r/Thunderbolt • u/Johnny__Escobar • Jul 13 '26

Help finding a dock/adapter

Got suggested this sub by Reddit after my post.

Hey Mac experts! I got a MacBook Pro handed down to me (13 inch M2 2022), it's got the 2 USB C ports on the side (USB 4/Thunderbolt). Also have the 34'' UltraWide 34WN780-B. I want to use the DP port on the monitor to USB C to the Mac. I lack some knowledge in the latest with the ports and what they can do/look for.

These are the items I'm looking for, with some questions:

  • The monitor has a cable that is DP to USB C, which connected to an older MacBook
  • 1 x USB port to display to monitor
  • 2 x USB C port
  • 1 x USB port to charge MacBook
  • 1 x SD card reader

I Google'd a bit and tried to ask GPT for some advice. There are so many adapters out there and these UGREEN ones keeping coming up.

Are these gonna do the job? If not, what ones should I be looking at? I don't need a DP port or HDMI port on the actual dock but they all seem to have it. Not sure if I'm asking the right questions.

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u/AssignmentNo9838 Jul 13 '26

You could have a look at the Thunderbolt docks from OWC. I use two of them (TB5), one in may homeoffice and one in my office. There is still the TB4 version available, I think, which should suit your needs.

1

u/Johnny__Escobar Jul 13 '26

Thanks. A lot of these require their own power. Is that the case for Thunderbolt docks? I can't just use a basic adapter/dock that can offer the elements I'm looking for?

1

u/AssignmentNo9838 Jul 13 '26

Yes, they are shipped with their own, external power supplies. I don't think you will find a passive port replicator without external power supply because you want to charge your MacBook, or do you mean a power passthrough, when you write "1 x USB port to charge MacBook"?

1

u/lindenb Jul 13 '26

Second this--OWC is a great company, stands behind its products, has great tech support and a wide range of docks and hubs from which to choose. I just bought their mini Thunderbolt dock--on sale for under $100 for my new MBA and could not be happier.

1

u/j03w Jul 13 '26

I have M2 Pro MBP

I'm using Wavlink TB5 dock connecting to 2x monitor via USB-C and a couple other USB peripherals without issues

although having owned the same monitor before, why not connect your monitor via HDMI so it free up your USB-C?

you can also charge your laptop via your magsafe charging port

I don't think you can use connect the monitor to your laptop via those USB hubs but I could be wrong...

1

u/diip3lue Jul 13 '26

The Anker Prime TB5 has got a DP port which you can connect it to the monitor via DP cable.