00:00If you're working on a custom electronics build, repairing a dock, or just expanding your board's
00:05connectivity, picking the right hub chip can make or break your project. Don't worry about
00:10sifting through endless datasheets, I've rounded up the best deals on the top 5 USB connector and
00:15hub controller chips so you can find the perfect match for your bench without overspending.
00:19Kicking things off at number 1 is the FE 1.1S in the SSOP28 package, coming in a pack of
00:2520 for
00:26around $8.98. The best thing about this chip is the package style, which is much easier to hand
00:32solder than tricky leadless packages while still giving you 4 reliable USB 2.0 high-speed ports.
00:38It's an unbeatable value if you're prototyping multiple small boards, custom keyboards,
00:43or simple internal hubs where easy assembly is a top priority.
00:48Next up at number 2 is the VL817Q7, which you can snag for just $3.88.
00:54The headline feature here is full 5Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 1 performance across 4 downstream ports,
01:01making it the go-to-silicon for serious docking stations and fast external storage setups.
01:06With a flawless 5-star track record from thousands of buyers, it's worth every penny if you need
01:11modern high-speed throughput and rock-solid host compatibility.
01:15Sitting at number 3 is the GL850G controller module, coming in at about $4.21.
01:22What makes this pick stand out is that it's ready-to-go as a pre-built extension module,
01:27saving you the hassle of designing and printing a PCB from scratch.
01:31The GL850G has earned a reputation for running cool and handling low-power setups effortlessly,
01:37making it a no-brainer for quick Raspberry Pi retrofits or desktop port expansions.
01:42At number 4, we have the VL813Q7, priced at an easy $3.74.
01:49This QFN76 chip is famous for its robust power management and stable USB 3.0 data transfers,
01:55which is why you see it inside so many commercial hubs.
01:58It's an ideal, affordable purchase if you need a reliable drop-in replacement chip to fix an
02:03existing dock or if you're building a dedicated test fixture that needs proven USB 3.0 performance.
02:09Wrapping up the list at number 5 is a handy 10-piece pack of the CH334R, priced at just $4
02:16.25.
02:17The killer feature on this controller is its super-compact QSOP-16 footprint that requires
02:23barely any external components to run four downstream ports.
02:27If you're designing for tight enclosures and want to keep your bill of materials dirt cheap
02:31without sacrificing USB 2.0 reliability, this pack is an absolute steal.
02:37You can find direct links to all of these chips down in the video description below to grab the
02:41latest prices.
02:43If this guide helped you out with your next build, definitely give the video a thumbs up,
02:47let me know what you're making in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more honest
02:51hardware guides.
