UGREEN 15978 • THIRTEEN-PORT TRIPLE-DISPLAY DOCK
Three display outputs, fast USB data and a complete wired desk
UGREEN 15978 expands one compatible USB-C laptop with dual HDMI, DisplayPort, four USB-A ports, one USB-C data port, Gigabit Ethernet, SD and microSD readers, 3.5mm audio and up to 100W PD input.
Product overview
Overview
A clear view of the product before you connect it
This is the most extensive dock in the batch, intended for a permanent or semi-permanent workstation. Three physical video outputs—two HDMI and one DisplayPort—sit alongside five USB data ports, wired networking, two card readers, analogue audio and Power Delivery input.
UGREEN positions the dock for triple-display use and up to 4K video in compatible configurations. The actual number of independent desktops, maximum resolution and refresh rate depend on the host GPU, USB-C DisplayPort path, operating system and which display outputs are active together.
The product materials distinguish up to 10Gbps compatible USB file transfer from 1000Mbps Ethernet. Those are different interfaces and neither figure is an internet-speed promise. The current exact-SKU artwork states up to 100W PD input and up to 85W output to the host; the laptop may negotiate less.
Product highlights
Key features
Two HDMI plus one DisplayPort for host-supported multi-display use.
One USB-C 3.2 plus two USB-A 3.2 designated high-speed ports.
Two additional USB-A 3.0 data ports share the upstream link.
Current exact artwork states up to 85W host output from 100W input.
At a glance
Thirteen physical connections for a full workstation
2 × HDMI + 1 × DisplayPort
Connect up to three display cables. Available modes and independent-desktop behaviour depend on the host and operating system.
4 × USB-A data
Two USB-A 3.2 ports are labelled up to 10Gbps and two USB-A 3.0 ports up to 5Gbps; all share the host connection.
1 × USB-C data
The USB-C 3.2 data port is labelled up to 10Gbps for compatible storage and peripherals.
1 × RJ45 Ethernet
Connect a wired network at 10/100/1000Mbps according to the host, cable and network equipment.
SD + TF/microSD + 3.5mm
Access two memory-card formats and connect a compatible analogue headset, speaker or audio device.
1 × USB-C PD input
Accepts up to 100W from a compatible charger for negotiated host charging; not a data connection.
MULTI-DISPLAY WORKSPACE
Use dual HDMI and DisplayPort for a larger visual workspace
Connect one, two or three compatible displays for spreadsheets, code, timelines, communication tools and reference material. Windows hosts with supported DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport can offer extended multi-monitor layouts when the GPU and USB-C path expose enough display resources.
macOS display behaviour differs and commonly mirrors the external outputs connected through an MST-based USB-C dock rather than giving each one a separate desktop. Maximum resolution also falls as more outputs share the available video bandwidth.
- Two HDMI outputs
- One DisplayPort output
- Triple-display physical connectivity
- Up to 4K in supported configurations
- Exact mode depends on host, OS and active-port combination
HIGH-SPEED DATA + WIRED NETWORK
Keep USB file transfer separate from Ethernet expectations
The exact port map identifies one USB-C 3.2 and two USB-A 3.2 ports up to 10Gbps, plus two USB-A 3.0 ports up to 5Gbps. All five share the upstream host bandwidth and available power.
The RJ45 connection supports wired Ethernet up to 1000Mbps. This is not a 10Gbps Ethernet dock. Actual network and internet performance depend on the host, cable, router or switch, network service and destination server.
- Five USB data ports
- Up to 10Gbps on compatible designated USB paths
- Shared upstream bandwidth
- 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet
- Cat5e or better cable for Gigabit
CARDS, AUDIO AND HOST POWER
Complete the desk with media access, sound and PD charging
Separate SD and microSD slots support camera and mobile-media workflows. The 3.5mm audio connection adds a convenient analogue headset, speaker or audio-device path alongside the digital display outputs.
Connect a suitable USB-C PD charger to the dedicated input for host charging up to the laptop's accepted level. The dock accepts up to 100W, reserves some power for itself and does not guarantee full input wattage at the host.
- SD and TF/microSD readers
- 3.5mm analogue audio
- Up to 100W PD input
- Actual host charging is lower
- Charger and connection cables not confirmed as included
Real-world workflows
Use scenarios
Designed for display-heavy and data-heavy work
Multi-monitor office
Use several displays for documents, dashboards, communication and reference material while maintaining wired network access.
