I'm continuing to look for the perfect USB 3.0 HUB that will suit all of my needs and requirements, this time it is the Sabrent 4-Port Aluminum USB 3.0 HUB (HB-MC3B). You can check my previous post about 4-port USB 3.0 HUBs here where I have discussed a HUB from Orico and AUKEY and have mentioned this Sabrent one as a viable alternative that I should also try. Well, I finally got my hands on the Sabrent HUB and I'm pretty satisfied with it...
The Sabrent 4-port USB 3.0 HUB is with aluminum case, or at least the upper part of the case is with the bottom made from plastic. It seems well built on the outside and pretty sturdy, but what I immediately noticed is that the device is pretty lightweight and this is something that you don't want from a USB hub for sure. The HUB has a rubber bottom so it will not be slippery, but you would still probably want to apply some double sided tape to stick it to your desk.
The HUB uses USB 3.0 micro-B connector and there is a plug for external 5V power supply, though no power adapter is included in the package. Interestingly enough Sabrent does not mention the presence of the external power jack anywhere on the box of the device, but it apparently does work as it is wired on the PCB of the device. The external power connector is a bit small and not the most standard one, so you might have some trouble finding the right power adapter for it.
The length of the supplied USB 3.0 cable is about 80 centimeters, so it should be long enough for most users with their computers sitting next to the desk where they want to place the USB 3.0 HUB on to have a more convenient access to the USB 3.0 ports of the computer. If it is too long or too short, then you can purchase the right length cable, just make sure it is with a USB 3.0 micro-B connector that plugs to the HUB.
Of course most people will never need for additional external power as the USB 3.0 HUB should be perfectly capable of providing 5V 0.9A of power to the devices that you plug into it (total, not per port). So the need for external power supply may arise only if you want to be able to plug in multiple USB devices with high power needs at the same time.
The USB 3.0 controller chip that the Sabrent 4-port USB 3.0 HUB uses is the Genesys Logic GL3520. This is important only in case you may have some trouble with a specific hardware that may or may not work with some controllers. The build quality of the PCB is quite good, though you can always get even better and the board looks pretty sturdy and reliable.
In summary, it would've been better if the Sabrent USB HUB was a bit heavier and feeling more solid with an all-aluminum body. Other than that it seems pretty Ok product for the right price and it looks and works well, so I'm pretty satisfied with it. The only thing it needs is a piece of strong double sided tape to attach it to the desk, so it will stay there then you plug in and plug out various USB devices.
If you have a question or want to add something, then please leave a comment below.
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