A Thunderbolt docking station for pc is now just about essential accent, offering I/O get admission to for legacy mice, keyboards, exterior drives, and extra. It’s a key component for a fruitful workplace, whether or not at paintings or house. And now there’s an after crease: Thunderbolt 5.
Why purchase a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 docking station? As a result of the bandwidth and tool it supplies. The most productive USB-C hubs and dongles handover legacy ports (USB-A, microSD, and others) for connecting PC peripherals like mice, printers, exterior withered drives, and extra. However maximum pc now come with a Thunderbolt port. Thunderbolt docking stations handover as a formidable desktop dock, supplying plenty bandwidth by the use of the Thunderbolt port to force a couple of 4K shows and fee your telephone.
This roundup starts with the most efficient Thunderbolt pc docking stations, together with finances and top class choices. I additionally come with my favourite DisplayLink USB-C docks — a more effective, less expensive docking station choice that you just will have to believe. On the base of the object are a FAQ and purchasing information to support assemble sense of all of it, together with the robust, after Thunderbolt 5.
Why you will have to agree with me: PCWorld has been checking out PC {hardware} because the Eighties, and I’ve been a generation journalist for 30 years. I first started checking out Thunderbolt docks in early 2021, and feature reviewed over 35 Thunderbolt docks to day. I usefulness enter from PCWorld’s sister websites, Macworld’s Thunderbolt dock opinions and the Thunderbolt dock opinions compiled by means of TechAdvisor, to support tell my suggestions. My opinions of Thunderbolt docks, DisplayLink docks, and USB-C {hardware} are in depth, and each age I assessment a mean of 2 spare docks or hubs as contenders for advice.
Up to date Might 2, 2024: My most up-to-date assessment used to be the top class Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Quad Docking Station (TBT4-UDZ), which nonetheless pales towards the related Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Professional Dock in addition to the Kensington Thunderbolt 4 and USB Quad Docking Station (SD5800T). I don’t independent docking stations by means of value level, however those 3 are some of the most costly.
Best possible Thunderbolt docking stations for pc
Plugable TBT3-UDZ Thunderbolt Dock – Best possible general Thunderbolt dock
Professionals
Heaps of ports — so versatile!
Dimension-saving vertical rise
Worth When Reviewed:
£329.99
Why I just like the Plugable TBT3-UDZ
Plugable’s TBT3-UDZ has at diverse instances been my perfect general and runner-up, relying on value swings. As a result of the similarities between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4, there’s deny hurt in purchasing a Thunderbolt 3 dock, because the efficiency is identical. However (for now, anyway), the Plugable TBT3-UDZ is only a few bucks dearer than our runner-up select, the Kensington SD5780T, and is way more versatile when it comes to what it of what it deals. Plugable’s dock merely deals a lot more flexibility for a related value.
Put merely, the TBT3-UDZ is in a category of top class docks that don’t drive you to pick out a selected flourish cable — in the event you personal a couple of displays with DisplayPort cables, you’ll plug them proper in. Oh, they’re HDMI? Incorrect disease — there are two ports for the ones, too. Powered ports to fee a smartphone? Positive. SD and microSD slots? After all. And a vertical rise to avoid wasting range? Signal me up.
Plugable additionally has a name for bulletproof customer support, too, which fits some distance in serving to me suggest this dock.
Who will have to purchase the Plugable TBT3-UDZ
Our perfect choices are designed for everybody, however this dock deals probably the most worth of our govern two suggestions. You probably have an present flourish cable to secured to a observe or two, you will have the entirety you wish to have. It’s a no-fuss resolution.
This dock works perfect on a desktop, as a part of an everlasting docking station. We’d additionally suggest the TBT3-UDZ for many who need to save somewhat of table range, as that vertical rise will also be slipped upcoming to a flourish to avoid wasting range.
Learn our complete
Plugable TBT3-UDZ assessment
Kensington Thunderbolt 4 Twin 4K Dock (SD5780T) – Best possible general Thunderbolt dock runner-up
Professionals
Cast efficiency
Incorrect thermal problems
Nice-looking strong mixture of ports, together with downstream Thunderbolt 4
Worth cuts have helped assemble it extra inexpensive
Cons
One of the most dearer docks (MSRP) we’ve examined
Rear USB-A ports ship much less energy than anticipated
One flourish port, requiring an spare dongle for 2 shows
Why I just like the Kensington SD5780T
One among my checking out credoes is “affordable flexibility,” and I partiality a dock that may are compatible into your present setup. Plugable’s TBT3-UDZ, above, is ready as versatile as you’ll get, however the Kensington SD5780T used to be at first considerably less expensive. Now not to any extent further, which is why I’ve increased the TBT3-UDZ to “best pick” condition.
The Kensington SD578T, on the other hand, is a strong all-around Thunderbolt 4 dock in all recognizes. For many who need to usefulness a unmarried 4K observe, likelihood is that that you just’ll already personal an HDMI cable. The spare Thunderbolt 4 port lets you upload an spare flourish, however that calls for the acquisition of an spare cable. Nonetheless, in my exams the dock used to be solid (and now not all are!) with a pleasing port variety. The dock will fee your smartphone, albeit with a USB-A port.
I in reality just like the Anker 568 as a moment runner-up, with a wonderful choice of options for an inexpensive value.
Who will have to purchase the Kensington SD5780T
The SD5780T is a perfect “starter” dock, for somebody who has a pc and a unmarried exterior flourish and may need to upload extra going forward. Including a moment flourish would require the acquisition of a USB-C (Thunderbolt) to HDMI cable, which can value an spare $20 or so. The inclusion of the SD card slot will have to enchantment to photographers who file photograph or video on the ones playing cards.
Learn our complete
Kensington Thunderbolt 4 Twin 4K Dock (SD5780T) assessment
Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core – Best possible finances Thunderbolt dock
Professionals
Compact
HDMI 2.0 + DisplayPort 1.4 port covers two shows
Cons
Unlabeled USB-A ports glance equivalent
Bus-powered
Shortish twine
Worth When Reviewed:
£219.99
Why I just like the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core
Belkin’s Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core is a well designed “powered” Thunderbolt 3 move dock, and an affordable one as properly. It’s some of the compact Thunderbolt docks that you’ll purchase.
At a just about sq. 5.2 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches, the Thunderbolt Dock Core doesn’t absorb a lot room, and the integrated 8-inch Thunderbolt 3 twine supplies enough area for flexibility. Ports are adequately spaced across the flat, twilight plastic dice, with HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports offering a solid 4K/60Hz enjoy to either one of my 4K shows. There’s Gigabit Ethernet and a three.5mm audio jack. Sadly, the USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 Sort A ports aren’t categorized, however they’re there.
Amazon nearly at all times has this dock on a weighty sale, so it’s an affordable choice for many public, too.
Who will have to purchase the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core
Should you’re a traveler and don’t precisely know the place you’ll finally end up operating, Belkin’s dock is a superb failsafe. I normally stick it in my bag after I’m at the highway, simply in case. The one actual kicker that it’s important to be careful for it’s the deficit of a powered charger. That can lead to some peripherals now not receiving as a lot energy as they will have to.
The squarish, “star” design is fairly great for operating at a little lodge table, even though.
Learn our complete
Belkin Fix Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core assessment
Ugreen Revodok Professional 13-in-1 Triple Show Docking Station – Best possible finances Thunderbolt dock runner-up
Professionals
Magnificient efficiency
Superior worth for the cash
Optimized assemble
Totally solid
Cons
Shorten, integrated twine
You’ll want your individual energy provide/charger
Calls for a moderately trendy pc
Worth When Reviewed:
£129.99
Why I just like the Ugreen Revodok Professional 13-in-1 Triple Show Docking Station
The one reason why that this isn’t my select for the most efficient finances Thunderbolt docking station is as a result of it seems that to usefulness a generic method of compression referred to as HBR3 (Prime Bit Fee 3) with DSC (Show Tide Compression), which is constructed into the DisplayPort spec. That’s a selected generation this is extra ordinary inside of contemporary Intel Core (and Core Extremely) pc, however isn’t assured to seem on yours. (Should you personal a pc with a Thunderbolt port, even though, this will have to paintings simply wonderful.) You’ll even have to provide your individual USB-C energy cable.
In a different way, this docking station has such a lot to trade in. The cost is phenomenal, in fact, however Ugreen’s dock could also be so versatile but so solid. The whole thing’s properly categorized, and the dock deals DisplayPort in addition to HDMI choices. And it’s in reality fairly transportable, too. Simply needless to say charger.
Who will have to purchase the Ugreen Revodok Professional 13-in-1 Triple Show Docking Station
It’s attention-grabbing that either one of our finances choices cater to finances customers in addition to vacationers, as each are compact and moderately light-weight. However I’d in reality suggest this dock for many who personal pc with Thirteenth-gen Core {hardware} or above. HBR3/DSC generation in reality doesn’t paintings on used methods like Eleventh-gen Core {hardware} and used PCs. Should you personal an AMD Ryzen pc, too, it can be a slight iffy.
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Ugreen Revodok Professional 13-in-1 Triple Show Docking Station assessment
Kensington Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Quad Video Docking Station (SD5800T) – Best possible Thunderbolt 4 dock
Professionals
Rugged, well-engineered
Can sit down vertically on its rise to avoid wasting range
Sure, it really works: 4 4K shows are imaginable
A surplus of ports
Cons
MSRP is in reality too pricey
Mislabeled USB-A charging port doesn’t ship
Moderate vault efficiency
Worth When Reviewed:
£309.99
Why I just like the Kensington Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Quad Video Docking Station (SD5800T)
I in the end dominated out the SD5800T as a candidate for the most efficient general Thunderbolt dock for the reason that value is in all places the map: $379 is far residue, however Amazon’s $229.99 value makes this a cut price for what this 16-in-1 dock delivers. Just like the Plugable TBT3-UDZ above, this dock options 4 flourish ports (two DisplayPort, two HDMI) with a twist — it could actually secured to all 4 shows at 4K answer, and now not simply two. (Sonnet’s Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock has its personal gimmick, which I thought to be however dominated out: an built-in M.2 vault slot.)
The dock can help 4 shows by means of the usage of the CDC/HBR3 information compression methodology discussed somewhere else, which trendy pc come with however used pc don’t. For me, this quad-display capacity is an advantage, and it’ll take care of the anticipated two 4K shows simply wonderful, and at a cheap value. About the one factor I didn’t like used to be that one charging port didn’t paintings as anticipated. Nevertheless it has a supplementary, too! — and that labored as anticipated. It is a strong, ultra-premium dock at a just right value, which is why it earns my endorsement. A vertical rise is helping save range.
Who will have to purchase the Kensington Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Quad Video Docking Station (SD5800T)
Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are principally equivalent, which Kensington shouts out in its title. Any pc proprietor may purchase this dock. However, the versatility could also be overkill for some, and just a little fraction of patrons will need to secured 4 independent shows to this dock. Until you’re nervous about Thunderbolt 5 (and a fanatic purchaser of the SD5800T could also be) that is an funding that are meant to book up for a number of years.
Learn our complete
Kensington Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Quad Video Docking Station (SD5800T) assessment
Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma – Best possible Thunderbolt 4 dock runner-up
Professionals
Rock-solid steadiness
The one (?) dock with RGB lights
Cons
Moderate to relatively needy efficiency
Rarity of devoted flourish ports
A better price ticket than what opponents fee
Worth When Reviewed:
£329.99
Why I just like the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma
I used to be shocked by means of how a lot I really like this dock. Nonetheless, I agonized over this select. OWC’s Thunderbolt Move Dock used to be our prior select, and I favored its gimmick: an built-in energy brick that permits it to be taken at the highway, form of. Razer’s Chroma dock additionally has a gimmick: its RGB. However this dock additionally forces you to shop for excess flourish cables if you wish to secured two 4K shows, which generally turns me off. As some of the extra trendy docks, with rock-solid steadiness, it received me over after all, even though its vault efficiency used to be middling.
The RGB lights is amusing, and non-compulsory — it may be became off. General, the Chroma is the simpler dock, however in the event you don’t need to spend the excess cash, believe OWC’s dock in lieu. Frankly, the Kensington SD5780T govern select runner-up stocks a accumulation of the similar capability as each the OWC and the Razer docks, so value performs an element right here.
Who will have to purchase the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma
Players, clearly. However even a stodgy impaired reporter like me likes it, for the reason that RGB can both be fastened to a definite colour or became off completely. And the dock shocked me with its steadiness and building. You’ll be able to no doubt purchase this dock for its blingy aesthetic, however it works simply in addition to a extra down-to-earth supplementary, too. Razer did a really nice activity balancing each sides.
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Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma assessment
Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A) – Best possible Thunderbolt 4 hub
Professionals
Extremely compact
USB-C to HDMI adapter integrated
15W/60W of charging energy to telephones/PCs
Cons
Restricted ports
Best possible for Thunderbolt-attached shows
Worth When Reviewed:
£179.99
Why I just like the Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A)
How does a Thunderbolt hub range from a Thunderbolt dock? On this case, there’s much less of an emphasis on legacy ports, and extra of a focal point on an instantaneous connection to a flourish. The Mac global has a tendency to emphasise Thunderbolt-connected shows way over the Home windows global does, so this may well be a distinct segment product for many of you. However this factor is minute (4.75 x 2.88 x 0.5 inches) even though, sadly, the related energy brick isn’t.
It is going to ship 15W of energy by the use of the Thunderbolt/USB-C connections to fee smartphones, and 60W to the host PC.
Should you don’t desire a weighty, large dock with more than one connections, Plugable’s 5-in-1 Hub simply does the activity and with none excess fuss. In case your pc wishes extra energy than the 60W Plugable hub supplies, later I might suggest the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Thin Hub Professional in lieu.
Who will have to purchase the Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A)
Thunderbolt shows are common within the Mac marketplace, however this hub will also be old for an rising marketplace of Thunderbolt/USB-C displays. They’ll most probably transform extra common going forward.
However connecting a cable from every port to your pc to every flourish is messy. You’d nonetheless like only one. The hub works as a “splitter” of varieties for the Thunderbolt connection.
Put differently, in the event you personal a USB-C observe, the ones shows generally tend to even have legacy ports (USB-A, USB-C) inside of them, this means that {that a} Thunderbolt dock and its lump of ports could also be redundant. This hub is a method to save a slight cash for the person who has a particular setup.
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Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A) assessment
Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station – Best possible USB4 docking station
Professionals
Two ports for fast-charging smartphones
Cast worth
Eighteen-month guaranty
Cons
Occasional instability on a moment flourish or related units
Worth When Reviewed:
£299.99
Why I just like the Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station
Two energy ports at the entrance: They’re a lovely slight component that I want alternative distributors would undertake as properly. As you could have learn somewhere else on this roundup, USB4 and Thunderbolt4 are principally equivalent, so that you may well be questioning why we’re even isolating out this section. Smartly, in the event you’re a pocket book proprietor with an AMD Ryzen chip inside of, you may well be in search of devoted dock, and this can be a superb one. Moderately frankly, this Anker 568 is within the working for the most efficient general docking station.
This 11-in-1 docking station favors DisplayPort, with two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and a unmarried HDMI 2.0 video port. The Anker 568’s distinguishing property, on the other hand, is the pair of 10Gbps USB-C ports at the entrance, every supplying 30W of energy in addition to a independent 100W connection to the pc. That’s fairly strange, and the 2 ports will have to fast-charge a smartphone and perhaps even a pill.
Who will have to purchase the Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station
Should you personal a pocket book with a Ryzen CPU inside of, and you wish to have the boldness that this dock has been examined to assure USB4 compatibility, that is the dock for you. You’ll additionally need to purchase it in the event you fee more than one telephones or usefulness high-powered peripherals, corresponding to a high-end SSD.
I in reality like this dock, and I’d suggest it to about any person. It does deficit microSD and SD card slots, even though, which would possibly rule it out for photographers.
Learn our complete
Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station assessment
Plugable USB4 Twin HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) – Best possible USB4 docking station runner-up
Professionals
Superior value and price, even at MSRP
4K120 flourish functions distinguishable up gaming chances
Solid efficiency
Magnificient charging functions
Cons
Vital thermal problems
Warehouse exams around the dock have been less than reasonable
Worth When Reviewed:
£209
Why I just like the Plugable USB4 Twin HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD)
Plugable’s dock claims twin 4K120 capacity, which sadly I wasn’t in a position to check on the moment of the assessment. However the dock presented a solid connection to the related units, having the ability to fee smartphones as properly. Anker’s 568 dock edges it out in value and relatively in flourish flexibility, however lacks the SD card slot that the Plugable contains.
Who will have to purchase the Plugable USB4 Twin HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD)?
It is a general-purpose USB4 dock, which will also be followed by means of any person. Nevertheless it’s perfect fitted to pc with a Ryzen chip inside of, and for photographers that want the SD card slots that the Anker 568 doesn’t handover.
Learn our complete
Plugable USB4 Twin HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) assessment
Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock – Best possible Thunderbolt dock for Apple Mac customers
Professionals
Thunderbolt 4
19 ports
Integrated fast SSD enclosure
100W PD
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Worth When Reviewed:
£359
Why Macworld likes the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock
This advice comes courtesy of our colleagues at Macworld, who’ve compiled their very own record of perfect Thunderbolt docking stations for the Apple Mac marketplace. “Boasting an impressive 19 top-rated ports, Thunderbolt 4 certified, and with a bonus internal SSD storage feature, the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt SuperDock offers remarkable value for money,” Macworld concludes.
I haven’t reviewed this dock myself, however there’s an simple surplus of ports, and an SSD enclosure. I believe that this actual property would possibly transform extra ordinary over moment. And it’s moderately priced, too.
Who will have to purchase the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock
Bring to mind this dock as a extra full-featured model of our Thunderbolt 4 hub advice, above. Despite the fact that this advice is focused at Mac customers, there’s deny reason why that an proprietor of a Home windows PC couldn’t purchase this dock, too. Should you’re looking to save range to your table but additionally need an exterior SSD, this hybrid dock may handover each wishes.
Learn our complete
Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock assessment
Best possible DisplayLink USB-C docks
DisplayLink USB-C docks, which I speak about in additional component in a independent article, don’t trade in plenty bandwidth for high-refresh price displays or gaming, however they paintings admirably properly for on a regular basis workplace paintings, together with looking at motion pictures. Anecdotally, they’ve ceaselessly been extra solid than a Thunderbolt dock on used {hardware}, as every now and then Thunderbolt docks have problems “waking up” when the host pc wakes up from standby. You’ll be able to “break” the dock by means of pushing increasingly over the relationship, like streaming generation copying recordsdata.
What I’d like to look in a DisplayLink USB-C docking station is a property i’m ready that approaches a full-fledged Thunderbolt dock, however this is priced under what you’d pay for Thunderbolt efficiency. The wave select does simply that. Some contemporary opinions don’t seem right here — for example, StarTech’s USB-C Triple Track Dock fell scale down.
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 – Best possible USB-C DisplayLink dock
Professionals
Good value and price
Magnificient steadiness
Superior flourish port flexibility
Backup for 2 4K60 shows
Cons
Need to handover your individual energy provide
Can heat to slightly alarming temperatures
Necessary instrument motive force
A deficit of naming consistency
Why I favored the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
Like a few of our top class Thunderbolt docks, Ugreen supplies choices to usefulness both HDMI or DisplayPort to secured a flourish, permitting you to usefulness your present flourish cables and avoid wasting cash.
Like maximum DisplayLink docks, this dock used to be strangely solid, and not using a flickering between shows — some of the causes I really like DisplayLink docks. Some alternative Thunderbolt docks trade in the similar flexibility to shift between displays, however now not many. Ugreen’s dock does so cheaply.
Who will have to purchase the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
Should you’re now not nervous about weeding out the correct instrument motive force (as a result of Ugreen, bless them, does now not assemble it obvious that it wishes one) than I might suggest that you just purchase this dock. It deals lots of the options of dearer Thunderbolt docks at an inexpensive value.
Learn our complete
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 assessment
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock – Best possible USB-C DisplayLink dock runner-up
Professionals
Supremacy-notch efficiency
Backup for 3 4K60 shows
Cast worth
20W of charging energy for smartphones, 100W for pc
Exemplary documentation
Cons
Direct flourish connection disconnected as soon as
Destitute, glitchy intermittent audio
Why I favored the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock
Sonnet’s Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock follows the roguish trail alternative DisplayLink docks have blazed: The dock’s integrated compression method you’ll secured to a few 4K shows, with out penalty. And sure, it really works as marketed, even though with one factor that holds it again: spotty audio that in reality must be fastened. (Should you usefulness your pc’s headphone jack, there’s deny factor.)
There used to be a minute little bit of instability, however efficiency used to be skillful. And with 20W of charging energy in your telephone and 100W in your pc, you’ll have the ability to energy a much broader length of pocket book choices.
Who will have to purchase the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock
The cost differential between the Sonnet and Ugreen docks will have to support resolution that query: The Sonnet purchaser is keen to pay a slight extra for what’s in reality a well-made and well-documented dock, with cloudless directions. Truly, with out the cost differential and the audio problems, this will be the govern dock within the section.
Learn our complete
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock assessment
How I take a look at Thunderbolt docks
A independent article is going into component about how I take a look at Thunderbolt docks. However right here’s a scale down synopsis.
First, I hurry the dock from its packaging and assessment its building. I measure the Thunderbolt twine area and take a look at the dock’s bodily dimensions with a ruler.
I’ll later learn the guide: Does the dock want any drivers? Are there hyperlinks? What does the guide say concerning the dock’s functions when it comes to energy and snatch?
Then, I hurry a USB key or two and secured them to the to be had USB ports to decide if they’ve plenty range to permit a number of to be related on the identical moment. I later read about the flourish ports, to find the precise cables, and later secured the dock to the pc. I usefulness a order of pc with diverse generations of AMD and Intel {hardware}, and take a look at and notice if the enjoy is identical on every one. If it isn’t, I assemble notes.
I later measure the ability output of the ports, the usage of a USB multimeter, a smartphone, and a pc to measure how a lot energy the dock delivers to every.
After all, I struggle and take a look at to look how properly the dock plays beneath load. I usefulness a particular take a look at pc for this aim for repeatable effects. I flow a 4K60 YouTube video the usage of the Ethernet port at the dock (if it has one) and be aware any dropped frames. I normally take a look at with a pre-recorded 4K60 video working from an SSD.
I later run PCMark 10’s SSD vault benchmark off of a take a look at SSD, related to the dock. I measure the rating, later measure the rating once more generation streaming a video. I later book a immense, multi-gigabyte folder of diverse recordsdata from my pc around the Thunderbolt bus and measure the moment it takes to take action. I repeat the take a look at generation streaming video.
After all, I take a look at the operation and function of any SD card slots the dock has and pay attention to audio throughout the audio jack, to assemble positive it really works.
FAQ
How do I do know if my pc has Thunderbolt?
The scale down resolution: Have a look at the pc’s printed specs to make sure. A Thunderbolt port would possibly glance similar from a USB-C port, since they each usefulness the similar bodily USB-C connection. Put differently, all Thunderbolt ports are USB-C, however now not all USB-C ports are Thunderbolt-equipped.
Thunderbolt ports are intended to have a little lightning-bolt icon to spot them. However some pc makers usefulness a homogeneous lightning-bolt icon to signify {that a} USB-C port will also be old for charging your telephone, and now not for Thunderbolt. Computer makers every now and then don’t need to litter the blank strains in their merchandise by means of including spare trademarks, it kind of feels. Thankfully, maximum pc now make a choice to focus on their Thunderbolt functions, so the ports will have to be well-marked.
You might also see USB-C hubs advertised as “Thunderbolt compatible.” That’s true. You’ll be able to plug a Thunderbolt dock right into a non-Thunderbolt, generic USB-C port. However it’ll be restricted by means of the to be had bandwidth that the port supplies, so it’s slightly misleading in that regard.
IDG
I already personal a USB-C dongle. Can I usefulness it with Thunderbolt?
A 10Gbps USB-C dongle received’t exchange a 40Gbps Thunderbolt dock, as there’s circuitry throughout the dock that permits it to paintings together with your pc’s high-speed Thunderbolt port. Alternatively, there’s not anything pronouncing that you’ll’t secured the dongle to an to be had USB-C port at the Thunderbolt dock itself so as to add much more ports. In case your pc has two Thunderbolt ports, you’ll additionally tie a Thunderbolt dock to 1 port, and the dongle to the alternative.
That resolution will upload extra litter for your table, however it could mean you can purchase a less expensive, finances dock, too. It’s as much as you!
How briskly is Thunderbolt?
Put merely, 40Gbps.
Maximum USB-C ports are constructed at the second-generation USB 3.1 data-transfer traditional, which transfers information at 10Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 and four ports, probably the most ordinary traditional, move information at as much as 40Gbps. Thunderbolt 4 differs very relatively in that it helps a theoretical most of 32Gbps for exterior vault units, however you almost certainly received’t realize the remaining.
Intel is predicted to unveil an 80Gbps model of Thunderbolt this generation, referred to as Thunderbolt 5, which means that you just’ll see even Thunderbolt docks with much more functions when units let go in 2024.
There are some exceptions, which you’ll in large part forget about. A unused USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 spec can pair two 10Gbps channels in combination, growing an combination 20Gbps hub. (That is in reality just for exterior gaming-class SSDs.) And generation the gigantic majority of Thunderbolt 3-equipped pc are designed with 4 PCIe lanes for a complete of 40Gbps, some pc handiest send with two PCIe lanes for a complete of 20Gbps. (A Dell help web page, for instance, main points its four-lane and two-lane pc.) Necessarily, a 20Gbps connection will have to be plenty for a unmarried 4K observe working at 60Hz, with somewhat of excess bandwidth for alternative information transfers amongst related peripherals.)
Intel’s Tenth-gen and Eleventh-gen Core chips introduced within the early days of Thunderbolt, and corporate representatives say that you’ll rely on them for 32Gbps of knowledge, now not a complete 40Gbps. Intel’s Twelfth-gen and Thirteenth-gen Core chips trade in probably the most constant Thunderbolt enjoy, with 40Mbps Thunderbolt 4 speeds, together with 32Gbps for information transfers to and from vault units.
What’s the remaining between Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5?
The scale down resolution: Now not that a lot! Thunderbolt 3 and four are functionally identical, moving information at 40Gbps.
Thunderbolt 5 is the 80Gbps model, however it’ll be backwards suitable with each Thunderbolt 3 and four. You received’t see it till 2024, on the other hand. (Should you personal a pc with a Thunderbolt 4 port, you’ll have the ability to usefulness with a Thunderbolt 5 dock, Intel says. The one crease is {that a} Thunderbolt 4 pc will handiest move information at its rated snatch of 40Gbps.)
For the sake of completeness, we’re moving to component one of the crucial variations under. However in the event you’re unused to this, allow us to reiterate: Thunderbolt 3 and four are principally the similar, and Thunderbolt 5 received’t be a subject matter till 2024. Don’t sweat the main points.
Bring to mind Thunderbolt 4 because the extra restrictive model of Thunderbolt 3, with much less room for any gotchas.
Necessarily, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 permit as much as 40Gbps most bandwidth, plenty for 2 4K/60 shows. “Up to” is the important thing word: Thunderbolt 3 is handiest required to help a 10Gbps connection, taking into consideration a unmarried exterior 4K flourish (a 16Gbps PCIe connection, paired with USB 3.2). Maximum producers progress past this, on the other hand, and our really helpful docks help the entire 40Gbps specification (and two 4K shows) except famous. Thunderbolt 3 additionally helps a slower (16Gbps) PCIe connection for connecting to exterior vault.
Thunderbolt 3 could also be the one specification (now not Thunderbolt 4) that we’ve obvious connecting to exterior GPUs, for those who’d love to struggle that manner.
Thunderbolt 4 doesn’t permit for any leeway—you’re getting a full-fledged 40Gbps connection (32Gbps PCIe + USB 3.2), deny questions requested. For exterior vault, Thunderbolt 4 helps 32Gbps of knowledge move—this in reality handiest issues for video, exterior GPU connections, or perhaps video games. Thunderbolt 4 helps “wake on sleep” from an exterior keyboard or mouse, which lets you faucet your exterior keyboard or wiggle your mouse to get up your PC, which is at hand. Thunderbolt 4 lets in for longer cables and extra Thunderbolt ports on pc, too.
Tool maker Anker has a pleasing abstract of all the technical options related to Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4, in the event you in reality need to get into the wonderful distinctions (under). What’s USB4? We deal with that within the upcoming query.
Thunderbolt dock and I/O hub clothier Anker equipped this abstract of the diversities between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.
Anker
My pc says it has a USB4 port, now not Thunderbolt. Can I usefulness it with a Thunderbolt dock?
Most definitely. USB4 ports generally seem on pc with AMD Ryzen processors inside of. USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 fit and functionally identical. (Despite the fact that Thunderbolt is an distinguishable traditional, Intel declines to certify non-Intel {hardware}. That implies that Ryzen pc finally end up with USB4 ports, and Intel Core pc come with Thunderbolt.)
USB4 is largely a subset of Thunderbolt 4, basically designed as an an I/O specification.
As a subset of Thunderbolt 4, a USB4 tool will run simply wonderful plugged right into a Thunderbolt 4 port. However dock makers let us know {that a} Thunderbolt 4 tool won’t paintings as anticipated when plugged into what’s in particular a USB4 port. Rather, maximum hubs and docks are advertised as Thunderbolt 4, generation maximum units (like an exterior SSD) are designed round USB4. (We take a look at Thunderbolt docks on Thunderbolt pc.) There are USB4 docks, on the other hand, which you’ll to find in our record of perfect choices, which we’ve additionally examined.
USB4 Model 2 is an after traditional that may propel USB4 to 80Gbps, identical to Thunderbolt 5. The primary merchandise will debut (at a assumption) in early 2024, however the USB-IO hasn’t given us an actual timeline or the functions of USB4V2 docks.
Be aware that Thunderbolt 3 and four require a minimum of 15W to energy units plugged into the Thunderbolt port, corresponding to a bus-powered withered force. USB4 calls for simply part that.
What’s so notable about Thunderbolt 5?
Thunderbolt 5 will debut in 2024, each in pc in addition to docks and units. Even if we noticed a few early merchandise at CES 2024, we don’t be expecting units till the second one part of the generation.
The Thunderbolt 5 spec pushes I/O bandwidth from 40Gbps in Thunderbolt 4 to 80Gbps in Thunderbolt 5, or even to 120Gbps in some circumstances. Any other wonderful means to think about Thunderbolt 5 is within the context of what it could actually do. Thunderbolt 4 lets in plenty bandwidth for 2 4K shows, working at 60Hz. Thunderbolt 5 will trade in plenty bandwidth to secured to a few 4K shows, at 144Hz apiece. That is helping assemble Thunderbolt 5 a gaming-class generation, in lieu than simply for workplace paintings.
Thunderbolt 5 can even permit for 64Gbps of devoted bandwidth for vault and exterior GPUs, double the 32Gbps on Thunderbolt 4.
After all, there’s energy. Thunderbolt 5 will handover as much as 240W (140W required) of charging energy in your pc. Maximum pc require 65W to 90W lately, however gaming pc require extra. All this implies is {that a} Thunderbolt 5 dock will probably do away with the wish to elevate a gaming pc’s charger round. (It received’t be in all circumstances, however some.)
What cable will have to I usefulness with a Thunderbolt dock?
Just about each Thunderbolt dock will send with its personal cable. We’d suggest that you just usefulness Thunderbolt 3 cables with Thunderbolt 3 merchandise, and Thunderbolt 4 cables with Thunderbolt 4 merchandise. Ditto for Thunderbolt 5, when it ships in 2024.
My Thunderbolt docking station has Thunderbolt connections, however I wish to secured it to my observe. How can I secured a Thunderbolt dock to my HDMI flourish?
You’ll desire a particular USB-C to HDMI cable, rated for Thunderbolt speeds. I like to recommend and feature bought this Uni Thunderbolt to HDMI cable from Amazon, which is ready $16. You’ll be able to to find less expensive choices, however assemble positive they’re rated for both Thunderbolt or a 4K@60Hz flourish.
What differentiates a DisplayLink USB-C docking station from a Thunderbolt dock?
A DisplayLink USB-C docking station is a unused section of docking station. They’re ceaselessly advertised simply as a USB-C docking station, sadly, even though the DisplayLink brand options prominently at the field. The important thing this is that the DisplayLink generation (now owned by means of Synaptics) makes use of information compression between your PC and the dock to approximate a Thunderbolt enjoy (a couple of 4K shows at 60Hz, plus spare peripherals) around the narrower, slower USB-C bus. You’ll wish to set up a instrument motive force in your PC to keep up a correspondence with the DisplayLink chip constructed into the dock.
The merit this is twofold. First, DisplayLink lets you “cheat” and get a Thunderbolt dock enjoy on an used pc. On the other hand, even though you do personal a pc with a Thunderbolt port, you might be able to discover a DisplayLink USB-C dock for a less expensive value than Thunderbolt. It is a viable resolution, particularly in the event you don’t thoughts now not taking part in PC video games.
Our independent tale on DisplayLink docks has extra.
What’s HBR3 with DSC?
We’re inauguration to look some USB-C docking stations make the most of every other generation: HBR3 (Prime Bit Fee 3) with DSC (Show Tide Compression). Bring to mind it because the industry-standard, manufacturer-agnostic model of DisplayLink. It really works over the USB-C port, and once more supplies a twin 4K60 flourish enjoy.
The disease? It’s wonky. We’ve discovered that help for the generation used to be very iffy in Eleventh-gen {hardware}, and in reality turns out to paintings constantly in Twelfth-gen or Thirteenth-gen Core pc (and above, once they send). Year we will be able to’t in reality suggest it presently, we’re preserving an seeing on it.
Can I usefulness an exterior graphics card (eGPU) with Thunderbolt?
Sure, you’ll. Positive producers (Razer is one, even though there are others) have constructed enclosures that may area an ordinary desktop graphics card, related for your pc by the use of a Thunderbolt cable. Even if a cellular gaming pc with an exterior GPU does a just right activity enabling cellular gaming, a desktop GPU does even higher. Thunderbolt merely connects the 2.
Alternatively, we’d suggest the usage of a Thunderbolt 3 dock in lieu, or wait till Thunderbolt 5. How are you able to hook up an exterior GPU for your pc by the use of Thunderbolt? Our tale has extra.
The one eGPUs I’ve obvious with Thunderbolt usefulness Thunderbolt 3, now not Thunderbolt 4. Why is that?
Consistent with a consultant for Razer, the diversities between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 have been too little. “When we release any product, we only do so when there can be a material advantage over the previous generation,” we have been advised.
Since Thunderbolt 4 used to be backwards suitable and functionally identical to Thunderbolt 3, Razer merely declined to put money into the manufacturing and checking out of a Thunderbolt 4 eGPU. We presume alternative producers adopted swimsuit.
The gigantic majority of Thunderbolt docks will have to come with a Thunderbolt cable like this one, which signifies that it’s specified for Thunderbolt 3.
IDG
Purchasing Information: What to search for in a Thunderbolt dock
Ports, cables, peripherals: The ones are the 3 primary issues when purchasing a Thunderbolt dock.
We’re starting to see the Thunderbolt dock marketplace fracture unwell in a couple of other ways. First, there’s the finances as opposed to full-featured docks we’ve highlighted above. However you additionally would possibly see one thing homogeneous to the USB hubs of impaired: Gadgets that hurry Thunderbolt in and later handover a number of USB-C (together with Thunderbolt) ports out. There are a little collection of shows with Thunderbolt inputs, which will also be plugged immediately into those hubs. Do you will have an present affordable USB-C dongle? You’ll be able to no doubt plug that during right into a Thunderbolt dock and upload much more I/O capability.
Mainly, believe what you’ll need to plug into the dock as a information for purchasing one. We desire units with ports in-built (corresponding to HDMI, USB-A, and so forth) because the USB-C tool ecosystem remains to be in its infancy. However ask your self some questions. Do you wish to have a ordinary Thunderbolt dock, with only a pair of HDMI ports for connecting two shows? Does an SD card slot topic? What number of USB Sort A peripherals do you propose to tie? Do you wish to have to usefulness the Thunderbolt cable to fee your pc, too?
Cables will also be an hastily notable attention, too. Just about each dock ships with a Thunderbolt cable. However believe the shows you personal (generally HDMI or DisplayPort) and believe whether or not the dock will accommodate them.
Test your pc’s energy provide. Does it plug into your pc by the use of USB-C? If this is the case, a Thunderbolt dock will most probably energy it. You’ll wish to know the way the dock provides energy, even though. Test your pc’s charger to be informed how a lot energy it provides, and what sort of the dock will wish to provide to switch it. In case your pc or units aren’t receiving plenty energy, you may even see a blackmail pop up.
A “bus-powered” dock received’t include an exterior charger within the bundle, preserve some value, range, and tool considerations. A dock with “power delivery” will provide its personal energy and fee your pc and/or a telephone by the use of your pc’s present USB-C charger. (Likelihood is that that it received’t trade in the quick-charging functions top class smartphones trade in, even though.) The extra energy your dock provides, the larger the facility to fee your pc and any bus-powered units. It is a gotcha maximum public don’t take into consideration, so in the event you plan to secured a number of bus-powered withered drives or SSDs, purchase a dock with a hefty energy provide. (USB keys, at the alternative hand, require minute quantities of energy. Don’t concern about those.)
Powered Thunderbolt docks, particularly those who energy your pc, can send with some nice-looking sizeable energy bricks.
Mark Hachman / IDG
There’s another attention: the area of the Thunderbolt cable between your pc and the dock itself. You could have spotted or heard about USB-C ports dressed in out on smartphones; a let go or wobbly connector on a Thunderbolt dock could cause a observe to hastily flicker or lose connection. Imagine how a lot rigidity will likely be placed on a cable. A Thunderbolt dock that’s dangling from a Thunderbolt port will tension the bodily connector. You don’t need that!
We’re inauguration to look some docks with an SSD enclosure inside of. It’s imaginable that this will likely transform extra of a viable product over moment, however for now it’s nonetheless area of interest.
Should you’re a Mac person who has stumbled throughout this text, welcome. However please remember that early Apple MacBook Professionals powered by means of Intel silicon supported as much as two 4K shows. The primary MacBook Professionals powered by means of the Apple M1 chip handiest help a unmarried 4K flourish. Many Mac customers have lately left destructive opinions on Thunderbolt docks on buying groceries websites as a result of this. Purchase a PC!