Creative workstation
Transfer media from SD or microSD, connect fast compatible USB storage and spread tools across multiple displays.
Programming and analysis
Keep code, documentation, terminals and monitoring tools visible across an OS-supported extended desktop.
Shared hot desk
Reconnect displays, Ethernet, USB peripherals, audio and laptop charging through one compatible USB-C host lead.
Compatibility
Compatible devices and systems
The host GPU, USB-C port and operating system set the limits
Windows laptops
Compatible Dell XPS, ThinkPad and other USB-C systems with DisplayPort MST support are the strongest fit for independent multi-monitor arrangements.
Mac computers
Compatible USB-C or Thunderbolt Macs can use the dock's standard functions, but external outputs on an MST dock commonly mirror one another under macOS.
USB-C, USB4 and Thunderbolt hosts
The dock connects as a USB-C device. Required data, display and charging functions must be exposed by the chosen host port.
Displays and networks
Use compatible HDMI/DisplayPort monitors and a standard RJ45 network with cables rated for the intended modes.
Important limitations
Check before buying
Check these points before ordering or connecting:
- Triple physical outputs do not guarantee three independent desktops on every host or operating system.
- macOS commonly mirrors external outputs through an MST-based USB-C multi-display dock; verify the exact Mac requirement before buying.
- The host USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB4 display output or compatible Thunderbolt video.
- Maximum resolution and refresh rate depend on whether one, two or three display outputs are active together.
- The 10Gbps claim applies to compatible USB file transfer, not Ethernet. RJ45 Ethernet is up to 1000Mbps.
- The exact port map labels USB-C 3.2 and two USB-A 3.2 ports at 10Gbps, plus two USB-A 3.0 ports at 5Gbps; simultaneous traffic shares the upstream link.
- 100W is maximum PD input; current exact artwork states up to 85W host output, and actual delivery remains negotiated.
- A charger, charging cable, display cables and Ethernet cable are not confirmed as included.
Function boundaries
What it can—and cannot—do
What this product does
- Provides two HDMI and one DisplayPort connector for multi-display setups.
- Adds four USB-A and one USB-C data port.
- Supports compatible USB file-transfer links up to the advertised 10Gbps on designated paths.
- Adds wired Ethernet up to 1000Mbps.
- Reads compatible SD and microSD cards and provides a 3.5mm audio connection.
- Accepts up to 100W PD input for negotiated host charging.
- Combines thirteen desk connections through one compatible host port.
What this product does not do
- It does not guarantee three independent external desktops on macOS or every Windows laptop.
- It does not provide 10Gbps Ethernet.
- It does not guarantee every USB port runs at 10Gbps.
- It does not make a data-only USB-C port support external displays.
- It does not guarantee all three displays maintain the single-display maximum mode together.
- It does not guarantee 100W reaches the laptop.
- It is not a Thunderbolt dock with downstream Thunderbolt, PCIe tunnelling or 40Gbps data.
Guided connection
Setup and usability guidance
Start with one display, then add the full desk methodically
- Confirm the host USB-C port supports data, the required DisplayPort video lanes and USB-C charging.
- Connect the dock directly to the host and, if needed, connect a suitable PD charger to the dedicated input.
- Connect one display first, choose the correct input and confirm a stable supported mode.
- Add the second and third displays one at a time, then configure mirror or extend mode in the operating-system display panel.
- Connect Ethernet and confirm the negotiated link speed through the host network settings.
- Add USB peripherals, audio and cards individually, paying attention to port labels and power demand.
- Safely eject drives and cards before disconnecting the dock or removing power.
Good practice
Do and avoid
What to do
- Verify the required multi-monitor mode on the exact laptop and operating system.
- Use display cables rated for the selected resolution and refresh rate.
- Use Cat5e or better Ethernet cable for Gigabit operation.
- Connect high-speed storage to the port marked for the required USB rate.
- Use a compliant USB-C PD charger and rated cable.
- Keep the dock uncovered and troubleshoot one connection at a time.
What not to do
- Do not treat the 10Gbps USB data claim as an Ethernet speed; the RJ45 connection is Gigabit Ethernet up to 1000Mbps.
- Do not force three independent desktops on a host or OS that mirrors MST outputs.
- Do not assume all display combinations keep the same 4K refresh rate.
- Do not use the PD input as a USB data port.
- Do not remove storage or cards during file writes.
- Do not cover the dock or continue use with damaged, loose or unusually hot connections.
