UGREEN 9-in-1 USB Type C Docking Station 4K HDMI VGA Gigabit Ethernet PD Charging 3 USB 3.0 SD Card MacBook Dell XPS (40873)
Overview
UGREEN 40873 is a nine-function USB-C dock for connecting a modern or legacy display alongside wired networking, USB peripherals, memory cards and pass-through laptop power. Its display connectors are alternatives: use HDMI or VGA, because this model information states that they cannot operate simultaneously.
What it does well.
Key features
At a glance
Nine functions with mutually exclusive display outputs
Port-by-port clarity
HDMI output. Up to 4K 30Hz for a compatible monitor, television or projector. It cannot be used together with VGA on this model.
VGA output. Up to 1080p 60Hz for a legacy monitor or projector. Disconnect HDMI before relying on VGA.
Data and network. Gigabit Ethernet, three USB-A 3.0 ports, and SD plus TF/microSD card readers.
PD-IN. USB-C charging input up to 100W; it is not a downstream data or display port.
Select HDMI or VGA before you build the desk
Display choice
Use HDMI for a digital 4K30-capable display path or VGA for a legacy 1080p60 connection. this model does not support using both outputs simultaneously, so it is not a dual-monitor adapter.
If the screen remains blank, confirm the host USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, select the correct display input, test a lower resolution and connect directly without an unverified switch or converter.
- Disconnect one display type before using the other.
- Use a cable rated for the chosen mode.
- No audio connection is provided by the dock itself.
Network, cards and USB share one compact host link
Desk expansion
The RJ45 port can negotiate a Gigabit link with compatible network equipment and cabling. Internet speed can still be lower. USB drives and both card readers share host bandwidth; simultaneous transfers can reduce the speed of each operation.
the listing advises attaching only one external hard drive. Connect a suitable PD source before a high-draw workflow and keep the charger role separate from the PD-IN port’s lack of data.
- Eject drives and cards before removal.
- Use one external hard drive at a time.
- Connect PD power before troubleshooting a high-load setup.
Use scenarios
Real-world applications
Choose this model when its connections and limits match the workflow below.
Modern HDMI desk. Connect one digital monitor, wired LAN, USB peripherals and cards while powering a compatible laptop.
Legacy VGA presentation. Attach an older projector or monitor at up to 1080p 60Hz after disconnecting HDMI.
Photo import. Read SD or TF media with a single external hard drive and wired network attached.
Travel adapter. Carry one dock for rooms that may provide either HDMI or VGA, while remembering the outputs are alternatives.
Setup and usability guidance
Practical connection order
A deliberate connection order makes capability checks and troubleshooting easier.
- Confirm host USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery support.
- Connect a suitable PD charger and cable to PD-IN if charging is required.
- Attach the dock directly to the host USB-C port.
- Choose either HDMI or VGA and connect only that display type.
- Select the display input and choose a supported resolution.
- Connect Ethernet, USB devices and cards one at a time.
- Use no more than one external hard drive according to current guidance.
- Eject drives and cards before disconnecting the dock.
Compatible devices and systems
Host and peripheral fit
Connector shape alone is not enough: the host port, operating system, cable, display and peripheral must support the required function.
USB-C laptops. MacBook, Windows laptop, Chromebook and similar hosts with USB data; display needs DisplayPort Alt Mode.
HDMI displays. Monitors, televisions and projectors up to the mutually supported 4K 30Hz mode.
VGA displays. Legacy monitors and projectors up to the mutually supported 1080p 60Hz mode.
Peripherals. Gigabit networks, USB-A data devices, SD and TF/microSD media within shared bandwidth and power.
What this product does
Function scope
- Outputs one HDMI display up to 4K 30Hz or one VGA display up to 1080p 60Hz.
- Adds Gigabit Ethernet to a compatible USB-C host.
- Adds three USB-A data ports plus SD and TF/microSD readers.
- Accepts up to 100W through PD-IN for compatible host pass-through charging.
What this product does not do
Boundaries that prevent a mismatch
- It does not operate HDMI and VGA simultaneously.
- It does not create a dual-monitor workstation.
- It does not output video from a USB-C host that lacks DisplayPort Alt Mode.
- It does not transfer data through PD-IN.
- It does not add a 3.5mm audio connection.
What to do
Recommended practice
- Choose HDMI or VGA before routing display cables.
- Verify host video support.
- Use a suitable PD charger and rated cable.
- Use one external hard drive at a time.
- Eject removable media before removal.
What not to do
Avoid common mistakes
- Do not connect HDMI and VGA together.
- Do not expect 4K 60Hz from the HDMI output.
- Do not use PD-IN as a data port.
- Do not attach several bus-powered hard drives.
- Do not advertise an audio port that is not present.
Warnings and limitations
Read before use
Check before connecting or ordering.
Warning / limitation 1. The display output will remain blank if the host USB-C port lacks video capability.
Warning / limitation 2. Using both HDMI and VGA is not supported on this model.
Warning / limitation 3. Several storage transfers share bandwidth and available power.
Warning / limitation 4. A 1Gbps Ethernet link does not guarantee 1Gbps internet throughput.
Warning / limitation 5. Stop use if the attached lead or enclosure is damaged, wet, unusually hot or unstable.
- HDMI and VGA cannot be used simultaneously on SKU 40873.
- The host USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode for either display output.
- HDMI is up to 4K 30Hz; VGA is up to 1080p 60Hz.
- PD-IN is charging-only and requires a compatible charger and cable.
- the listing recommends only one external hard drive.
- This model has no 3.5mm audio port.
- Network and data rates are interface maxima and depend on the complete system.
At a glance.
- Brand / SKU
- UGREEN 40873
- Product type
- 9-in-1 USB-C docking station
- HDMI
- Up to 4K 30Hz
- VGA
- Up to 1080p 60Hz
- Display concurrency
- HDMI and VGA cannot be used simultaneously
- Ethernet
- Gigabit RJ45, up to 1000Mbps link rate
- USB data
- 3 × USB-A 3.0, up to 5Gbps shared
- Card readers
- SD and TF/microSD
- PD input
- USB-C up to 100W; charging-only
- External hard-drive guidance
- Connect only one as stated in this product material
- Audio
- No 3.5mm audio port
- Host display requirement
- USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
- In the box
- 1 × UGREEN 40873 nine-function USB-C docking station with attached host connection.
Model-specific data
In-box information
PD charger, charging cable, HDMI cable, VGA cable, Ethernet cable, memory cards and USB peripherals are not included.
Questions buyers ask.
Can HDMI and VGA work together on UGREEN 40873?
No. product information states that HDMI and VGA cannot be used simultaneously.
Is this a dual-monitor dock?
No. Choose either HDMI or VGA for one active display output.
What is the HDMI maximum?
HDMI is listed up to 3840 × 2160 at 30Hz in a compatible chain.
What is the VGA maximum?
VGA is listed up to 1920 × 1080 at 60Hz.
Will every USB-C laptop output video?
No. The host port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Can the PD-IN port transfer data?
No. It is a charging input only.
Is a 100W charger included?
A PD charger and charging cable are not confirmed in the package information.
Can I connect two external hard drives?
the listing recommends connecting only one external hard drive.
Does it have Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. The RJ45 port can negotiate up to a 1000Mbps link with compatible network equipment and cable.
Can SD and TF cards be used?
Yes. The dock includes both reader types, subject to card and operating-system support.
Does it include a headphone jack?
No. This model does not include a 3.5mm audio port.