A 100W hub, an 85W laptop: where the missing power goes
Anker 555 documents a 100W input setup and up to 85W for the computer. Price the whole chain.
| Part of the A8383 setup | Documented power |
|---|---|
| Required input setup for maximum pass-through | 100W charger and suitable cable |
| Allocated to hub operation | 15W |
| Laptop pass-through maximum | Up to 85W |
The neat one-cable desk can require more equipment than it first appears. A hub advertised with “100W” might need a separate charger and cable while providing less than 100W to the laptop.
Read input and output as different specifications
Anker's A8383 manual lists a 100W charging setup for up to 85W of laptop pass-through, with 15W allocated to the hub. Write those values on opposite sides of the connection. Copying the input number into the laptop-output column is the mistake to avoid.
These are manufacturer specifications for this model. Actual charging remains dependent on the supported devices and power negotiation.
A shared wall charger adds another condition
If the wall charger also powers a phone, use its simultaneous-output table before relying on its 100W headline. The hub receives what the upstream connection supplies, not whatever total is printed on the charger.
Do not combine two products' maximum ratings and assume the resulting setup has been tested. Ask for the specific supported combination when the available power is close to your laptop's requirement.
Compare two complete shopping baskets
One basket is the hub, an appropriate wall charger and any required cable. The other is a hub for peripherals plus the laptop's existing charger connected directly. The first may make daily reconnecting tidier; the second may cost less and retain the charging arrangement that already works.
The 555's US page showed $49.99 and states that its wall charger is not included. That is a starting price for the hub, not the complete cost of a powered one-cable desk.
Buy pass-through convenience when it solves a frequent annoyance and the documented output covers your requirement. Keep separate charging when it is already simple enough. There is no prize for reducing the visible cable count while making the charging setup worse.
Before you decide
Will a 100W wall charger always give the hub 100W?
Not necessarily. Shared-port charging and negotiated power profiles can change the input available to the hub.
Should I buy a bigger charger automatically?
No. Compare your laptop requirement, the hub output and total accessory cost. Direct laptop charging may be simpler.
Check the product and full package
One HDMI display, fast USB storage and wired Ethernet.
A8383 · Price checked Sep 7, 2026Retailer prices and terms can change. These links currently earn no commission. Product images are provided by the manufacturer or retailer.