an 8.1 feature. But, it does show that Microsoft is working to bring it to Windows Phone, if not for 8.1 then certainly in its first GDR update, due a few months later.

Having Miracast built in would be a really big consumer feature, as people could share the contents of their phone to their TV using the Miracast standard, one that is preferred my many over Microsoft’s Play To.

Windows Phone Central's own investigation into the SDK can also add that there looks to be cursory support for mouse and keyboard input (i.e. USB human interface devices) too, though we’re digging deeper to confirm at this time. Such a feature would allow you to extend your phone to a monitor, mouse and keyboard, giving you a larger screen for working or even gaming.

The second big find is in uploading of files through Internet Explorer 11. This was intuitively known due to our revealing of File Picker, which allows devs to insert a tool into their app to allow file selection. That tool precedes a full File Manager, but it does allow isolated access to files for the user. Presumably, such a tool could be put into IE11 so that users can upload contents from their libraries – e.g. Documents, Photos, Video, or Music – through the browser to another site.

Finally, WPHacker confirms that native Google Calendar support is back, and in fact, it now supports multiple calendars as well. While not everyone uses Google’s services, it’s great to see native support back after the earlier standards controversy.

All of these are significant additions, should they come to fruition. We say should because beta SDKs and their features do not always make it to the final release. That’s due to testing, feedback and whether or not the feature can be completed in time.

For more information about Windows Phone 8.1 including release dates:

• Windows Phone 8.1 SDK Leak - All of our coverage
• Windows Phone 8.1 - All you need to know
• Windows Phone 8.1 dedicated forums

Source: AngelWZR, WPHacker

We filing this one under a big ol’ rumor has we have no secondary source to corroborate the information, but there is some preliminary evidence to suggest there may be some truth to it.

We were just tipped off about a new requirement for Windows Phone 8 devices regarding the micro USB port and its placement on the device.

So far, much to the consternation of consumers and 3^rd party accessory makers, it has been difficult to make charging stands, car mounts, etc. for Windows Phone due to the haphazard placement of the micro USB port. Some like HTC prefer the side, others like Nokia have it on top and some like Samsung have it on the bottom.

Evidently, starting with new Windows Phone 8 hardware, OEMs will be required to put the micro USB port at the bottom-center. We have yet to see the WP8 chassis requirements that presumably have been updated but there’s a good chance that this indeed has been added.

The "universal mount" for the iPhone has been a cash cow

To add some meat to the rumor, when you look at the Samsung ATIV S, indeed you see the charging port dead-center on the bottom. But then again, Samsung had it there too for the Focus S and their other devices. But those leaked images of the Nokia “820” from this morning tell a different story—that device also has the charging port dead center on the bottom. From our tipster:

Up until now, all Nokia Lumia phone have had their charger on the top but now, oddly enough they have moved it south. Coincidence or is this evidence for this new requirement?

The alleged HTC Accord with micro USB bottom-center

At this point, we’re leaning towards believing this is accurate. For one, it makes total sense that Microsoft would require this to make accessories more universal—it helps 3^rd party companies sell more product, gives them incentive to “design once, sell everywhere” and consumers also win out by having a much larger selection of wares for their phone, which so far have been anemic, to say the least.

Make no mistake, third-party accessories for the iPhone are a huge business and it helps drive that whole ecosystem--why would Microsoft not want to address that with Windows Phone 8?

Surely we’ll find out more next Wednesday but for now, keep this one rumor at the top of your list.

Thanks, Dazza, for the heads up

We've continuously seen Microsoft make use of video output from a Windows Phone when demonstrating features and functionality at past events. This is a feature we'd all like to see at consumer level for somewhat obvious reasons To make use of the big screen using nothing more than a USB cable would be handy in certain situations. While the likes of SmartGlass is on the horizon, it would be beneficial for Windows Phone owners to be able to make use of supposedly supported video output.

The folks over at XDA Developers Forum have since decided to investigate and see whether it's possible to get video output working on Windows Phone. Marsrogers heads up the team, which was formed back in 2011, and the progress made in the designated thread looked as though the project wouldn't pick up and would eventually stop dead in its tracks. Marsrogers has continued to publish updates to the thread and keep readers up-to-date with progress and findings regardless.

That was until a couple of days ago, when Marsrogers shared a handful of photos that either clearly illustrates working video-out from the attached Windows Phone - or displays a clever illusion through the use of image placeholders on both the device and PC. According to the update he published in the XDA Developers thread, a copy of an original build 7003 ROM from a prototype LG Panther was received, which made video-out functionality possible. 