Safe operation
Warnings and limitations
Safety note 1
Multi-display capability is the highest-risk compatibility area. Check the exact host GPU, USB-C video specification and operating-system behaviour before relying on three external screens.
Safety note 2
As more displays share the USB-C video link, the maximum common resolution or refresh rate can fall. Start at a lower mode when troubleshooting.
Safety note 3
USB and display traffic share the host connection. Heavy storage transfers can reduce available performance for other attached peripherals.
Safety note 4
A 1Gbps Ethernet link does not guarantee 1Gbps internet. The network service and all intermediate equipment set the usable speed.
Safety note 5
Mild warmth is normal during multi-display, data, network and charging use. Disconnect the dock if heat, smell, noise or physical damage becomes abnormal.
Safety note 6
Removing power during a card or drive write can corrupt files.
Verified specifications
Technical specifications
| Brand | UGREEN |
|---|---|
| SKU | 15978 |
| Product type | 13-in-1 USB-C triple-display multifunction dock |
| Host connection | Attached USB-C male lead |
| Display outputs | 2 × HDMI and 1 × DisplayPort |
| Display positioning | Triple-display physical connectivity; actual modes depend on host, OS and active-port combination |
| Maximum video claim | Up to 4K in compatible configurations; combined resolution and refresh matrix not reliably published |
| USB-A data | 4 × USB-A |
| USB-C data | 1 × USB-C |
| Maximum USB claim | Up to 10Gbps compatible file transfer on designated high-speed paths |
| Ethernet | 1 × RJ45; 10/100/1000Mbps |
| Card readers | 1 × SD and 1 × TF/microSD; exact artwork labels up to 104MB/s |
| Audio | 1 × 3.5mm analogue audio connection |
| USB-C PD | Dedicated input up to 100W |
| Host charging | Up to 85W stated from 100W input; actual delivery is negotiated |
| Listed dimensions | 12.09 × 2.69 × 1.19cm |
| Listed weight | 330g |
| Compatibility emphasis | USB-C laptops including listed Dell XPS and ThinkPad families; exact port capability required |
In the box
Package contents
- 1 × UGREEN 15978 13-in-1 USB-C docking station with attached host cable
A USB-C PD charger, charging cable, HDMI or DisplayPort cables, Ethernet cable and audio accessories are not verified as standard contents. Plan each required connection separately.
Helpful answers
Product-specific FAQ
Which thirteen connections are included?
Two HDMI, one DisplayPort, four USB-A data, one USB-C data, one RJ45 Ethernet, one SD slot, one microSD/TF slot, one 3.5mm audio connection and one USB-C PD input.
Can it connect three external displays?
It has three physical display outputs. Whether all three work together, mirror or extend, and at what resolution depends on the host GPU, USB-C video path and operating system.
Will three independent screens work on a Mac?
Common macOS behaviour with an MST-based USB-C dock is for external outputs to mirror one another. Verify the exact Mac and required display arrangement before purchase.
What is the maximum display resolution?
The dock supports up to 4K in compatible configurations. Actual resolution and refresh rate vary with the host and whether one, two or three outputs are active.
Does the Ethernet port support 10Gbps?
No. Ethernet is up to 1000Mbps. The separate 10Gbps claim refers to compatible USB file-transfer performance.
Do all five USB ports support 10Gbps?
No. The exact map labels one USB-C 3.2 and two USB-A 3.2 ports at 10Gbps, while two USB-A 3.0 ports are 5Gbps. All five still share upstream bandwidth.
Will my laptop receive 100W?
No guarantee. The dock accepts up to 100W PD input, consumes some power and supplies the amount negotiated by the host, charger and cable.
Can SD and microSD work together?
They can be used on compatible systems, but both share the host bandwidth with other USB devices.
Does the dock include a headphone connection?
Yes. It includes a 3.5mm analogue audio connection; headset and microphone behaviour depends on the connector standard and host audio support.
Is it a Thunderbolt dock?
No. It can connect to a compatible Thunderbolt host as a USB-C dock, but it does not provide downstream Thunderbolt, PCIe tunnelling or a 40Gbps Thunderbolt data path.
Are the charger and display cables included?
They are not verified as standard package contents and should be planned separately.
Exact-model verification
Research and source note
The exact 15978 port map separates three designated 10Gbps USB 3.2 ports, two 5Gbps USB 3.0 ports and 1000Mbps Ethernet. Current artwork also verifies up to 85W host output from 100W input and the macOS external-display mirroring limitation.
