One Hub to Rule Them All! ACASIS 10-in-1 USB-C Hub Review

In this video I'll be reviewing the ACASIS: Swappable High-Speed SSD Storage & 10-In-1 Hub. I'll look at the transfer speeds and performance of the USB Ports, SD card readers as wall as an installed NVMe M.2 SSD.
Products Featured (Paid Links)
ACASIS 10-in-1 Hub - amzn.to/3tU9VMz
Sabrent Rocket Q 1TB -amzn.to/3zDFdIf
Sandisk Extreme Pro - amzn.to/2Vd4KsS
Sandisk Ultra Plus - amzn.to/3BDnWiK
Ineo M.2 NVMe Enclosure - amzn.to/3o3ZP8z
Framework Laptop Review - • The Framework Laptop -...
Framework Website - bit.ly/frameworkDIY
Timecodes:
0:00 - Opener
0:11 - Intro
1:00 - Unboxing
1:51 - Technical Specs
3:35 - The Test NVME M.2 SSD
4:25 - The Test Computer
5:09 - This Hub is HOT!
7:45 - Testing the Hub NVME Speeds
9:13 - USB Port Speeds and Capabilities
11:38 - SD/TF Reader Test
12:35 - 3.5mm Audio & Mic test
12:59 - Ethernet & HDMI Test
13:56 - Testing Results Confirmation
14:32 - The Heat Problem?
15:03 - Additional Use Demo
16:30 - Pros and Cons
17:34 - Conclusion
My Studio Equipment (Paid Links)
Panasonic Lumic DMC-G7 - amzn.to/2VjqKSR
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ300 - amzn.to/2WJnxw6
Panasonic LUMIX G Lens, 25mm, F1.7 - amzn.to/3A9f9Vi
Neewer 72.4-Inch Camera Tripod - amzn.to/3fsRuqU
Kshioe Softbox Lighting Kit - amzn.to/3A5vZEq
Neewer Camera Slider Motorized - amzn.to/3ltX54e
SAMSON Q2U Dynamic Microphone - amzn.to/3ikExBe
Sennheiser XS Wireless Lavalier System - amzn.to/3ilSIpA
PreSonus Eris E3.5 Studio Monitor - amzn.to/3CcVx4d
Sound Blaster K3+ DAC - amzn.to/3jiYhV5
Gator Frameworks Deluxe Boom Stand - amzn.to/3fs7Os3
Glide Gear TMP100 Teleprompter - amzn.to/3CdgIDy
Davinci Resolve 17 & Speed Editor - amzn.to/3fsECRG
Find me on Social Media
Twitter: @elevatedsystem1
Facebook: / elevatedsyst​. .
Instagram: / ​
Contact Me: [e-mail]
Audio file(s) provided by Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicsound.com

[@ElevatedSystems]

My apologies for the audio peaking. I'm testing a new mic system and apparently got the gain wrong despite my levels looking fine.

[@Erin-Thor]

W H A T ? ! 🤣

[@therealbinchicken]

yeah i noticed that ha to turn my audio up by 30%

[@Inexorablejoy]

After 6 months how does it work?

[@soucouyant]

this is one ridiculously thorough review. I think I learnt more about this hub than any other hub. Fantastic job as usual.

[@blorbb5398]

I agree, insta-subscribed to the channel.

[@lanceallen9875]

What about the p hub though?

[@mariodasilva8729]

This is the best and most detailed explanation I have read of almost all reviews, even providing a good a temperature check, thanks much appreciated. You have my subscription,

[@blklightning21]

I have been subbed for awhile and catch your videos occasionally. They are always informative and entertaining and your passion always shines through. This was one of the most thorough breakdowns of a product and the most thorough breakdown of a hub, I have ever seen. Please regardless of your sub count don't ever lose that passion. Great work as always!

[@paytonhenson6729]

Just found this channel about a week ago while looking at cases for a new PC build, and I’m loving it. I can feel it, this channel is going places. I can tell, because I don’t even need this hub, but I wanted to watch your video about it, just to learn. Keep doing what you’re doing, because this is some good quality content. See you at 1M.

[@npgunner]

Like others i just wanted to add that this is a ridiculously thorough & comprehensive review.

[@byronjosephhallar8476]

An excellent, extremely thorough review backed by hard data. Subbed!

