someone is going to nerdsnipe me so i will add that technically its 15 registered ports per USB controller, so you can add a dongle and have more than 15. a mobo usually only has 1 USB controller for way more than 15 USB ports though, Apple added this arbitrary restriction for no reason since none of their devices have that many ports. so a typical PC motherboard just straight up destabilizes the system lmfao

Okay but what kind of application is it used for that you exceed 15 ports filled??

For my work, I personally have:

• Webcam
• Mic
• Dongle for mouse
• Dongle for headset
• Wired keyboard
• Monitor 2 touchscreen
• Macropad
• Ethernet adapter 1 (connection to work network)
• Ethernet adapter 2 (connection to small switch with no uplinks, for device testing)
• Ethernet adapter 3 (connection to local avoip network)
• External drive
• Microcontroller programmer (universal, let me cut down on a few other adapters I had)
• Serial adapter
• Card reader
• Video capture - analog
• Video capture - digital
• Audio interface for xlr I/o and my good headphones
• NFC reader/writer

Then a couple of loose cables for connecting the random devices, like a tablet for adb purposes, DSLR, etc. Not including the built-in devices on the laptop which show up as USB devices, like the crappy built-in webcam, microsd only card reader in the worlds stupidest spot, etc.

I’d say its easy to hit 15 - thats only the USB devices attached to my work laptop.

Ok that was legit.

Do you had recommendations for powered USB 2 and 3 hubs that are decent quality? I’m so sick of plugging things in and they don’t have enough power.

Sabrent. Bit more money, but I like the ones with built in power switches per port (handy for testing disconnection events), and the build quality is solid. Power supplies they provide can be a bit bulky, but I mount them in my rack so its not really a problem for me.

Anker I like for their slimmer powered hubs, but those mostly sit in my laptop backpack, not the daily driver on my home office desk.

Thank you!

I see that getting one with a power adapter increases the price a decent amount. Do the models without an adapter at least have a connector so I can provide my own?