Plugable USB-C Dock Powers Five Displays Including 8K for Enhanced Productivity

Plugable has launched a new USB-C docking station, the UD-7400PD, that supports up to five simultaneous displays, including a combination of four 4K screens and one 8K display. This dock is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems and operates through a single USB-C port, making it a versatile solution for users seeking expansive screen real estate.

Unlike many high-end Thunderbolt 5 docks that support fewer displays, Plugable’s dock works with any computer equipped with a video-capable USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, a standard available since 2017. This broad compatibility allows users to upgrade their multi-monitor setups without investing in the latest Thunderbolt technology.

The dock uses Synaptics’ DisplayLink DL-7400 chipset, which compresses video data on the host computer and decompresses it within the dock. This technology enables the transmission of high-resolution video over USB-C ports with limited bandwidth, supporting configurations such as five 4K 60Hz displays, three 8K 30Hz displays, or a mix of four 4K and one 8K screen.

While this approach is ideal for productivity applications like spreadsheets and office software, it may not perform well with graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming due to compression overhead. Additionally, the dock does not support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), limiting the ability to stream protected content on external displays.

Beyond display connectivity, the UD-7400PD includes a front-facing 10Gbps USB-C port with 30W power delivery, two 10Gbps USB-A ports, a 2.5Gbps ethernet port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a host USB-C port capable of delivering up to 140W to charge laptops. This comprehensive port selection supports a wide range of peripherals and networking needs.

Plugable’s UD-7400PD dock offers a cost-effective alternative for professionals seeking extensive multi-monitor setups without upgrading to the latest Thunderbolt 5 hardware. Its compatibility with existing USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and support for high-resolution displays make it an attractive choice for enhancing productivity in office and creative environments.