[@jimshepherd6500]

Great review. Informative, thorough, relevant, organised and concise. I particularly like the balance between specifying the technical specifications and evaluating them in context with the more "human" element of some use cases. Being entertaining enough to maintain interest but not so entertaining as to distract from the product is a fine line that this video negotiates expertly. Shout out for also including the price, as for some reason that is often missed. It's as though we're all pretending that pricing shouldn't be a primary concern for evaluating tech?

[@jmarms]

Literally the best hub review I’ve ever seen. You deserve more subs CJ, keep up the great work!

[@icebergmm]

2:57 A little correction, USB 3.0 is now 3.2 gen 1, 3.1 (10Gbps) is 3.2 gen 2, and 20Gbps is 3.2 gen2x2. The USB-IF has lost their minds.

[@remty516]

I believe you're right but it's even a little more complex, at least how we got there. Techlinked made a good video on it (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTLg3Wpls2tjsk) or you could just look at the Wikipedia page (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#Naming_scheme)

[@sirpxl3733]

@@remty516 I'm having an aneurysm from reading the USB specs and accompanying names.

[@ElevatedSystems]

Dosen't matter cause the CompTIA A+ hasn't caught up yet ;)

[@YeOldeKamikaze]

Personally, I just call them for what they mean to me: USB 3.0 (5gbps), USB 3.1 (10gbps) and USB 3.2 (20gbps) haha.

[@khashayarr]

Glad to have found your channel because of the Framework keyboard PC! Amazing review

[@agvulpine]

If the company really wanted to, they could have put the hub chips into an idle state for reduced power consumption, heat, and battery waste. But they chose not to. I like the idea of reduced clutter, but not if we're going to get sloppy in design and implementation.

[@GHSimon3]

Thats a marketing idea for you to use and make money off of.

[@u563rick6]

Killer video. Pretty technical for some but really has all the info you need when you are digging into a product like this! Thank you! 👍

[@dplj4428]

I have subscribed. I recall enough to trust you teach like somebody with skills and certainly hands on.

[@Yaniv.C]

Dude I literally bought this after watching your review. You definitely know your shit! Using this with my iPad Pro 5th gen so not too worried about transfer speeds. Keep up the good work!

[@RabianskiT]

I watched several of your videos in a row… great content! 👌 And I really like the fact that you seem to be unbiased PC/ Mac. SUBSCRIBED! 😎

[@WildMidwest1]

He is admittedly biased: pro-Linux, preferably on a Framework laptop. This is not a strike against Elevated Systems - it's just a fair statement of their position, I hope.

[@MaxMichel89]

I also own this hub, and use it from time to time. Its quite neat. I keep installers and some games on it to take around. Playing of it is definitly possible. The downside is the popup if you dont have a thunderboltport and Windows tells you that display might not work everytime you plug it in.

[@sunilkc2008]

Just discovered your channel and absolutely loved it. Already subbed. Looking forward to more videos 👍

[@tenniselbow74]

For those who wish to use this with an iPad pro... When you plug this in the audio will default to the 3.5 mm headphone jack on the hub and there is no way to switch it back to the internal audio on the iPad currently. This is a limitation with iPad OS and not really the hub. For sound when plugged into the hub you can either plug in headphones/speakers to the hub audio jack or use bluetooth audio. There is no option to use the hub and use the speakers on the iPad at the same time. You also must format your NVME drive on a PC or Mac to exFAT (NTFS can be read but not written to currently with iPad OS). The iPad has no way to format a NVME drive natively with current OS (iPad OS 15). Other than that it is probably the best hub on the market currently for this form factor, features and price.

[@Filtersloth]

I ordered one of these to use on my iPad Pro, bummer to hear that you can’t use the internal speakers with this plugged in. Planning to use it for photo editing when capture one iPad app comes out, and things like that.

[@clayr8889]

Thank you for your post. I was wondering what happened to my sound also. It was also helpful to know which format I need to use to format the drive. If you have a channel, I’d follow.

