Unleash Power and Video Anywhere: The Ultimate ACEFAST GaN PD65W Portable Dock Review
The ACEFAST GaN PD65W Portable Dock is a compact and powerful travel dock that offers a targeted feature set and exceptional portability Ideal for both primary and secondary use, it delivers impressive performance across a range of devices, including the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch OLED, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, ASUS CX1400CN Chromebook, Microsoft Surface Book 3, and Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen) Should you buy it? Absolutely
Key Takeaways
GaN chargers based on gallium nitride are more compact, energy-efficient, and charge devices faster than traditional silicon chargers.
The ACEFAST GaN PD65W Portable Dock is a compact and lightweight dock, equipped with a USB-C port, USB-A port, and HDMI output that can display up to 4K resolution.
While this dock is compatible with a wide range of USB-C devices, the compatibility of the HDMI feature may vary depending on the device.
Discover the ACEFAST GaN PD65W Portable Dock, the ultimate solution for simplifying your charging experience while enhancing portability and compatibility. Unlike traditional GaN chargers that solely provide power, this innovative dock allows you to connect your device to an external display effortlessly. Say goodbye to bulky docks and explore the convenience of the ACEFAST GaN PD65W.
USB-C 3.1 and USB-A 3.0 ports, along with HDMI and USB Power Delivery up to 60W maximum. Supports a maximum display resolution of 4K at 3840x2160 and 60Hz. Compact size measuring at 2.36 x 1.25 x 2.04 inches. Additionally, it features a 4K 60Hz HDMI output.
Cons Limited feature set compared to other docks
Some devices have trouble with HDMI output
$50 at Amazon See at Acefast
Design: Small Stature, Big Performance
Inside the package, you will discover the GaN charger accompanied by a convenient foldable two-prong AC plug, a 5.9ft USB-C to USB-C data/fast charge braided aluminum alloy cable, and a quick start guide. The ACEFAST GaN PD65W impresses with its remarkably compact and lightweight design, measuring at just 2.36 x 1.24 x 2.04 inches and weighing only 4.69oz. These dimensions exceed those of certain conventional GaN chargers.
Larger and device-specific docks, such as Nintendo's Switch Dock and Valve's Steam Deck Docking Station, provide multiple USB ports, Ethernet, and sometimes multi-display capabilities. In comparison, the ACEFAST GaN PD65W is a more compact 3-in-1 option. It features a USB-C 3.1 60W Max port, a USB-A 3.0 5V/1A Max port, and a full-size HDMI output that supports up to a 3840 x 2160/60Hz 4K display.
The ACEFAST GaN PD65W can function as a regular charger, but its usefulness expands greatly if you have a device that supports power and display via USB-C. It is compatible with various devices, including Nintendo Switch, Valve Steam Deck, Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, Apple MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads, Google Chromebooks, Pixel series, Microsoft Surface laptops, PC laptops, and more. The number of USB-C devices that support power and display via a single cable continues to grow.
Performance Tests: It (Mostly) Just Works
The USB-C 3.1 60W port is compatible with charging protocols such as Apple 2.4A, Samsung 5V-2A, Samsung AFC, QC 2.0 - 40+, PD 3.0, and PPS. It can provide simultaneous charging speeds of up to 20V/5A and high-speed data transfer of up to 10Gbps. To utilize both power and data, use a full-featured USB-C cable, like the one included.
To connect a display, I utilized an INNOCN Ultrawide monitor through ACEFAST's HDMI port. However, for comprehensive compatibility testing, I also used other displays. For systems that support a mouse and keyboard, I connected a Logitech K400r using its wireless USB dongle linked to ACEFAST's USB-A port.
Steam Deck
During my testing, I thoroughly examined a range of both older and newer devices. This included putting the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch OLED, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, Asus Chromebook CX1, Microsoft Surface Book 3, and Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen) through their paces.
Nintendo Switch OLED
Once connected via USB-C, the Steam Deck disabled its internal display. Despite the impracticality given the handheld's capabilities, it managed to drive the external display at a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 @ 60Hz while still being charged. Naturally, it supported various other resolutions, including the Steam Deck's native 1,280 x 800 at 60Hz. The keyboard, trackpad, onboard controls, and external Bluetooth game controller all functioned perfectly.
Like the Steam Deck, once connected, the Switch disables its internal display. When the Switch is docked, the attached Joy-Con controllers are disabled. To use them as wireless controllers, you need to slide the Joy-Cons off or use another type of external controller. The advantage of the ACEFAST is that you can also connect a compatible controller to its USB-A port, and the Switch will immediately recognize it. This is exactly what happened when I tried using a generic third-party controller.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
Once connected via USB-C, the Galaxy Tab S7+ immediately mirrored its display and activated DeX, its desktop-like computing mode. The keyboard and trackpad also functioned flawlessly right from the start. Surprisingly, the USB-based controller that I had previously used with the Switch via the dock also seamlessly worked with the S7+.
ASUS CX1400CN Chromebook
The Asus Chromebook CX1 didn't recognize the display at all. The laptop was, however, able to charge over USB-C.
Microsoft Surface Book 3
The display of the Microsoft Surface Book 3 was seamlessly able to mirror and extend its screen, while also supporting the external Logitech K400r without any issues. Additionally, I conducted tests using the ThunderBolt 3 USB-C port of the AVA WirelessHD portable monitor for video and audio, which functioned effectively. However, it is worth mentioning that the touchscreen functionality of the AVA did not work when connected through the ACEFAST dock.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen)
The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen) was capable of connecting to the display, charging, and utilizing the Logitech K400r as a keyboard and mouse pointer. However, after a few minutes, the display connection became unreliable, resulting in the monitor losing synchronization with the iPad and causing the screen to flash every 10 to 15 seconds.
Occasionally, swapping the USB-C cable between devices would also lead to a loss of sync and screen flashing. Interestingly, during the initial testing phase, the flashing display issue occurred across almost all devices, even without hot swapping. Trying different cables did not resolve the problem. Fortunately, this issue eventually resolved itself without any further intervention, leading to stable charging, USB device usage, and external display connectivity. It is worth noting that testing with the Asus Chromebook CX1 and Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen) did not yield better results.
Finally, it's important to note that the ACEFAST GaN PD65W does tend to run quite warm. This is not unusual for a GaN charger and the ACEFAST never gets uncomfortably hot.
Should You Buy the ACEFAST GaN PD65W Portable Dock?
While it may not offer the same extensive features as larger or device-specific docks, the ACEFAST provides convenience that can compensate for its limitations when used with compatible devices. However, it is important to note that even USB-C-based devices can sometimes be problematic, particularly when combining charging, connecting external devices, and using an external display through a single connection. Our testing revealed that not all devices that should be compatible performed well with the ACEFAST's HDMI feature.
Considering its specific features and portability, the ACEFAST is an outstanding choice for a primary or secondary travel dock, especially as the range of compatible USB-C-based devices continues to expand.
Ports USB-C 3.1, USB-A 3.0, HDMIUSB Power Delivery 60W MaxMax display res. 4K / 3840x2160 / 60HzDimensions 2.36 x 1.25 x 2.04 inches $50 at Amazon See at Acefast
