Lenovo ThinkPad USB-C UltraDock Review
Discover the Lenovo ThinkPad USB-C UltraDock with versatile ports and powerful charging, offering a clutter-free desk and effortless setup—streamlined simplicity!
A 2017-era ThinkPad dock for 2017-era ThinkPads. The Lenovo ThinkPad USB-C UltraDock (40A90090US) was designed for the T470, T470s, T570, P51s, X1 Carbon 5th Gen, X1 Yoga 2nd Gen, Yoga 370, and X270. Those models shipped between 2017 and 2018. The dock matches that era: dual DisplayPort (no HDMI), single UHD at 30Hz or dual FHD displays, 60W Power Delivery from a 90W adapter, and USB 3.0 ports at 5 Gbps. For someone who still uses one of those ThinkPads and needs a desk dock that Lenovo designed specifically for it, the UltraDock provides that with a compact 0.64 lb body and a 90W adapter in the box. For someone buying a dock for a current-generation ThinkPad, newer Lenovo docks provide higher resolution, faster charging, and more display options.
Ten ports. Two DisplayPort. Three USB 3.0. Two USB 2.0. One USB-C. Gigabit Ethernet. 3.5mm audio. 90W adapter included (60W to laptop). 0.64 lbs. 6.73″ x 3.15″ x 1.28″. No HDMI. No warranty listed.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Ports | 10 |
| DisplayPort | 2 |
| HDMI | None |
| USB 3.0 | 3 (5 Gbps) |
| USB 2.0 | 2 |
| USB-C | 1 |
| Gigabit Ethernet | 1 |
| 3.5mm Audio | 1 (headset jack) |
| Single Display | UHD at 30Hz |
| Dual Display | FHD (1080p) on both |
| Power Adapter | 90W included (2-prong AC) |
| Power to Laptop | 60W |
| Compatible Models | T470, T470s, T570, P51s, X1 Yoga 2nd Gen, Yoga 370, X1 Carbon 5th Gen, X270 |
| Weight | 0.64 lbs |
| Dimensions | 6.73″ L x 3.15″ W x 1.28″ H |
| Manufacturer | Lenovo |
| Warranty | No warranty listed |
DisplayPort Only: No HDMI
Two DisplayPort outputs and no HDMI. In 2017, DisplayPort was the standard video output on ThinkPad docks. Monitors with DisplayPort inputs connect directly. Monitors with HDMI inputs require a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter cable (not included). For a buyer whose monitors have HDMI only, the adapter adds cost and a potential point of failure. For monitors with DisplayPort, the dock connects directly without any conversion.
UHD at 30Hz or Dual FHD
Single display runs at UHD (3840×2160) at 30Hz. Dual displays run at FHD (1920×1080) each. No 4K@60Hz option. 30Hz at UHD means sharp text but visible stutter when scrolling or moving the cursor. For static work — reading documents, reviewing code, writing emails — UHD@30Hz provides detailed text. For anything involving motion, 30Hz feels slow compared to modern 60Hz docks.
Dual FHD is the practical configuration for most buyers of this dock. Two 1080p monitors side by side for multitasking, email on one screen and the main project on the other. 1080p at standard refresh rates handles daily productivity without the motion limitations of 30Hz UHD.
60W from a 90W Adapter
The 90W adapter powers the dock and delivers 60W to the laptop through USB-C. 60W covers the T470 (45W), T470s (45W), X1 Carbon 5th Gen (45-65W), X270 (45W), and Yoga 370 (45W) at full or near-full speed. The P51s (65W) charges at near full speed. The 30W difference between the adapter’s output and the laptop’s delivery powers the dock’s own operations — video processing, USB ports, Ethernet, and audio.
2017-Era ThinkPads: The Compatible List
T470, T470s, T570, P51s, X1 Yoga 2nd Gen, Yoga 370, X1 Carbon 5th Gen, X270. All shipped between 2017 and early 2018. These models feature USB-C ports that the UltraDock was designed to match. Newer ThinkPads (T480 and later) may connect but are better served by current-generation docks that support higher resolution, faster PD, and HDMI alongside DisplayPort.
0.64 lbs: Compact Legacy Dock
At 0.64 lbs with a 6.73″ x 3.15″ footprint, the UltraDock is lighter and smaller than most desk docks. The compact body reflects its era — fewer ports and lower display specifications require less internal hardware. For someone carrying a dock between home and office, the weight is manageable enough for daily transport.
Drawbacks
| Consideration | Detail |
|---|---|
| No HDMI | DisplayPort only. HDMI monitors need an adapter. |
| UHD at 30Hz Only | No 4K@60Hz. Visible stutter in motion. |
| Dual FHD Maximum | No dual 4K. Two 1080p monitors only. |
| 60W PD | Lower than current 100W docks. |
| 2017-Era Compatibility | Designed for T470/X1 Carbon 5th Gen era. Older hardware. |
| No Warranty | “No Warranty” listed in product data. |
| USB 3.0, Not Gen 2 | 5 Gbps. No 10 Gbps ports. |
Where This Dock Fits in Lenovo’s Lineup
The UltraDock is the oldest Lenovo dock on this catalog. The lineup from oldest to newest: UltraDock 40A90090US (this unit, 2017, USB-C, 60W, DP only), ThinkPad USB-C Gen 2 Dock 40AF0135US (hybrid USB-C/USB-A, 135W), ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock 40AY0090 (IT management, 65W), ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2 40AN0135US (TB3, 135W), ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TB4, vPro), ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock (300W, P-series).
For a current-generation replacement, the ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock (40AY0090) provides triple display, IT management features, and broader compatibility. See the Lenovo ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock review. For Thunderbolt, see the ThinkPad Universal TB4 Dock review.
