Many modern monitors come with built-in USB hubs. These hubs not only provide additional ports, they can transfer data at high speeds and power devices. These are often USB 3.0 or even USB 3.2 Gen1/Gen2 ports, offering transfer rates of up to five or 10 Gbps, which is ideal for fast external SSDs or high-quality peripherals. However, these ports often remain unused, even though they can significantly improve the technical and ergonomic configuration.
By using the monitor as a central USB hub, you can shorten cable lengths, organize 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.
Dell
Webcams can also be integrated in this way: connecting the camera to the monitor saves long cables and prevents strain on the cable when the screen is moved. The ports are ideal for storage media such as USB sticks, SD card readers or external SSDs, as they can be accessed directly without having to lean towards the PC case.
Gamers and streamers can quickly connect controllers, microphones, audio interfaces, or capture cards because these devices typically don’t need to be permanently connected to the system.
The USB hub is also a solution for power-hungry gadgets such as LED light strips, USB fans, wireless mouse chargers or headphone docks. It is worth checking the technical data of the monitor to ensure that the port provides enough power. For example, 1.5 amps at five volts.
Some USB ports on the monitor also support fast charging protocols such as BC 1.2 (Battery Charging), which can be used to quickly charge smartphones or tablets.
The monitor’s USB ports are also handy as an extension for hard-to-reach connections, for example if the computer is mounted under the table or if cable ducts make direct access difficult.
If you use these options strategically, you can transform discreet sockets on the screen into powerful and flexible interfaces that increase both working comfort and technical efficiency of the entire system.
