What is the Surface Go, Go 2’s USB-C port capable of?

Best answer: No, the USB-C ports on the original Surface Go and new Surface Go 2 do not support Thunderbolt 3. You still get data transfer, display out, and charging, but not the extra speed associated with Thunderbolt 3. If you’re looking to add connectivity, a docking station will do the trick for either device.

What can the Surface Go, Go 2’s USB-C ports do?

Despite not supporting Thunderbolt 3, the USB-C 3.1 (Gen 1) port on the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 still supports data transfer rates up to 10Gbps (Thunderbolt 3 supports up to 40Gbps), it can work with a single 4K display at 60Hz or dual FHD displays, and it will charge the device.

The USB-C port in the Go 2 didn’t get the same treatment as the Pro 7, Pro X, and Laptop 3, with support for DP 1.4 DSC that allows for dual 4K display support at a 60Hz refresh rate with nothing more than a hub or monitor supporting daisy-chaining.

Microsoft’s USB-C Travel Hub is a solid addition here, adding USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, HDMI, VGA, and 3.5mm audio ports. But if you’d like to keep the USB-C on the Go and Go 2 free, there’s always the proprietary Surface Connect port.

What about the Surface Connect port?

The proprietary Surface Connect port hasn’t gone anywhere with the release of the Go 2, and the new Surface Dock 2 is likely looking tempting if you want to add connectivity. It works only with newer Surface products, including the Go 2 but not the original Go.

The Surface Dock 2 adds four USB-C ports (two meant to handle video out), two USB-A 3.2 ports, Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio. It’ll also charge your Go 2 when connected, allowing you to forget about whether or not your device is charged when you need to leave the house or office.

While the Surface Dock 2 won’t work with the original Surface Go, there are docking options out there that work with the USB-C port. Something like CalDigit’s USB-C Pro Dock will connect to the original Go’s USB-C port (or the Go 2’s USB-C port) and add two DisplayPort 1.2, three USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2, an SD card reader, Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio. It’ll also charge your Go when connected.