Many modern monitors have built-in USB hubs. These hubs don't just provide additional ports, they can transfer data at high speeds and provide power to devices. These are often USB 3.0 or even USB 3.2 Gen1/Gen2 ports, providing data transfer speeds of up to five or 10 Gbps, ideal for fast external SSDs or high-end peripherals. However, these ports often go unused, even though they allow for significant improvements in both technical and ergonomic setup.
By using your monitor as a central USB hub, you can cut down on cabling, organize your devices efficiently, and increase accessibility. High-quality mice, mechanical keyboards or graphics tablets benefit from this, as short, direct connections often provide more stable data transfers and lower latency.
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Webcams can also be integrated in this way: connecting the camera to the monitor avoids the use of long cables and prevents cable strain when moving the display. The ports are ideal for storage media such as USB drives, SD card readers, or external SSDs because they can be accessed directly without leaning over the PC case.
Gamers and streamers can quickly connect controllers, microphones, audio interfaces, or capture cards because these devices typically don't require a permanent connection to the system.
A USB hub also provides a solution for power-hungry gadgets such as LED strips, USB fans, wireless mouse chargers, or headset docking stations. It's worth checking your monitor's specifications to make sure the port provides enough power. For example, 1.5 amperes at five volts.
Some monitor USB ports also support fast charging protocols such as BC 1.2 (Battery Charge), which can be used to quickly charge smartphones or tablets.
USB ports on the monitor are also useful for extending hard-to-reach connections, such as if the computer is installed under a desk or cable ducts make direct access difficult.
If you use these capabilities strategically, you can turn unobtrusive display connectors into powerful and flexible interfaces that improve both the user experience and the technical efficiency of your entire system.
