CalDigit TS5 Plus - Thunderbolt 5 Dock - 20 Port,10GbE, 140W Dedicated Host Charging, Thunderbolt 5 x3, USB 10Gb/s x10, Dual USB Controllers, Up to Dual 8K 60Hz Displays, 1.0m Braided Cable, 330W PSU
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AI Verdict
This is a 20-port Thunderbolt 5 dock with 140W host charging and 10GbE, built for power users needing maximum connectivity and bandwidth.
This dock is a strong fit for users with Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 v2 hosts who need an extreme number of high-speed ports and significant power delivery. Its 20 ports, 140W host charging, and 10GbE are top-tier specifications for demanding professional environments.
If you don't need Thunderbolt 5's full 80Gb/s bandwidth or 10GbE, consider a Thunderbolt 4 dock with 2.5GbE to save on cost.
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Pros
- Features 20 ports, including 3x 80Gb/s Thunderbolt 5, 10x USB 10Gb/s, DisplayPort 2.1, and 10GbE, offering extensive connectivity options.
- Provides up to 140W of dedicated host charging, capable of powering demanding laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro M3/M4/M5 Pro/Max.
- Includes dual USB controllers, preventing data bottlenecks when multiple high-speed USB devices are connected to its 10 USB ports.
- Supports high-resolution displays up to Dual 8K 60Hz on Thunderbolt 5 Windows hosts and Dual 6K 60Hz or Dual 8K 60Hz on compatible macOS devices.
- Integrates a 10GbE port, which is 10 times faster than standard 1GbE, for ultra-fast network transfers or NAS connections.
- Offers 36W power delivery on downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports and one front USB-C port, sufficient for charging accessories like an iPad Pro.
Cons
- The dock can get warm to the touch, with some users reporting it becoming 'super, super hot' or reaching 55°C, potentially leading to stability issues or disconnects.
- The external 330W power supply is large and chunky, and some users have reported a 'whining sound' from it.
- Some users experience intermittent USB port disconnects or external SSDs not mounting, even after firmware updates.
- Display issues include monitors intermittently disconnecting and reconnecting, especially with ultrawide displays, and monitors not waking properly from sleep.
- macOS does not support triple displays, and 6K/8K displays may require digital stream compression (DSC), limiting display flexibility for Mac users.
Dimension Scores
The dock's passive cooling design means silent operation, contributing to a quieter workspace.
The dock can be positioned horizontally or vertically, and includes removable rubber feet for flexible placement.
Constructed with a high-grade, brushed aluminum chassis, giving it a premium feel and durability.
Features a dark brushed aluminum finish and an 'iconic industrial aesthetic' that complements modern MacBooks and reduces desk clutter.
Best For
- Professionals with Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 v2 hosts requiring maximum port density and high-speed data transfer for creative workflows.
- Users needing to connect multiple high-bandwidth peripherals like ultra-fast Thunderbolt SSDs, thanks to 64Gb/s PCIe performance.
- Workstations utilizing 10GbE networks for fast file transfers or connections to 10GbE-equipped NAS devices.
- Setups with dual high-resolution displays (up to 8K 60Hz) or high-refresh rate displays (up to Dual 4K 240Hz).
Not Recommended For
- Users with non-Thunderbolt or non-USB4 host devices, as the dock is incompatible with them.
- Budget-conscious buyers, as its $499.99 price point makes it one of the most expensive Thunderbolt 5 docks.
- Users who prioritize a compact power solution, due to its large external 330W power brick.
Watch Out For
- The dock can run hot, with reports of external case temperatures reaching 55°C, which some users link to stability issues and device disconnects.
- Some users on macOS have experienced dual monitor setups breaking after firmware updates, requiring troubleshooting or workarounds.
- Intermittent USB device disconnects and external SSDs failing to mount or disconnecting under heavy load have been reported by users.
- Monitors may not wake from sleep reliably, often requiring manual power cycling of the display or the dock itself.
- The large 330W power adapter has been noted to produce a 'whining sound' by at least one user, which can be distracting in quiet environments.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0F2GQZXVL |
| Brand | CalDigit |
| Color | Space Black |
| Wattage | 330 |
| Item Weight | 8.9 ounces |
| Manufacturer | CalDigit |
| Number of Ports | 20 |
| Total USB Ports | 10 |
| Item model number | TBT5-TS5Plus-US-AMZ |
| Compatible Devices | Mac Mini, Mac Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Windows Laptop |
| Hardware Interface | Thunderbolt |
| Product Dimensions | 5.03 x 1.85 x 6.1 inches |
What Buyers Say
Despite its premium price, the CalDigit TS5 Plus is a connectivity powerhouse, but it's not without its quirks. Many users praise its extensive port selection and the sheer amount of power it delivers, especially the 140W host charging and 36W accessory charging. However, a recurring theme in user feedback is the dock's tendency to run hot, with some reports linking this heat to intermittent disconnects of displays and USB devices. Firmware issues have also caused frustration, particularly for Mac users experiencing dual monitor setup problems after updates. The large, sometimes noisy, external power brick is another point of contention.
