A cheap adapter can add USB-C to your old PC

Over the past few years, USB-C has become the go-to connection for IT devices. Smartphones, external SSDs, cameras, and docking stations now rely almost exclusively on this standard. However, many older Windows PCs still have no USB-C ports, or just one. That doesn’t mean you have to do without modern devices, though.

With a few simple steps, USB-C can be easily retrofitted to older systems. The quickest way is to use an existing USB-A port. All you need is a small USB-A-to-USB-C adapter. Simply plug this into a free USB-A port, and you can then connect a USB-C cable directly.

For individual devices such as smartphones, webcams, external drives, or chargers, this is an affordable and straightforward solution. Such adapters usually cost just a few dollars and work surprisingly reliably in practice. They are particularly suitable if you only connect a device occasionally and do not need any additional ports.

Ugreen

However, you shouldn’t expect any speed boosts from this solution, as it merely changes the type of connection. The transfer speed is still determined by the USB-A port standard. If you regularly use several USB-C devices, a USB hub or a docking station is much more practical.

These devices are also connected to the computer via an existing USB port and provide additional interfaces. Once connected, Windows automatically recognizes the hub as a new USB device. This gives you access to several USB-C ports as well as additional USB-A ports.

Numerous models also offer further connection options such as Ethernet ports, SD card slots, or even video outputs for monitors. Please note, however, that you should connect the hub or docking station to at least a USB 3.0 port to ensure sufficient bandwidth and power.

YEELIYA

A docking station is particularly useful when you need to connect multiple devices at the same time. Instead of plugging several cables directly into the computer, all connections run via a central station on your desk. This not only makes things more convenient but also simplifies cable management considerably.

Such a docking solution can be particularly practical for laptops, as several devices can be connected via a single port. Consequently, they are also more expensive, with prices starting at around $50, while hubs are available for well under $20. If you own a desktop PC, there’s another particularly neat and powerful solution:

Many computer cases have free PCIe slots on the motherboard. Expansion cards that provide additional USB-C ports can be installed here. Installation is relatively straightforward and requires just a few steps: First, switch off the computer completely and disconnect it from the mains. Then open the case and locate a free PCIe slot on the motherboard.

Benq

We recommend using at least a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot to benefit from the high speeds. Remove the relevant slot cover at the rear of the case and carefully insert the expansion card into the slot. The card is then secured with a screw and the case is closed again.

After restarting, Windows usually recognizes the new hardware automatically and activates the additional USB-C ports. Which solution is best suited depends primarily on the intended use. For individual devices, an inexpensive adapter is usually entirely sufficient. If you need several ports, a USB hub or a docking station is a good option.

For desktop users, however, a PCIe expansion card offers the neatest long-term solution, as the additional ports are integrated directly into the system. This also allows older Windows PCs to be easily fitted with modern USB-C ports.

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