According to Marsrogers, the source (who he believes to be fairly trustworthy) has indicated that Windows Phone 8 will support video-out functionality for consumers to utilize. As well as using a USB cable, we'll apparently be able to make use of Remote Desktop in Windows. We'll not be seeing this come to fruition anytime soon, but at least there's potential light at the end of the tunnel in Apollo. The big question will be, would Windows Phone 7.8 sport such a feature?

Source: XDA Developers, via: Windows Phone Daily

Microsoft already told you WP8 supports USB mass storage

When it comes to Windows Phone 8, there is much more information coming than has been revealed—Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore stresses this at the beginning of the WP Summit a few weeks ago. However, there are things we do know--either things we’ve leaked are or the more direct method like what Microsoft announced during the Summit.

A “rumor” going around today is that Windows Phone 8 supports “USB Mass Storage” i.e. the ability to plug your phone into your computer to transfer files.

Folks, this isn’t a rumor nor is it news. For one, we can tell you 100% that this is the case as Microsoft spoke about this on and off the record with us and a few other news outlets pre-Summit. Second, you can just watch it for yourself when Joe Belfiore briefly discusses this feature at the 14 minute mark in the Summit video:

We admit that this announced feature didn’t include a big, splashy graphic but this technically isn’t a rumor and Belfiore is telling you nearly all you need to know about this upcoming ability to Windows Phone 8. Regarding the other half of the rumor today--that Microsoft getting rid of the Zune Desktop client and allowing native syncing with Windows--this too is old information as it was reported in February and should be obvious by now. If it's not, consider this your confirmation. 

And let’s be clear: this mass storage support gives you a PC mountable experience for the micro SD but not access to the phone’s internal memory for security reasons. But the ability to add media, files, etc. via a presumably drag-n-drop method for expandable storage is what many people have wanted for a long time and it makes sense. So there is nothing to see here but hey, if this is news to you, then we're glad we made you a bit more happy for Windows Phone 8 this fall.

See the video of the Summit cued up after the break...

Here's a bit of a mystery.

There is a Windows Phone 7 update available for your Windows operating system. It won't show up on your update list unless you have Zune running and your Windows Phone connected.

Listed as Microsoft-Other hardware-Windows Phone 7, the 4.2mb update apparently deals with your USB connection and recognizes the Windows Phone device by name. Gone is the generic "Windows Phone device" identity whenever you connect your Windows Phone.

As to the "why", your guess is as good as ours. Could it allow Microsoft to open up the device specific apps to the Zune Desktop? Could it be a sign that the Mango's release is close at hand?  Or could it simply be someone at Microsoft getting tired of seeing a generic description of your Windows Phone?

Thanks goes out to Jarrod and everyone else who tipped us on this!

One of the joys I had with my HTC Hero was the data storage functionality presently available right out the box with Android - something I would have missed at that time in Windows Phone 7 should it have popped up. We have now learned of a tool by MarcHoover, which allows both locked and unlocked devices to register as storage devices and enables users to drag-and-drop files.

The beauty of this tool is that (as stated above) it doesn't require any manual registry hacking and is reported to work on locked devices.  So, even if you choose not to go down the Chevron route a while back, you'll be able to reap the benefits here while still being restricted with further access. Check out the development thread for support and more information.

Source: XDA Developer Forum, via: WMPU

If you are a regular reader of this site, chances are you are both a Windows Mobile power user and a gadget fiend. If you fall under either of those categories, the conundrum of keeping your devices charged while still having the convenience of a portable device can be a hassle. More often than not, our device comes with a single charging solution for use at work or home.

Enter Griffin’s PowerDuo Universal charging solution. Griffin gives you the best of both worlds, offering a single solution that gives you a generic power source (through a USB port) in both a 12v car charger (AKA PowerJolt) and 15 amp charger for home or office use (dubbed PowerBlock). Both the PowerJolt and PowerBlock come in this single package for $31.95.

(This will even work with non-Windows Mobile devices, like Phil and Mal’s favorite, the ZuneHD; hence the use of the word “Universal”.)

For more pictures, and the full review, hit the break.

Features

As the name suggests, the PowerDuo comes in two parts. First you have the 15 amp charger that provides you two powered USB ports. Secondly Griffin provides a car charger that features a single USB port. This is a simple, convenient solution in a world where many phones feature a standard miniUSB or microUSB port. The car charger features a removable fuse to protect your device from power spikes, while the home charger offers a foldable plug to enhance portability. All USB ports offer 5.2v out, which is within the standards for USB 2.0. Both the PowerBlock and PowerJolt feature LED indicators that change color to indicate charging status.

Quality

Griffin has been making iPod accessories for a while, so I was expecting decent build quality out of this product. I wasn’t disappointed. Both elements are made with quite a bit of plastic, but they have a good enough feel to them that I wasn’t concerned about breaking anything. Bottom line; I wouldn’t want to step on them, but they should be plenty strong enough for daily use.

