Question 1

Can this run things like an external drive or laptop cooling pad with fans?

Accepted Answer

I've plugged an external hard drive into it, but ultimately that stuff all depends on power requirements of those devices.  This hub does have a spot for additional power input but it doesn't include an AC adapter in the box, so if you run into trouble with that you could always find the AC adapter for this hub and use it too.  USB C can supply a lot of power over that plus so I think it also can depend on your computer and how much it supplies?

Question 2

what generation is the USB-C cable that connects to the computer? I know that the ports are 3.0 gen 1. But is the C port also that, or is it gen 2 or 2x2?

Accepted Answer

The product description does not specify the generation of the USB-C cable that connects to the computer. It mentions compatibility with USB 3.0, but does not clarify if the Type-C port itself is Gen 1, Gen 2, or 2x2.

Question 3

Can I use this on an older computer as a hub when connected to the computer's ethernet port with a separately purchased ethernet cable? I don't have usb 3.0 or c on the computer, but would use those ports for connecting newer external hard drives (which have power adapters, so wouldn't draw power from the hub).

Accepted Answer

I would just buy a cheap switch rather than try and use the usb bus for that. If I understand you correctly, your usage would require additional configuration from within the OS, and a merging of Network adapters... and with the holder machine there is not gurantee that the driver support would even allow it..  If any of this seems foreign to you I wouldn't purchase this device for that purpose.

Questions & Answers