[@yeabah13]

I have a sandisk extreme pro v2 1 tb and when i connected it to my ipad pro m1. It cant recognize my sandisk ssd

[@Filtersloth]

@@yeabah13 try formatting as ExFat, if it isn’t already

[@Temblor65]

Anybody find a workaround? maybe a Bluetooth speaker JBL Flip? But kind of a hassle, the iPad pro has 4 amazing speakers.. what a waste not to use that feature? Thanks for the info, I get a headache using headphones for prolonged periods, so this is a deal-breaker for me.. Not to mention the heat issue. my insane researching for the on the way, M1 12.9, just paid off..The search continues.. any suggestions for a Thunderbolt 3 Hub? I do not want to spend $250 for a hub & Thunderbolt 3 or maybe even no thunderbolt? considering Thunder4 not working on a Ipad anyway? I am interested in headphones for travel when watching Movies anywhere offline, Are there USB-c adapters that work for 3.5mm headphone jack? (I do not like wireless headphones as they give me a headache sooner than wired headphones..

[@vegaf2011]

Damn man this was detailed, definitely helpful with making a purchase of such device. I’m glad I haven’t bought one yet because these things are really cool

[@jas_bataille]

I recall the Kickstarter for this. I thought to myself : *FINALLY!!!* Someone making a hub+disk enclosure that's small, rugged, portable enough for pros on the road, and is nog gonna overheat, which is a big engineering feat. Definitely on my must buy list. This is the only one you need, except iDigit thunderbolt 4 hub with 4x USB/thunderbolt 4 and 4x USB4 A ports, but this one isn't portable as it requires a big PSU of course.

[@NatesRandomVideo]

Great review and nice hub. I think they missed in only one area -- if they had two video outputs that thing becomes a proper docking station.

[@ShadyfoxUK]

Didn't see your video until after I'd ordered this hub, but you helped me realise that I made the right choice. I have a 4TB WD 850X to go in it, which is obviously overkill for this hub but will upgrade when I find one that's right for me. A very good, detailed review that will help people that know their tech and also those that don't. 👍

[@madbullen]

I almost gave up on the video because of the sound but I am glad I diden´t, great review!

[@sentranne]

Great review!

[@owNewBlood]

Great review and great video! Nice additions would be for ethernet testing, iperf will do your max connection between 2 local pc's. Showing wattage via USB-C meter like Klein Tool's ET920 USB Power Meter would be great too!

[@JustIn-sr1xe]

Solid little hub device. Perfect for adding to any laptop or SFX PC box.

[@scottxiong5844]

Appreciate this review. If you have time, you should do a USB C battery bank with hub review.

[@Alwaysfrosty7777]

Amazing video 🔥🔥 thank you so much for the info I learned alot 💯✊🏽 god bless 🙏🏾

[@sharonb.9128]

Great review.

[@SVW1976]

The M.2 slot is slick. I did'nt even think about that when I bought my hub.

[@stephens3153]

I got mine during the Kickstart campaign. I used it on a MacBook Pro 15" with just power, hdmi and an nvme going through it and it reached about 125 degrees F. I contacted Acasis support and there reply is that it is normal and it is not intended to be left plugged in but should only be plugged in when needed. Even with only power going through it, it reach an uncomfortable temp to pick up. This eliminates the use case for me for the most part. Also at those temps, I don't think I want to leave my SSD in there, I am afraid it would greatly reduce the life span of the drive. It was interesting that on the campaign they did show a temperature readout fo the surface of the hub during use but it never got near that hot, the current test video on the campaign shows a temp of 38.3 degrees C which is about 100 degrees F. Good Review though and thanks for also noting the temperature problems.

[@vassilispapadimitriou9016]

Epic review! This is how's done!

[@jimtuma7507]

Thanks for an extremely thorough review - very informative. However, I did notice a $99 price was mentioned in the review but the sale link now says $109 - looks like the price went up in the month since the review was posted.

[@adblockturnedoff4515]

Subbed because you support framework. Just kidding. Thanks for good content!

[@istvankertesz9907]

Very good video, im befor buying a hub right now

[@jakewynn]

i subscribed because of your phone and laptop choice :)

[@eagleeatsmonkey3621]

good detail info

[@apd008]

was a good one TNX

[@bweatherman1952]

Thanks!

[@Bjoggi308]

This is how reviews are done. Real world test results. No bologna feature description. Very nicely done. Much appreciated.

