Hub recommendations needed for 2023 M3 24” iMac

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Level 1

88 points

Hub recommendations needed for 2023 M3 24” iMac

Hi there,

the purchase of a 2023 iMac M3 24" is imminent. The device has only two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, so I'd need a hub offering an USB-C to 2.5 Gb Ethernet connection as well as an additional couple of USB-C ports. I'd like to stay under or max. around 100$CAN for said hub, but I am at a loss as to which one would be a good purchase. There is a plethora of hubs out there but those in my desired price range appear to be overkill and/or of dubious quality. I don't need a hub with many and all sorts of ports, not do I want one that malfunctions or quits on me after a short while.

Is my price range realistic for finding a trouble-free and reliable said hub? Can anyone weigh in with suggestions for such a hub?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iMac 3M query

iMac 21.5″, macOS 13.7

Posted on Jun 24, 2025 8:02 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

90,250 points

Jun 24, 2025 8:54 AM in response to dubwisedude

You will need to upgrade from a Hub to a Thunderbolt Dock if you want 2.5 Gb/s Ethernet.

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

215,022 points

Jun 24, 2025 11:35 AM in response to dubwisedude

Why not get a 2025 Mac Mini M4 which will have a 1 GB Ethernet port. They also have three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, two USB‑C ports and headphone jack.

The 256 GB storage model cost $799US whereas the 1 TB model is $999US. I have the 1 TB mode with 16 GB of RAM.

If you haven't already purchased the 2023 model seriously consider the new 2025 M4 model. With that will come a 1 year warranty and be available for AppleCare 3 years coverage is so desired.

Where are you getting the 2023 model from? Make sure it's been prepared according to this Apple document: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support otherwise you may end up with a expensive door stop.

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Answer 3

dubwisedude Author

Level 1

88 points

Jun 24, 2025 12:08 PM in response to Old Toad

Need 2.5Gb ethernet port! Also, like to avoid problem of finding a good monitor for MM -- so far heard or read mostly about trouble with Mac Mini/monitor compatibility which appears to change as we're entering the 1000$ bracket...can't do...

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Answer 4

Jun 24, 2025 12:42 PM in response to dubwisedude

You can custom-order a M4 Mac mini or M4 Pro Mac mini with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port. Just be aware that, if you do, that port won't make connections at any speed slower than 1 Gigabit per second.

-------------------

Ethernet

10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
Configurable to 10Gb Ethernet (Nbase-T Ethernet with support for 1Gb, 2.5Gb, 5Gb, and 10Gb Ethernet using RJ-45 connector)

-------------------

As far as USB-C to 2.5 Gigabit adapters, there's a Belkin one in the online Apple Store for $30, and a SonnetTech one on their site for the same price. You could use those with either an iMac or a Mac mini - but they would only give you an Ethernet port.

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Answer 5

dubwisedude Author

Level 1

88 points

Jun 24, 2025 12:11 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks for your input. I'll keep searching...

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Answer 6

den.thed

Level 10

90,250 points

Jun 24, 2025 12:16 PM in response to dubwisedude

You're welcome.

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