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USB-C hub heats up more on MacBook than PC even when idle. Is it normal?

USB-C hub heats up more on MacBook than PC even when idle. Is it normal?

USB-C hub heats up more on MacBook than PC even when idle. Is it normal?
USB-C hub heats up more on MacBook than PC even when idle. Is it normal?
2026-05-04 23:58:21 - last edited 2026-06-04 12:23:28
Model: UH9120C  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version:

Hi, I’ve noticed something odd with my new M5 MacBook Air and TP-Link UH9120C hub.

When I plug it into my MacBook, it gets noticeably warm within a few minutes even when absolutely nothing is connected to the hub.

But when I plug the same hub into my Windows PC, it stays completely cold under the exact same conditions (idle, no devices attached).

Is this expected behavior on MacBooks? Curious if anyone else has seen similar behavior.

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Re:USB-C hub heats up more on MacBook than PC even when idle. Is it normal?-Solution
2026-06-04 12:23:26 - last edited 2026-06-04 12:23:28

Hello @szerwony ,

This thermal behavior is due to a difference in USB power delivery (PD) policy between the host systems. MacBooks implement an “Always-on VBUS” strategy for their ports, maintaining a standby voltage even when idle. Conversely, Windows PCs typically employ aggressive link power management (LPM) and selective suspend, which cuts power to the port’s VBUS line when no active connection is detected, placing the hub in a true cold state.

We recommend connecting the hub to your MacBook on demand; if needed only temporarily, unplug it after use.

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Re:USB-C hub heats up more on MacBook than PC even when idle. Is it normal?-Solution
2026-06-04 12:23:26 - last edited 2026-06-04 12:23:28

Hello @szerwony ,

This thermal behavior is due to a difference in USB power delivery (PD) policy between the host systems. MacBooks implement an “Always-on VBUS” strategy for their ports, maintaining a standby voltage even when idle. Conversely, Windows PCs typically employ aggressive link power management (LPM) and selective suspend, which cuts power to the port’s VBUS line when no active connection is detected, placing the hub in a true cold state.

We recommend connecting the hub to your MacBook on demand; if needed only temporarily, unplug it after use.

Join Us for Our First Look at Wi-Fi 8 During Our September 30th Live Stream

Latest posts: ▷Archer BE550 V2 Enhances EasyMesh Support with Guest/IoT/MLO Extension ▷Archer BE550 V1 Supports Guest/IoT Network Extension More posts, please see: ▷Get the Ongoing Pre-release Firmware for Wi-Fi Routers Here! Contact via Messages or @Joesph-TP in your new post for urgent problems (not online 24/7). Click Recommended Solution if the post/answer helps.
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