[@joshuagomez3600]

Good content, you'll be up there with linus and steve in no time ;) really tho keep up the good work. I still think you need to hit up Louis rossmann to do something cool with the Framework expansion port customization.

[@giomjava]

oh yes, agreed! Also +1 for Louis Rossman collab

[@konishiwoi]

I think this is not an "on the go" hub, more like a "plug everything you need and leave on the desk" for people with only a laptop. You come home, plug your laptop, and you charge, have your 2nd screen, MnK, ssd, maybe ethernet if wifi is wack etc.

[@jeffreyengle2762]

Man the blooper reel Has to be huge😂😂😂😂

[@valdir7426]

interesting; is it available now wordwide? I was wondering if you could plug this hub on a usb 3 or even usb 2 type A so you can at least access the SSD from any computer.

[@oscarcharliezulu]

It seems that these hubs could use some active cooling or at least better passive pooling with fins? Also I’d love to see a ssd test where you transfer say a uncompressed windows install - something with tens or hundreds of thousands of small files because that’s the real torture test.

[@godsinbox]

what is the chipset for the nvme? I assume it is fully compatible with M1 mac and it wakes from sleep without disconnecting? no one wants to reboot just to see the data drive

[@jedif.8032]

Have you tested this hub (particularly nvme speeds) on your M1 macs? Would love to see a review of that. Great video by the way! Made me order one 😅

[@lunaumbra5179]

Yikes I have no idea about anything anymore. Ten years ago I was all in this stuff and then I quit software engineering and now I sew 🙈 thanks for all the detail

[@JonSeverinsson]

Regarding the whole hub vs switch question: This is a *smart* hub, but not a switch. A *dumb* hub simply wire in all devices directly to the host. Thus the host can talk to all devices, but only one at a time. If some devices are 5 Gb/s and other devices are 10 Gb/s, the host has to switch speed depending on which device it is talking to. Thus, if a 10 Gb/s capable host wants to read equally from two devices, one capable of 10 Gb/s and one only capable of 5 Gb/s, the host will have to spend twice as much time talking the slower device, giving both devices an effective speed of 3.333 Gb/s. If the 10 Gb/s capable host wants to read from two 5 Gb/s devices the effective speed becomes 2.5 Gb/s per device. A *smart* hub speaks individually to each device at whatever speed it is capable of, buffers the data, and then forwards it to the host at whatever speed it is capable of. That means that in both scenarios above the effective speed becomes 5 Gb/s per device. However, a smart hub is still a hub, so all data is routed between a device and the host, never between two devices directly. Thus if you try to copy data from one device two another, you are in actuality first copying it from the first device to the host RAM, and then from the host RAM to the second device. Note however that USB3 is full duplex, so it is possible two do both copies simultaneously at 10 Gb/s if the host, hub and both devices are all capable of that speed. Doing so will however use all available bandwidth between the host and hub, so if you try to simultaneously talk to a third device, speed will have to go down. USB3 switches does not exist, as the USB3 protocol can not handle anything but device to host and host to device communication. Many USB-C devices can act as either a host or a device, and change between the two modes at the fly, but in any given USB3 network, at any one time, there is exactly one host, and all communication on that network is going to or from that host. Dumb hubs with multiple USB-C ports allow any USB-C port to be used by the host, and if multiple host-capable devices is connected they can negotiate a change of who is the network host on the fly, but most smart switches have a single USB-C port designated as the host port, and forwards data exclusively to and from that port.

[@KiraSlith]

other than the audio controller, this is pretty much everything I've got in my setup in 1, but it also costs the same. Great for someone getting a new laptop today, not so much for those of us already running.

[@pebayou.3380]

Thanks for sharing, can i use a external power supply to power this device and use the other usb - c to connect to for example my ipad pro ?

[@d.h.8835]

This is how reviews should be done. Thank you so much for being thorough. Is there any place that would be safe to apply thermal paste just for added insurance against overheating?

[@ElevatedSystems]

No. Thermal Paste between the CPU and cooler is the only place it's needed,

[@hlynngregson2333]

I have an IPad Pro and have this HUB attached. I am trying to use the Ethernet through the hub. It defaults to LTE. Am i missing something. I understood that i could increase the bandwidth of the IPAD by hardwire through the hub. Thanks,

[@bhayes6326]

If this hub is used for 1/3 to 1/2 its capacity, (like I and some others may use it), will it still heat to a high temperature?

