What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The VIA Labs VL812 is a single-chip USB 3.0 hub controller with one upstream port and four downstream ports. Its integrated 5V switching regulator was designed to reduce external power circuitry and bill-of-materials cost, while its USB Battery Charging 1.2 logic supports charging modes including CDP and DCP. VIA now lists the VL812 as an end-of-life (EOL) product, so it is best understood as a design component with a legacy lifecycle—not as a current, readily available chip.
What the VL812 is
VIA Labs describes the VL812 as a third-generation, fully integrated USB 3.0 hub controller. The controller connects a host through one upstream port to as many as four downstream ports. It is intended for incorporation into a hub or another host-connected product, rather than being a consumer hub product itself.
VIA’s product information and B2 datasheet describe the device’s features and intended use. Those vendor materials are not independent modern compatibility or performance testing.
How many ports and what speeds does it support?
The VL812 has one upstream connection and four downstream connections. Its SuperSpeed USB 3.0 link rate is up to 5Gbps. It also supports USB 2.0 traffic, including these legacy speed classes:
#1 Best Overall
- Instant Port Expansion: Add four USB 3.0 ports to any compatible device for enhanced connectivity
- Individual Power Control: Each port features its own power switch with LED indicator for independent operation
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports transfer speeds up to 5Gbps (USB 3.0), 480Mbps (USB 2.0), and 12Mbps (USB 1.1)
- Powered Hub Design: Includes 2.5 Amp power adapter to provide sufficient power for your connected devices
- Simple Installation: Plug and play functionality with hot swappable capability for easy setup
| USB traffic class | Maximum signaling rate |
|---|---|
| SuperSpeed (USB 3.0) | Up to 5Gbps |
| Hi-Speed (USB 2.0) | 480Mbps |
| Full-Speed | 12Mbps |
| Low-Speed | 1.5Mbps |
These are supported link or signaling rates, not a promise that an attached device will achieve the maximum rate in real use. Actual throughput depends on the host, connected devices, hub implementation, and other conditions. Mixed-speed peripherals can use the hub, subject to the capabilities of the host and each device.
Why VIA described it as low power and low cost
The main design choice behind VIA’s claim is an integrated 5V DC-to-DC switching regulator. VIA says the controller can operate directly from USB 5V VBus, which can reduce the need for external power circuitry, lower the design’s bill of materials, and improve power efficiency. The actual savings depend on the surrounding board and product design; the feature alone does not establish a specific finished-product cost.
Rank #2
- EXPANDABILITY: Instantly add 4 USB 3.0 ports to any compatible device. The 2 ft cable allows for flexible setup and easy access to hard-to-reach ports.
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: LED indicators show power status for each port. Individual on/off switches let you connect/disconnect devices effortlessly.
- HIGH-SPEED DATA TRANSFER: Supports speeds up to 5Gbps (USB 3.0), 480Mbps (USB 2.0), & 12Mbps (USB 1.1). Transfer large files in seconds.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY: Works with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices. Compatible with PC, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, XPS, Flash Drives, and more.
- EASY INSTALLATION: No driver needed; Plug & Play and Hot Swappable. Note: Not for charging.
VIA’s April 11, 2012 launch announcement gave a named power figure of less than 0.5W under load in typical configurations. That is a launch-era typical-configuration claim, not a maximum-power rating or a guarantee for every VL812 board. Power use in a finished product depends on its implementation and operating conditions.
The controller also has an in-house CMOS USB PHY with USB power-management states and adaptive equalization intended to support signal integrity across differing channel conditions. The B2 datasheet describes a flexible firmware architecture with external EEPROM or Flash support and in-field updates.
Rank #3
- 【Upgrade Your Experience】Our glove box docking station is only applicable to Model Y 2021-2024 and Model 3 2021-2023. Use glass black colors, slim, no needless logo printed, the shape and glove box arc fit, let it install it inconspicuously in the glove box. Super simple upgrade that looks like it came from the factory interior accessory.【Please Note that it Not Compatible with 2024-2026 Model 3 Highland, Cybertruck 2024-2026, New Model Y Juniper 2025-2026】
- 【Please Note】To ensure smooth and stable operation of the glovebox USB hub, please first plug the dash cam USB drive into the blue USB 3.0 interface, and insert other external devices such as USB drives and game controllers that need to be extended into the glove box USB hub in advance. Finally, connect the USB hub to the USB-A interface of the glove box for use. Please refer to the operation steps in the video.
