Unveil the Power of CalDigit Element 5: The Thunderbolt Hub with Ample Ports

As computers equipped with Thunderbolt 5, including the latest MacBook Pro and Mac mini, gradually enter the market, manufacturers are updating their offerings. CalDigit, a well-established player in the premium accessories market, has unveiled its Element 5 Hub. This hub is notably compact and powerful, boasting a rich array of connections. With nine ports, including four Thunderbolt 5 ports, it outperforms competitors like the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, which only offers three Thunderbolt 5 ports.

A Hub Focused on Connectivity

The Element 5 Hub features a generous configuration with four Thunderbolt 5 ports that can reach speeds of up to 120 Gb/s in boost mode. It also includes two USB-C ports and three USB-A ports, each limited to 10 Gb/s. These ports enable the connection of ultra-fast storage devices such as the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Envoy or the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5, allowing for transfer speeds exceeding 6000 Mb/s. In terms of display, Windows users can connect up to three 4K monitors at 60 Hz, while macOS is limited to two 6K or 8K displays at 60 Hz. This limitation stems from Apple’s restrictions on multi-display management through a single Thunderbolt connection.

Power Supply and Charging

The hub comes equipped with a 180 W power supply, ensuring a steady charging power of 90 W for the host computer, even when multiple devices are connected. Unlike some docks that reduce power output based on the number of connected devices, the Element 5 Hub is designed to maintain constant power supply.

Each Thunderbolt 5 port provides 15 W of power, while the USB-A and USB-C ports deliver 7.5 W each, ensuring sufficient power for various accessories such as keyboards, mice, and small devices without draining the computer’s battery.

The Element 5 Hub is packaged with a 0.8-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable, a 180 W power adapter, a power cord, and two rubber bands to ensure better stability on a desk. Currently priced at $249.95 in the United States, down from $299.95, it will be available in Europe and the United Kingdom in mid-February 2025, priced at £249.99 and €249.99 excluding VAT.

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