“Man, this thing has all the ports I could ever want, and my MacBook charges super fast, but it gets so hot sometimes I worry about it, and my external drive keeps dropping out, which is a real pain when I'm trying to edit video.”
Common Praise
- The dock's 20 ports, including 3x Thunderbolt 5 and 10x USB 10Gb/s, handle a wide array of peripherals simultaneously.
- 140W host charging keeps even power-hungry 16-inch MacBook Pros fully charged.
- Dual USB controllers prevent performance drops when multiple high-speed USB devices are actively transferring data.
- The 10GbE port provides significantly faster network speeds compared to standard Gigabit Ethernet.
- Front-facing USB-C (36W) and SD card readers are conveniently placed for easy access.
- The included 1.0m braided Thunderbolt 5 cable is a quality addition.
Common Complaints
- The dock gets very hot to the touch, with some users reporting it reaching temperatures that cause concern for stability and device reliability.
- Intermittent disconnects of USB devices, external SSDs, and displays are reported, sometimes correlated with the dock's operating temperature or firmware.
- The large, external 330W power brick is cumbersome, and some users have noted a 'whining sound' coming from it.
- Firmware updates have sometimes introduced or failed to resolve issues, such as dual monitor problems on macOS.
- Monitors connected through the dock may not wake properly from sleep, requiring manual intervention.
- The lack of a native HDMI port means an adapter is necessary for HDMI-only displays.
Ownership Tips
- The dock's heat output can be significant, especially under heavy load or with 10GbE in use; consider its placement for adequate ventilation.
- Be prepared for a large external power brick that might require creative cable management to hide.
- Monitor connectivity, particularly waking from sleep or maintaining a stable connection with multiple displays, might require troubleshooting or firmware updates.
- Keep an eye on USB device stability, as some users report intermittent disconnects, which could impact workflows with external storage or peripherals.
- While the dock is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, its full potential is only realized with Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 v2 hosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CalDigit TS5 Plus support triple monitors?
Yes, on Thunderbolt 5 Windows hosts, it supports up to Triple 4K 144Hz displays. However, macOS devices are limited to a maximum of dual displays.
What kind of power delivery does the TS5 Plus offer to my laptop?
The TS5 Plus provides up to 140W of dedicated power delivery to the host laptop, making it suitable for power-hungry models like the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Will this dock work with my Thunderbolt 4 laptop?
Yes, the TS5 Plus is compatible with Thunderbolt 4 hosts, but you will experience reduced functionality compared to a Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 v2 host.
Does the CalDigit TS5 Plus have an HDMI port?
No, the TS5 Plus does not include a native HDMI port. You would need to use a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter if your setup requires HDMI connectivity.
Why does the dock get hot?
The dock's aluminum chassis is designed to dissipate heat passively, but under heavy load, especially with 10GbE active, it can get warm to the touch. Some users report it getting very hot, which can be a concern.
Can I charge my phone or tablet from the dock?
Yes, the downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports and one of the front USB-C ports provide up to 36W of dedicated power delivery, which is enough to charge devices like an iPad Pro.
Buying Guide
When looking at a Thunderbolt dock like this, you're essentially buying a central hub for your entire desk. You want to make sure it has enough ports for all your current and future devices, can power your laptop adequately, and supports the display resolutions and refresh rates you need. Don't just count ports; consider their speed and power delivery, especially for charging accessories or connecting fast storage. Also, check compatibility with your specific computer's Thunderbolt or USB4 version.
Thunderbolt 5 Ports (80Gb/s)
This is the main connection speed between the dock and your computer, and also for connecting other high-speed Thunderbolt devices. 80Gb/s means you can move massive files incredibly fast, like transferring a huge video project in minutes, or run multiple high-resolution monitors without lag. It's like having a super-wide highway for all your data.
140W Dedicated Host Charging
This tells you how much power the dock can send to your laptop. If your laptop needs a lot of power, like a 16-inch MacBook Pro, 140W means the dock can charge it at full speed, even while you're using it heavily. Less wattage might mean slower charging or even battery drain during intensive tasks.
10GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet)
This is your wired internet connection speed. Most home internet is 1GbE, but 10GbE is ten times faster. If you work with very large files over a network, like a video editor accessing a shared server, or have a super-fast internet connection, this will prevent network bottlenecks. It's like upgrading from a local road to an interstate for your network traffic.
Dual USB Controllers
Think of USB controllers as traffic cops for your USB devices. A single controller can get overwhelmed if you have many fast USB devices (like external SSDs, cameras, audio interfaces) all trying to transfer data at once. Dual controllers split that traffic, so your devices can operate at their full speed without slowing each other down.
Alternatives
If this dock is overkill, look for Thunderbolt 4 docks with fewer ports, 2.5GbE Ethernet, and lower host charging (e.g., 96W or 100W) if your laptop doesn't require 140W.
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