Conclusion

Griffin designed the PowerDuo Universal to be mostly no-frills, but that’s part of the draw. A simple, effective, portable charging solution is one of the keys to effective use of any mobile device. This product fulfills every need. Griffin provides you a home and car charger, featuring USB ports in order to support a wide variety of devices, all for $31.95 from the WMExperts store. Head on over to the store to get one (or two) of your own.

Geeks (like myself) tend to have a lot of gadgets. Those gadgets tend to come with an assortment of cabling for power, audio and synchronization. Trying to sell a geek more cabling can be like pulling teeth, unless that cabling helps cut down on the existing cable clutter.

Smartphone Experts produces a number of Sync & Charge solutions for various Smartphones, including several that offer retractable cabling that allows for easy storage and transportation. The problem with these types of solutions can be that they are locked down to one device manufacturer or model. This problem is handled elegantly by this option.

Stick around for the full rundown.

Concept

The idea is a simple one, to offer as much functionality in a small package as possible. Smartphone Experts’ solution to this is to give you one retractable USB cable (USB-A Male to USB-A Female), and then offer a number of tips that convert from a standard USB interface to a variety of standard and proprietary connectors.

Design

I’ve used a number of retractable cabling solutions and this one is similar in many regards. The cable, when retracted, wraps neatly around the spindle; each side of the wire wrapped on top of itself. When extended, the wire is rather flimsy (which is necessary to enable the cord to wrap in the tight enclosure). I would’ve liked to see some sort of pouch or carrying case for all of the tips that are included, as having each one floating around in my gear bag tends to make them hard to find.

Execution

Overall, this solution was put together well. I would’ve liked to see some more generic tips in the selection. Honestly, for the price, this product is worth it if you have even one or two compatible devices.

The included tips are:

• Treo Sync & Charge Tip
• Treo Charge Tip (Charge only)
• miniUSB (This one is worth the $9.95 for all of you HTC lovers)
• Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Headset
• 5V Power Barrel Connector (Can charge TomTom GPS Receiver)

Some other tips that I would’ve liked to see are microUSB, and one or both of the proprietary Samsung connectors.

Conclusion

Smartphone Experts does a decent job of giving you a convenient option for syncing and charging your devices. As stated, I would have liked to see some more generic tips, and a pouch would have been nice; but for $9.95, this product is well worth the cost.

Sure, the Treo 800w was a blip on the Windows Mobile radar and has now even disappeared from Sprint's Web site. But eight months after its release, one cool feature has now been discovered:  the 800w can act as a USB host.

So what does that all mean?  In short, with a cheap $8 adapter cable (like those found here on eBay) you can connect up all sorts of USB devices that don't require separate drivers to run.  Such devices include external hard disk drives, USB flash drives, USB headphones/mics, and for bnsguy, a USB ultrasound probe!

What makes this unique is that at the moment, very few WM devices can act as a USB host (if you happen to know any, drop us a line) and to be honest, it is a really cool feature that we would like to see on future devices.

After the jump, we'll post a few shots of what this setup looks like on the 800w and some various USB devices that can run on it!

Basically how this works is very simple: plug in your USB device to the special USB host cable, plug into 800w and then turn on. That's it, really. So long as it doesn't require external drivers and does not draw too much power, it should work. So some digital cameras with USB modes should work (although my Nikon D90 lacks that feature, pity) as well as various other USB gadgets. Things like HDD and thumb drives simply show up as "Hard Disk" under Resco Explorer and act just like storage cards.

First up is a biggy: the Western Digital My Book 1TB external HDD.

This big guy requires an external power supply to obviously power the HDD and when plugged in it will actually show up on the 800w and be fully accessible. One note: if you try to use the "properties" option say in Resco Explorer, it will crash and sometimes it will take a few seconds to read a whole directory. But c'mon ... 1 TB of data!

Next is the most convenient: USB thumb drives

What is nicer than being able to take your thumb drive, connect up to your phone and just transfer or access files on-the-go?  With quick read times and the ability to shuffle files between your microSD card and the thumb drive, you can easily add GBs of storage to your device.

Finally, how about a USB stereo gaming headset with microphone?

This one even we were surprised about.  Turns you you can plug this headset in and have all your audio routed through the stereo headset and even use the on board microphone. Uses? How about those long Skype calls. Seems to work quite well over that sevice.

Things we're working on to test: USB to 3.5mm stereo headset adapters. 

Ironically, one of the Achilles heels of the 800w is a severe lack of 3rd party headphone adapters. One solution which might work is to use one of these adapters, which converts sound output to 3.5mm as well as enhances the audio. 

We'll keep you posted on that one.

Thanks to bsnguy and haus!