[@robertvicentejr.5137]

i have that acasios 10hub it makes great transfer files than my previous 7hub not acasis im happy that im purchase this item makes my external usb and nvme more convenient to use

[@awaisbutt42]

dear, I bought from amazon Western Digital 2TB WD Blue SN570 NVMe, I install this ssd in this hub but it's not showing on my computer, can you explain where is the problem ?? thank you

[@Alejo519]

Tengo el mismo celular ando en busca de un hub. Ecelente nuevo suscriptor desde Chile. que modelo de teclado tienes logitech model? hay que hacer algo especial para utilizar el celular en estación de trabajo? dijiste algo de reformat to the correct format? saludos!

[@outlet6989]

When in doubt, always read those instructions. Going to try one on my spare desktop. My UPS delivery man hasn't been around for a few days. What's your opinion of a RedComets U22 PCIe to USB 3.2 Gen 2 add-in card? It will not be long before EK brings out an AIO for this.

[@rchemic]

Can anyone recommend an ssd for this that isn’t overkill? Would a sata or gen 3 Nvme be better? I have no idea where to start.

[@ericandruszko7563]

Any chance you could test this with the Nintendo Switch to see if they play nice? The Switch's weird charging standard is sometimes compatible with 3rd party hubs, but it's rare. I'm probably going to buy this as it is, but i'd still like to know...

[@MrManerd]

Hey, I need a NAS that acts like a thumb drive when when connected via USB to a standalone DVR system. Anyone know one?

[@dplj4428]

Can you use ethernet to set up an at-home offline (not internet) that runs between rooms in your house? Any tips? Warns? I would want to accommodate Mac mini M1, iPad m series, a dumb tv, amd possibly a dedicated monitor for that !ac mini. Meanwhile, spring cleaning to find all my manuals and parts.

[@ShirazChanawala]

Hi I bought this device after the review however what I find is with Apple time machine backup the drive disappears and will reappear only when I disconnect and connect the cable. Has anyone come across this?

[@RedMageGaming]

Looks like a pretty decent hub for the steam deck to me.

[@julionietochannel]

Hi there, CJ!! Is there any 2TB SSD with low power consumption that you know of, that can work on the M1 Pro without the extra power adapter??🙂 I read this hub uses 5v or so; so perhaps a 2TB SSD that can work with that amount of power from the M1?? Thanks a lot, I’d appreciate your thoughts on this very much🙋🏻‍♂

[@dariuszdrozdowski5736]

What hub do you recommend for a 6000-7000 GB SSD drive? 10 Gbit is much too little

[@wayneknetter]

I think I have a bottleneck with the gigabit Ethernet going into a m1 iPad Air usb-c. Unplugged the Ethernet and the wifi processes just fine. I’m wondering if I connect a 2.5 hub to the 3.1 usb would that work? Or is the actual usb-c the bottleneck?

[@nowandrew4442]

Have you seen any TB4 hubs with an SFP+ port? That would be the killer deal for me.

[@ekphotography]

do you know if the SD card reader is UHSII?

[@77.88.]

Is it backward compatible with Windows 7 and or older systems like USB 2 and CF cards?

[@dplj4428]

Could you set the hub up with a finned heat sink on the outside of its case? Might not be so portable😊

[@mmablock]

i’ve ordered the CM073S-S model, is it different?

[@joaquinangelito]

does this work for usb-c 3.2 gen 1 laptops? i have 2020 Legion 5

[@themastersvoice8636]

Sir, can a thunder bolt be connected to that?

[@peterwan小P]

I would like to know what Ethernet controller is inside of this hub. This hub sounds amazing 🤩

[@normankellogg6624]

how well is your framework computer working?

[@przemki1]

How many apps you can open in DEX Mode? because most docks can open 5, but orginal samsung dock can open 20.

[@bigninja6472]

Me too i love the hub 😋

[@AndersHass]

I would think the NVMe SSD won't get that hot since it isn't throttled but the hub itself is from the read/write (as in it would be a performance issue with too much heat)

[@pratikpramanik7782]

Does the top Type C port support display out?

