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Anker Unveils New Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station

Anker has officially introduced its first Thunderbolt 5 docking station, the Prime TB5 Docking Station. Measuring approximately 5.2 inches in width and 3.4 inches in height, this docking station is larger than some of its rivals, such as CalDigit’s Element 5 Hub, yet it compensates for its size with advanced features and performance.

Encased in a robust aluminum alloy, the Prime TB5 Dock boasts an integrated GaN (Gallium Nitride) power supply that can deliver an impressive 232 watts of combined power output. This eliminates the need for an external power brick, making it a more streamlined solution for users who prefer a tidy workspace.

The Prime TB5 offers a considerable number of connectivity options, with a total of 14 ports available. Among these are SD and microSD memory card slots located on the side. Users will also find two USB-C ports operating at 10Gbps, three USB-A ports at the same speed, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, a 2.5Gbps ethernet port, a headphone jack, as well as two Thunderbolt 5 ports that can deliver speeds of up to 120Gbps when using the Bandwidth Boost option. Additionally, there is an upstream USB-C Thunderbolt 5 port capable of providing up to 140 watts of power to a host computer, enhancing its utility for demanding applications.

In terms of comparison, the CalDigit TS5 Plus currently leads in Thunderbolt 5 connectivity with 20 ports, which include three Thunderbolt 5, five USB-C, and another five USB-A ports. Meanwhile, the Element 5 Hub offers 15 connectivity options.

The Anker Prime dock supports connections for up to two 8K displays. However, Anker cautions that the actual resolutions and refresh rates will depend on the capabilities of the host computer system. Notably, the company has not confirmed the feasibility of triple-display setups, unlike competitors such as Cable Matters, which claims its Thunderbolt 5 dock can accommodate three displays at either 8K/60Hz or 4K/144Hz.

Now available for purchase at $399.99 through Anker’s online store and other retail partners, the TB5 Docking Station also features an aesthetic element with a ring of adjustable ambient LED lighting around the top. Furthermore, it is designed with a U-shaped air duct and a cooling fan that utilizes an “intelligent temperature algorithm” to avoid overheating and maintain optimal performance. The device also allows for remote firmware updates via Anker’s Dock Manager software, providing easier maintenance for users managing multiple units.

Source
www.theverge.com