I recently purchased the HP USB-C Dock G5 for my laptop and I'm interested to know if I can also use it with my desktop PC. From what I gather, I just need to ensure that my PC has a DP Alt Mode USB-C connector. Is it possible for me to buy a PCIe expansion board and connect the dock to it? Or should I look for a motherboard that has a USB-C 3.2 port? Will this setup actually work?
5 Answers
The dock's functionality isn't limited to laptops; it works for desktops with the right USB-C or Thunderbolt ports. It's just worth noting that desktops typically have plenty of ports compared to laptops. If you want to share peripherals between your laptop and PC, I still think a KVM would be the way to go. But since you have the dock, why not try it!
You can definitely use an adapter with your existing USB ports. But regarding the PCIe board you linked, it should ideally support USB-C 3.2. Double-check that it has the necessary markings for DP Alt Mode. That way you ensure it's fully compatible!
I'd recommend considering a KVM switch instead of a dock for better ease of use. It allows you to switch between devices without frequently swapping cables, which seems like what you're trying to do. Just a thought!
Yes, you can definitely use the HP USB-C Dock G5 with your desktop PC as long as it has a USB-C or Thunderbolt port that supports DP Alt Mode. It doesn't matter whether that port is integrated on the motherboard or provided through a PCIe expansion card. However, I'm curious why you're opting for a dock with a desktop, since desktops usually come with ample USB ports and other connections.
I know a KVM would be more efficient, but I'm having trouble finding one that matches my port requirements. Plus, I've already got the dock! So, it seems more practical to use it.