StarTech DK30A2DH

Keep the original charger on the desk

The most important omission is deliberate: this dock provides no USB-C Power Delivery to the host. Connecting it to a newer notebook therefore does not turn it into a one-cable charging station. It can still be useful where an older computer needs a barrel-plug adapter anyway, or where a workstation requires more power than ordinary USB-C docks provide.

Both host cable types are included. This makes migration between generations straightforward at the connector level, but the display software must still be supported on each computer. DisplayLink is responsible for the external screens; it is not native Thunderbolt video.

Choose two outputs from the paired connections

The dock offers DisplayPort and HDMI choices for two independent 4K60 displays. Four video sockets do not mean four screens. You can use two DisplayPort monitors, two HDMI monitors or one of each, matching equipment already on the desk instead of replacing it for a connector preference.

Six USB-A data ports are the other reason to consider this model. A printer, keyboard, mouse, webcam and storage device can fill a modern laptop’s limited sockets surprisingly quickly. Gigabit Ethernet and separate audio connections complete the older-desk orientation. A user whose peripherals are mostly USB-C should count the adapters that would be required here; the abundant USB-A selection is only an advantage when it matches the equipment.

Connections & compatibility

Connection to laptop

USB-A or USB-C using included host cables

Display technology

displaylink

Maximum displays (conditions apply)

2

Power to laptop (W)

0

HDMI sockets

2

DisplayPort sockets

2

Wired network

Gigabit Ethernet

USB peripherals

6 USB-A data ports at 5Gbps

Display requirements

Dual 4K60 using paired HDMI/DisplayPort choices

Mac notes

DisplayLink required; two extended screens on supported Macs

Windows notes

Compatible DisplayLink software required

These are published specifications, not results from hands-on testing. Maximum screen counts depend on the laptop, operating system, connection and chosen resolution.