Framework Laptop Community

@LodeMike @SatyrSack not when it's the only port (cries in oversized phones)

IIRC There's an issue with the retiming chips that retransmit the USB4 signals over to the A style and how they're able to interact with the rest of the system. It causes the chips to stay awake and waste energy. The same issue is present on the AMD 13 framework; something to do with the AMD USB4 implementation. The 3.2 ports don't have the same issue.

Basically the port will still work in that configuration but the battery life will suffer.

If I remember correctly due the chip behind those two Usb-c ports the usb-a adapter in those two slots will consume more power than in the others. Others might know more.

is the usb A high power still limited to 5V?
This means it'd need high current ratings (and heat dissipation) to deliver higher power at that voltage.

compare to say usb-C that can negotiate up to something like 20V, if all links allow it.
this means your usb-c can offer higher power with lower current rated components..

For basic solidstate power supply doubling the V ratings from say 6V to 12V will likely be cheaper than doubling Amp ratings from say 3A to 6A.
but for sure in a laptop managing the heat will be a consideration.

Maybe theres a version of USBA that can use the data lines to negotiate power - in which case this would be non-standard.

They should just state peak and continuous V, A and W for each port, and also for the set of ports as a whole. maybe in different input/battery scenarios. I assume a third party, or home gamer could create their own plug in module to do whatver, but it'd be helpful for them to know the electrical ratings.