- 【4-in-1 Multi Ports】Convert the original car from one glove box USB-A port to four USB-A ports. One USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports. The USB 3.0 blue port is suitable for driving recorders. It is compatible with external Dashcam and supports the use of up to 2TB SSD solid-state drives. The other three 2.0 interfaces are suitable for charging, listening to music, playing games, and flash drives, and can be used simultaneously without worrying about car system alarms.
- 【Excellent Quality】Made of high-quality ABS+PC materials. 4 USB interfaces ensure good operation, durability, and robustness. It has safety features such as overcurrent, overcharging, and overheating, it has a long service life and stable operation.
- 【Multi-function & Never Affect Car Functionality】It can be compatible with most electronic devices on the market for power supply or data transmission. It can connect to dash cam, game controller, USB flash drive, and provide power for various electronic devices such as your Neon Lights, Ambient Lighting, phone, tablet, headphones, smartwatch, etc. Meeting the basic application needs of Model 3 and Model Y car owners. And it will not affect the opening and use of the glove box at all.
What charging modes does it support?
The VL812 integrates USB Battery Charging 1.2 logic. VIA identifies Dedicated Charging Port (DCP) and Charging Downstream Port (CDP) operation. A CDP can carry data while charging a connected device; VIA says it can provide charging at the same rate as an AC adapter. Its launch material also describes charging in sleep mode and vendor-specific charging modes.
Those are controller capabilities, not a guarantee that every product built around the VL812 implements every mode or supplies a particular charging current. The board design and product configuration determine what users can actually access.
Rank #4
- 【Instant expansion and SuperSpeed Syncing】-This 7-port USB 3.0 data hub can instantly expand 1 USB 3.0 port to 7 external USB 3.0 data ports for keyboard, mouse, printer, hard drivers and more USB devices, syncing data at blazing speeds up to 5Gbps in no time.
- 【Smart Charging Port】- Besides 7 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports, this USB 3.0 splitter offers a charging dedicated port, which is able to charge your iPhone, iPad faster and safer. With the 5V/4A power adapter, it can provide charging power up to 2.4A .
- 【Simple Switch to Control】- Equipped with individual on-off switches to control each USB port, atolla USB 3.0 hub saves the trouble of unplugging devices and help place them more rationally when you don't use them.
- 【Maximum Compatibility and Performance】- Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Mac OS X (10.x or above), Linux and above. Fully plug and play, no drivers required and supports hot swapping
- 【In the Box】- atolla 7-port USB 3.0 hub (100cm of the USB hub cord), 5V/4A Power Adapter(120cm of the electrical cord), Quick Setup Guide. Guaranteed by bauihr 18-Month Warranty
What products can use the VL812?
VIA lists several intended product types:
- Standalone USB hubs
- Desktop PC front-panel hubs and motherboard hubs
- Notebook or Ultrabook docking stations and port replicators
- Compound devices that combine a hub with peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, display, or printer
An SPI interface can connect external Flash for firmware upgrades or added software functions. VIA specifies a green QFN-76L package measuring approximately 9 × 9 × 0.85 mm, a compact footprint intended for space-constrained designs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about operating-system compatibility?
VIA’s product material describes driver support for Windows, macOS/OS X, and various Linux kernels, alongside support for USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 specifications. This is vendor-stated compatibility information; it should not be read as confirmation of testing with every current operating-system release, host controller, or device. Compatibility in a finished product can also depend on its firmware and implementation.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- EXPANDED COMPATABILITY: 4 internal USB 2.0 ports and 1 port for connection to motherboard.
- TRULY COMPACT: Works great with any PC and designed to be easily hidden away.
- STABLE POWER: SATA power connection provides a stable power source.
- SIMPLE INSTALLATION: User friendly installation with magnetic body and 3M dual lock tapes for mounting.
Can you still buy a VL812 chip or a hub that uses it?
VIA’s official product information marks the VL812 as EOL. No reliable current listing is established here for the bare IC, an evaluation board, a replacement component, or a consumer hub verified to contain this controller. That does not prove that no remaining stock exists, but it means current availability cannot be assumed.
For a new design, confirm lifecycle status and supply directly with VIA Labs or an authorized supplier before committing to the part. A consumer hub labeled simply “USB 3.0” is not evidence that it contains the VL812; the controller model needs to be explicitly verified by the manufacturer or supplier.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