[@ForestRJ]

I am wondering if altering the case by adding a few good size openings and some micro-screen, to allow air flow and help deter dust; would help with the heat by allowing the thermal draft to pull cooler air in as the heat escapes?🤓 Wouldn't be hard, some 1/2 inch holes top and bottom, glue in some micro-screen fabric, boom, air flow and cooler internals.

[@WildMidwest1]

My thought exactly. I am not sure if it would need RF shielding, however, as the box serves also a Faraday cage for many electronics. (I am out of my depth on this subject.)

[@garryconnors8804]

My man just nonchalantly turns his phone into a fully fledged desktop computer 🤯

[@denvera1g1]

Was very upset to see that the M1 iPad wouldnt support OS11 on the M1 Mac computers I mean, my phone can be used as a desktop, why cant this iPad that has literally the same processor as my desktop

[@scooterjes]

Samsung DEX is actually quite nice I have played with it a little and the phone(Note 10+ like mine) is more than powerful enough for everyday tasks.

[@denvera1g1]

@@scooterjes Its not even limited to samsung, i've got a sony phone, and my cousin has a motorola/lenovo and desktop works fine, but i'd still like to be able to put a full OS on something the size of an iPad, sure, phones would be a bit small for a full OS, but its not like Apple cant just run OS11 on the phone/ipad, and then when you want phone functionality you just open up the iphone/ipad 'app' the same way i do it on my M1 Mac Mini, except it wouldnt be windowed, it would be full screen

[@joeniemand9047]

are you able to connect it to your phone and copy more than 1.5GB data without it failing?

[@SnareGG]

that is a really well featured Ethernet port

[@tomdiffley5578]

Great review. I got my Acasis via Indiegogo - connected to my M1 24” iMac. Haven’t added an NVMe drive yet - the one you held up looks like a Western Digital Blue - correct?

[@ElevatedSystems]

It's a Sabrent Rocket Q 1TB

[@MrManerd]

Will the drive show up in a Raspberry pi

[@jasonkeen7108]

How well does it work with a raspberry pi 4b and is it compatible with linux

[@Hazy666]

So if using this hub with a S22 Ultra, how would you format an NVME drive to work with your device? Im assuming its pretty easy, I just have pretty narrow scope of knoweldge with reformating drives. Abosulutly AMAZING review!

[@ElevatedSystems]

Easiest way is to plug it into a PC or Mac and format it as exFAT or FAT32.

[@henderstech]

I gotta get one of those nvme drives. My m.2 slot has been unpopulated for to long lol its been years

[@danielmuir4470]

I was wondering if you mention who"s marketing them . I am in Canada and I would like to Purchase this Product. Thanks keep up the good work.

[@ElevatedSystems]

There is a direct link to the ACASIS web site in the description.

[@patrick3376]

Could this be used with samsung s22 ultra to run dex?

[@SnoDawg]

Quick question. What speaker stands are you using to get them above your monitor? Thanks for any info.

[@ElevatedSystems]

I Made those. You can check it out in my setup tour video I did a few months ago.

[@pocoapoco2]

I wish there was a hub like this that had some legacy ports like firewire and compact flash.

[@WildMidwest1]

ME TOO!!! I have so many Firewire drives, Sony DV camcorder, etc which are still fully functional - but now mostly obsolete due to the lack of a legacy port. I have old Mac Minis that still have FW ports, but it's a hassle moving the data off the old Mini via USB2 or ethernet.

[@manuelhidalgo6179]

Great analysis. Do you have de link for that smallish SSD drive?

[@manuelhidalgo6179]

I'm talking about the one you presented in minute 11:20

[@SIMUT2008]

Wondering how to get my ipad to connect to this units memory, I formated memory with my PC, but no luck, called support, got 2 word replys. Not much help. Any ideas be helpfu;l. Thanks

[@ElevatedSystems]

Make sure the ssd is formated as exFAT or AFPS and you may need to have USB power connected to the hub. Not sure if the iPad can provide enough power to the ssd.

[@77.88.]

It sounds like they should have used some miniature fans for cooling and maybe some better heat sinks?

[@DeeKomedy]

this is an interesting hub

[@ygrittesnow1701]

Well the heat can be seen as a feature, especially on a cold night. Grab a usb fan and enjoy.

[@churblefurbles]

Should have tried adding a thermal pad to the hub chips.