2. USBC-7IN1 Hardware Revision: HDMI...

USBC-7IN1 Hardware Revision: HDMI Support Increased from 4K 30Hz to 4K 60Hz

Last Update: February 25th, 2026
Article ID: 3702810

Summary

A hardware revision of the Plugable USBC-7IN1 USB-C Hub increases the maximum HDMI output from 4K at 30Hz to 4K at 60Hz when connected to compatible host systems that support DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode.

This article outlines what changed, system requirements for achieving 4K at 60Hz, and how to determine which revision you have.

Applicable To

  • Plugable USBC-7IN1 USB-C Hub
  • Systems with USB-C or Thunderbolt ports that support DisplayPort Alt Mode

This article does not apply to DisplayLink-based docking stations.

Background

The Plugable USBC-7IN1 provides HDMI, USB-A, SD, microSD, and USB-C Power Delivery through a single USB-C connection. Video output is delivered using DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode), which relies on the host system’s native graphics capabilities.

Original Version

  • Supports HDMI output up to 3840 × 2160 at 30Hz

Revised Version

  • Maximum HDMI resolution: 3840 x 2160 at 60Hz
    (Requires DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode support from the host system)
  • Hub dimensions (cm): 16 (L) x 3.5 (W) x 1.5 (H)

All other hub functionality remains unchanged. The update affects only the HDMI video capability and dimensions of the hub.

System Requirements for 4K 60Hz

To achieve 3840 x 2160 at 60Hz, the following are required:

  • A host system that supports DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode over USB-C or Thunderbolt
  • A monitor that supports 4K at 60Hz over HDMI
  • An HDMI cable rated for HDMI 2.0 (18Gbps) or higher

If the host system supports only DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode, the maximum supported output will remain 4K at 30Hz, even when using the revised hub.

Important Bandwidth Note

DisplayPort Alt Mode shares bandwidth with USB 3.x data on many USB-C hubs.

On some systems:

  • Enabling USB 3.0 data functionality may reduce available video bandwidth
  • Reduced bandwidth may limit refresh rate or resolution

If 4K at 60Hz is not available:

  1. Disconnect high-bandwidth USB 3.0 devices (such as external storage).
  2. Recheck available display settings.

This can help determine whether bandwidth sharing is limiting video performance.

Expected Display Behavior

On DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode Systems

  • 3840 × 2160 at 60Hz should be selectable in operating system display settings
  • Lower resolutions will also support 60Hz

On DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode Systems

  • 3840 × 2160 will default to 30Hz
  • Lower resolutions such as 2560 × 1440 or 1920 × 1080 may support 60Hz

Supported operating systems include Windows, ChromeOS, Linux distributions, and other systems that support DisplayPort Alt Mode.

How to Identify Which Version You Have

As inventory transitions, customers may receive either hardware revision.

To determine which revision you have:

  • Connect the hub to a system confirmed to support DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode
  • Connect a monitor confirmed to support 4K at 60Hz over HDMI
  • Use a certified HDMI 2.0 (or higher) cable
  • Check available refresh rate options in your operating system display settings

If 3840 x 2160 at 60Hz is selectable, you have the revised version.

If the maximum selectable refresh rate at 3840 x 2160 is 30Hz and the host system, monitor, and cable are confirmed to support 4K at 60Hz, you likely have the original revision.

If you are unsure, please contact Plugable Support for assistance.

Additional Notes

  • The USBC-7IN1 is a driverless DisplayPort Alt Mode hub and does not use DisplayLink technology.
  • Video capability depends on the combined capabilities of the host system, graphics processor, monitor, and cable.
  • The hub cannot increase video capability beyond what the host system supports.

Need Assistance?

If you need help verifying system compatibility or identifying your hub revision, contact Plugable Support at: support@plugable.com