Who This Dock Is For
Owners of 2017-2018 ThinkPads (T470, T470s, X1 Carbon 5th Gen, X270, Yoga 370, P51s) who need a Lenovo desk dock with dual DisplayPort, 60W charging, and a 90W adapter included: The UltraDock was designed for these specific models. Compact at 0.64 lbs. 90W adapter in the box. Dual FHD or single UHD at 30Hz. If your ThinkPad is on the compatible list and you need a dock Lenovo built for it, this is the match.
Owners of current-generation ThinkPads, buyers who need HDMI, 4K@60Hz, or more than 60W charging: No HDMI. No 4K@60Hz. 60W PD. 2017 compatibility list. For newer hardware, current Lenovo docks serve that need. See the docking stations hub page.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad USB-C UltraDock is a 2017 dock for 2017 ThinkPads. It does what it was designed to do: provide dual DisplayPort displays, five USB ports, Ethernet, audio, and 60W charging through one USB-C cable to the specific ThinkPad models it supports. The missing HDMI, 30Hz UHD cap, 60W PD, and “No Warranty” status are limitations that reflect the dock’s age, not its quality. For the buyer who still runs a T470 or X1 Carbon 5th Gen and needs a Lenovo dock at a 2017 price point, the UltraDock provides that. For everyone else, Lenovo’s current lineup has moved forward with HDMI, 4K@60Hz, higher PD, and IT management features that this dock does not have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this have HDMI?
No. Two DisplayPort outputs only. Monitors with HDMI inputs require a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter cable.
Can I get 4K at 60Hz?
No. Single UHD display runs at 30Hz. Dual displays run at FHD (1080p). For 4K@60Hz, current-generation Lenovo docks provide that.
Will this work with my T480 or newer ThinkPad?
It may connect, but the dock was designed for T470/X1 Carbon 5th Gen era models. Newer ThinkPads are better served by current docks with higher specs and broader compatibility.
Is there a warranty?
“No Warranty” is listed in the product data. Contact Lenovo or the seller for specific warranty terms.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Docking Station Intelligence
The standards are confusing by design. These three panels decode what manufacturers won’t explain clearly. Applicable to every docking station.
The USB-C Confusion Matrix
The USB-C connector is the single greatest source of buyer confusion in docking stations. The physical plug looks identical whether it carries USB 2.0 at 480 Mbps or Thunderbolt 5 at 120 Gbps — a 250x difference in capability hidden behind the same shape. Manufacturers exploit this by labeling everything "USB-C compatible" without specifying which protocol runs through it. Two docks can look identical on the outside and behave completely differently once you plug them in.
The hierarchy matters because it determines everything: how many monitors your dock can drive, how fast files transfer, whether your laptop charges while docked, and whether you need third-party drivers. Here is the real capability ladder, from slowest to fastest:
The practical takeaway: if your laptop has Thunderbolt 4, buy a Thunderbolt dock. If it only has generic USB-C, verify whether it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode before buying anything with multi-monitor claims. Our buying guide walks through verification steps for every major laptop brand.
Power Delivery: What the Watts Mean
Power Delivery (PD) determines whether your docking station can charge your laptop while you work, or whether you need a separate charger cluttering your desk. The math is simple but rarely explained: your laptop draws a specific wattage under load, and the dock must match or exceed it. If the dock delivers less than your laptop needs, the battery slowly drains even while plugged in — defeating the purpose of a docking station entirely.
Most ultrabooks need 45–65W. Standard business laptops need 65–100W. Gaming and workstation laptops can demand 100–140W or more. The dock’s advertised PD wattage is the maximum it can deliver to your laptop — but this drops if you charge other devices (phones, tablets) through the dock simultaneously. Always leave a 15–20W margin above your laptop’s requirement.
Check your laptop’s original charger wattage — that’s your baseline. Our FAQ covers how to find this for every major brand.
Native Display vs DisplayLink: The Hidden Factor
This is the decision most buyers don’t know they’re making. When a docking station outputs video to your monitors, it uses one of two fundamentally different methods: native (the dock passes your laptop’s GPU signal directly to the monitor) or DisplayLink (the dock compresses video over USB and a software driver renders it). The difference is invisible in marketing materials but profoundly affects your daily experience.
Native output through DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt uses your laptop’s actual graphics hardware. There is zero added latency, full DRM support for streaming services, no CPU overhead, and no driver to install. DisplayLink, by contrast, adds 5–15ms of latency (noticeable in video calls and cursor movement), blocks DRM content on connected monitors (Netflix, Disney+ show black screens), consumes 3–8% of your CPU constantly, and requires a driver that Apple’s macOS security updates occasionally break.
DisplayLink exists for one reason: Apple Silicon base chips (M1, M2, M3) can only drive one external display natively. If you need two or more monitors on a base MacBook Air or 13” MacBook Pro, DisplayLink is your only option. For everyone else — Windows users, Mac Pro/Max chip users, Intel/AMD laptops — native is always the better choice.
Native (Alt Mode / Thunderbolt)
DisplayLink (USB compression)
The bottom line: if your laptop supports native multi-display output, always choose a native dock. DisplayLink is a workaround, not an upgrade. See our glossary for detailed definitions.
COMMAND CENTERCOMMAND CENTER
Six tools that decode the confusion manufacturers create. Port protocols, power budgets, display configurations, compatibility, desk planning, and future-proofing. Full buying guide →
Port Protocol DecoderWhat does your connection type actually support? Glossary
Power Delivery CalculatorCan this dock keep your laptop charged?
Display Configuration PlannerCan your dock push enough pixels?
Laptop-to-Dock CompatibilityWill this dock work with YOUR laptop?
Desk Setup ArchitectWhat ports do you actually need?
Select everything you need to connect: