Thunderbolt Docks¶
Overview:¶
Thunderbolt docks are awesome and you should use them.
What is Thunderbolt?¶
Thunderbolt is a hardware interface developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple. It combines PCI Express, DisplayPort, USB data, audio, and power delivery over a single cable.
What's Wrong with USB Dock?¶
Some docks rely on the USB‑4 (or USB 3.2/2.0) protocol for data, video, and power transfer. These docks are often cheaper and can be adequate for basic setups that only require a single monitor, keyboard and mouse.
There are limitations with this type of docking station. Devices connected to a USB dock share the dock’s upstream USB connection and compete for bandwidth. Copying files could reduce network or webcam performance—or vice versa. The dock’s individual ports may advertise high speeds even though they cannot all achieve those speeds simultaneously.
When you want two or more high-resolution, high-refresh-rate monitors, fast external SSD performance, video editing, or large media transfers you'll want to spend the extra money to purchase a Thunderbolt docking station.
Which Docking Station should you Choose?:¶
Uncertified Docks:¶
You’ll find “Thunderbolt‑compatible” or “USB‑4” docks from no‑name brands for $80‑$120. These devices use the USB‑C connector and may advertise 40 Gbps speeds, but they lack Intel Thunderbolt certification. That means there is no guaranteed PCIe tunneling (some may expose only USB data) and there may be potential compatibility hiccups with certain laptops (especially those that enforce Thunderbolt‑only firmware checks).
Dell & HP Thunderbolt Docks:¶
If having a power button on the dock to toggle the power on your laptop is important to you, you'll want to match the brand of the dock to the brand of the laptop you're using.
At $164.95 the Dell WD19TBS is one of least expensive Thunderbolt docks available. The downside of this dock is the cable is built into the dock. While it is possible to replace the cable, it's more involved than disconnecting the defective cable and plugging a replacement in.
At $245.99 the HP G6 dock is a popular choice in HP centric offices. Unlike the Dell dock, and the previous HP G4 dock, the cable is no longer built into the dock. The HP G6 has one of the physically smallest Thunderbolt docks which maximizes desk space.
CalDigit TS4/TS5:¶
The CalDigit TS4/TS5 is one of the highest quality Thunderbolt docks on the market. At $379.99 for the TS4 and $499.99 for the TS5, CalDigit is a premium dock and commands a premium price. These docks are one of the best choices if you are a Mac user.
With a high price tag you might think that means there won't be any problems. Sadly this isn't the case.
Both the TS4 and the TS5 feature only a single DisplayPort. This can be problematic if you want to use multiple monitors. You'll need to use a USB-C to DisplayPort or USB-C to HDMI cable.
This approach can sometimes lead to monitor arrangement issues. This is a common issue where the operating system fails to remember the positions of the monitors after waking from sleep or reconnecting. To resolve this, you have a few options:
- Cycle the power of the monitors before connecting your laptop to the dock.
- Manually rearrange the displays in the settings each time.
- Use monitors of different brands or models to help the system recognize them more easily.
Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma:¶
With 11 ports, a built in M.2 SSD Slot, support for up to 3 4K Displays at 144 Hz, and active cooling, the Razer Thunderbolt dock is perhaps the most feature packed dock on the market. At $399.99 it's not a dock for those with a limited budget.
There are no dedicated display ports. Similar to the CalDigit docks the exercitation is that you will connect displays over USB-C which may lead to monitor arrangement issues.
The Razer Thunderbolt dock was designed with gamers in mind, it supports a single 8K display at 60 Hz, a single 4K 240 Hz, or triple 4K displays 144 Hz, or 1440p 500Hz. Beyond gamers it has found it's way into the hands of power users, and creative professionals.
Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma
Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock¶
The Lenovo Thunderbolt 4 Workstation dock is one of the best Thunderbolt docks on the market. It features (2x) dedicated DisplayPort and (2x) HDMI which will support any combination of up to three monitors without any arrangement issues.
The host Thunderbolt port and cable is easily disconnected and replaced in the event a longer Thunderbolt cable is desired, or if the Thunderbolt cable becomes damaged.
Cables & Accessories:¶
A clean Thunderbolt workstation means the right cables and accessories. The following are some upgrades you might consider when building your ideal workspace.
Thunderbolt Cables:
Apple makes some of the best and most reliable Thunderbolt cables on the market. They are an example of something that is really expensive but really worth it.
USB-C to HDMI Cable
This cable support displays up to 4K @ 60Hz (not all cables do).
Under Desk Mounts:
Mounting the Thunderbolt dock under the desk can provide for a more usable workspace and hide the cables under the desk where they are unseen.
Acrylic Lenovo Thunderbolt Dock Mount
Cable Management
Keeping cables neat can be a challenge. Using reusable Velcro straps that allow for future cable changes, and cable clips that screw into the desk over adhesive will go a long way to great cable management.